https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:13:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-406499 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:49:56 +0000 MegWag 406499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the UK and I was so surprised when they didn't do anything to confirm I was pregnant. When I asked my midwife about it, she said I'd already confirmed that I was pregnant by taking a home pregnancy test! There really isn't much point in being seen too early, even though it's very anti-climactic to wait around after you've gotten the most exciting news :)<br /> Overall, I loved the standard of care in the UK. The model is so much more mom/baby friendly, in my opinion. I had a really great experience- I'm sure if I was in the States I'd have ended up with a C-section (because I was in labour so long), but I had an awesome vaginal birth with no tearing!<br /> Good luck with your new miracle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-405142 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:13:14 +0000 red_seattle 405142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It seemed crazy to me too, but that's what my doctor said was normal and that's what they wanted me to do at my doctor's office. </p> <p>Then I told them how I need to be seen ASAP with each pregnancy because I need to be referred to a specialist and have a procedure done at 11 or 12 weeks with each pregnancy, and that it's something the OB and I had discussed during our preconception appointment, and that's when the receptionist said "ok" and I had my first appointment at 6 weeks. But this is apparently very rare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-405132 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:03:15 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 405132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess I am in the minority but my first appt was at at 5 weeks 6 days. Not only did I get a scan (obviously couldnt see anything) but I sat and talked with a nurse for an hour who told me what to expect, what to eat And not eat, etc. Then I had appointments at 8 and 10 weeks. All the care I received during my first trimester really gave me peace of mind!</p> <p>Anyway, congrats!! Healthy and happy pregnNxy wishes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-405059 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 15:37:52 +0000 SugarplumsMom 405059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't even get a pregnancy test. They said the ones over the counter are so accurate, they don't bother. I called and tried to make an appointment the day i got my BFP and they told me to call back in a week or two! I couldn't even made an appointment, I had to wait and call again! I thought it was so super anti-climatic because it took us 11 cycles. I think I got my first appointment at around 10-12 weeks? I live in Sweden. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404949 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:06:53 +0000 Arden 404949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, sorry but that's pretty much the norm in America too. And when you DO have appointments? They will consist of a weigh, urine check, listening to the heartbeat. Done. 10 minutes.</p> <p>Don't expect that much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404807 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 11:41:28 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 404807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hate to break it to you, but the soonest they would give me an appointment to test and be seen in Seattle was 10 weeks. I think you are in good hands. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404803 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 11:37:26 +0000 JoJoGirl 404803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: If it'll give you peace of mind, especially the early ultrasound, I'd do it. I would've paid extra for an ultrasound at 7 weeks had I needed to (luckily I had my long cycle as 'proof' that I needed it for my doctor for dating purposes). If you see a heartbeat at 7 weeks, the chances of m/c fall to around 5%. I felt much better after that although obviously it's always possible something will still go wrong. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404573 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:41:13 +0000 London Mama 404573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I live in the UK too (although I grew up in welfare state Scandinavia) and having your booking in appointment at 9 weeks is pretty normal, I think I had mine around that time. Do you know which hospital you want to have your baby at? For most hospitals you can actually refer yourself by filling in a form off their website, that way you don't need to bother with the GP.</p> <p>I second the "American" view that you need to actively get what you want yourself, these days you need to take responsibility for your own health and not rely on healthcare professionals to do it for you.</p> <p>If you're a little pushy you can have excellent care on the NHS, although as with other services sometimes the quality varies with the individual midwife you see... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404568 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:35:22 +0000 loveisstrange 404568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Hahaha, I was still being cared for by our base here when we did it. The do an anatomy scan but not until 22 weeks and they won't print pictures or even guarantee that they tell you the correct gender. I didn't want to wait or risk them getting it wrong and so we went to BabyBond. Our military insurance is free and we don't pay anything either. I'm seriously going to hate paying for insurance when we get back to the states! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404567 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:27:07 +0000 Cherrybee 404567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: That's because you're sensible American people who were living in the UK! Us Brits have this overarching sense of entitlement - all healthcare is free here and it's inconceivable to us that we might have to pay for something!!! But I'm learning from you all - not everything is free and if you want something go and get it, don't sit about moaning that it hasn't been given to you on a plate. I feel strangely empowered....! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404564 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:19:00 +0000 loveisstrange 404564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: We paid for our gender scan from a private company (BabyBond). It cost us £79. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404558 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:05:07 +0000 Cherrybee 404558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsvdv: That's great news! Can't wait for you to tell me you heard that little ticker! </p> <p>I've got over myself since I posted this thread - and realised I should be grateful as all the medical care I get is free at the point of delivery (it's not technically free - my 20% income tax, not to mention 12% National Insurance, 65% fuel duty, 20% VAT plus some other taxes pays for it, but you get my drift!). I was shocked when @Mrsbells: reminded me I could go to BUPA (private healthcare) because, well, you have to pay into an insurance plan for that!!!! Gasp!!! Only really rich people here actually pay to go private!! </p> <p>Anyway, that got me to thinking - there's no reason I can't go to a private clinic and pay for the various tests I think I need. So, I've looked it up! I can get an early ultrasound for £99 ($157) and, if I want my betas drawn, I can get it done privately for £60 ($95) but 'I might just wait until 7 weeks and if I haven't bled I'll go and get the ultrasound. I don't know anyone here who's actually done this - we usually just accept the care we get from our doctors as the done thing - but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind! Awesome!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-404549 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 03:49:09 +0000 mrsvdv 404549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've got my first appointment in two weeks - I'll be six weeks by then if all continues to go well. I've heard from friends that this is very early, most of them didn't have their first appointment until 10 weeks. But given my history of endometriosis, I think my OB wants to rule out an ectopic pregnancy (I've read that this happens more often in women with endo). I'm not sure about this, though, and overall I'm just happy I can talk to my doctor and hopefully see a heartbeat in two weeks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402186 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:25:31 +0000 Mrsbells 402186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to live in England and I like their system there, its not so bad. They are just more relaxed and dont overdo medications and stuff, you can also go private with companies like BUPA and the like </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402143 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:57:48 +0000 blackbird 402143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cherrybee, ugh that sucks! I think it's really doctor dependent around here. The 'rule' is also 3 m/c here for extra care, but i know my doctor pushed for it after two and I got a full panel and HSG test done. And what did they find? A pregnancy specific clotting disorder and inability to absorb folic acid. I had like 4 scans in my first tri. There's lots of data out there now to show that 2 m/c in a row can indicate problems, that 3 is not really the magic number anymore.</p> <p>Honestly, this is one of the things that concerns me about government ran healthcare. I'm so worried that the options you get at individual practices may go away! </p> <p>All you can do is sit tight and think sticky thoughts :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402140 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:56:19 +0000 loveisstrange 402140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: If you have any questions, feel free to ask. :) I had my daughter at Addenbrooke's in Cambridge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402138 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:54:37 +0000 LemonLong 402138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the US and my Office had the first appointment between 8-10 weeks, I think. It was definitely hardto wait that long! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402134 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:52:50 +0000 dagret 402134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: ha ha. I had 2 prior early miscarriages too, and they weren't really interested in me coming in any earlier either, other than for initial beta blood tests. I hear you though, you can drama queen away! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402133 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:51:51 +0000 mamabolt 402133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the US and my midwife saw me at six weeks to give basic info and take a ton of blood/urine for testing. I didn't get a physical exam/dopplar until 11 weeks and an ultrasound at 13 weeks. But I think if I had had a history of loss or any complications I might have had US sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402132 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:51:14 +0000 sslm 402132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in Canada and I first saw my midwife at 8 weeks so I don't think this is too out there! I agree though, I had a mc before this one, and I did go to a walk in clinic to get my blood levels tested so I could feel a bit better. I know that's not standard though, I'm just a major worrier and I insisted!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402131 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:51:01 +0000 Cherrybee 402131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dagret: Ahh...... </p> <p>Okay, I'm definately a drama queen! I think my doctor should have been in the bedroom with us, making sure the sperm got safely to it's destination!! None of this 9 weeks rubbish - I want daily blood tests and bed rest darn it!!! :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402129 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:50:00 +0000 Andrea 402129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats!! </p> <p>I used to live in London and most of my friends were American and they all went private because they did not like the NHS care, but I hope it gets better for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402126 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:49:27 +0000 Cherrybee 402126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: That's good to hear! </p> <p>@blackbird: I'm pretty sure it's the whole system - it was the same when my friend fell pregnant after 2 m/c. She queried it and was told she had to have had three m/c in a row before she qualified for enhanced care. </p> <p>I'm just being a drama queen!!! I'm just really nervous that something will go wrong again.... and there's nothing they can do if it does anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402125 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:48:30 +0000 dagret 402125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the US and my ob/gyn wouldn't see me until 12 weeks. I only had appointments at 5 and 9 weeks because I was in the care of a reproductive endocrinologist. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402119 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:43:34 +0000 loveisstrange 402119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Meh. That's actually pretty normal. A lot of OBs wont see you until 10-12 weeks. </p> <p>I actually saw three different doctors. My first 2 appointments and scan were with a US doctor in the states. My first appt was at 6 weeks, my first scan at 7. Then I moved to the UK and started seeing the American doctors on the base here. I only got appointments at 12 (they wont see you until 12 weeks), 16, 24, 28, 32 and 36 weeks and a scan at 21 weeks.</p> <p>At 36 weeks, I was referred to an NHS hospital because the base can't handle high-risk cases (I was diagnosed with a heart issue at 36 weeks). I went to a few appointments and delivered there. </p> <p>Of the three... I'd have to say I liked the NHS doctors and midwives the best. I was very satisfied with my care. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402118 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:42:31 +0000 blackbird 402118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, a lot of my friends didn't see the doctor until weeks 10-12 around here! I think they assume nowadays that you can google what not to eat, if you're keen on following the rules. </p> <p>Even with an early pregnancy loss, they figure they can't do much, so it's really dependent on your doctor here. Mine is really good about, "Ok i want to see you often" whereas some of my friends were just told to take it easy until week 12 and they'd see them then. I never even had blood tests to be sure my HCG was doubling every 48 hours, even with 2 pregnancy losses. </p> <p>Are you sure it's not just your doctor/office and the generalized UK system? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402116 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:41:33 +0000 Cherrybee 402116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: Thank you!!!! </p> <p>I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that this one sticks! I guess if it doesn't, there's nothing they can do about it but, still, it'd be good to know my HCG is boubling and to hear a heartbeat at 6 weeks. I might have a mini breakdown in the recpetion and insist they refer me early!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402115 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:40:28 +0000 doodlepoodle 402115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agreed--Congrats!!!! My doctor saw me at 8 weeks to confirm and scheduled my first u/s for 12 weeks. </p> <p>Congrats again and I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402109 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:37:55 +0000 sorrycharlie 402109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh geez!! I'd wanna be seen earlier too! And congratulations!!!! Sending you all the thoughts in the world for a healthy nine months! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-standard-of-early-pre-natal-care-in-the-uk-is-dreadful#post-402105 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:35:04 +0000 Cherrybee 402105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, today, I called my doctor's surgery (office) to tell them I'm pregnant again and to make an appointment to see the doctor. Well, apparently, I don't get to see my doctor...</p> <p>The recpetionist said I needed to test positive on one of their pregnancy tests in order to get a referral to the midwife. Okay, I thought, that makes sense..... She said she'd print a form off for me and leave it at reception with a urine sample bottle. I have to collect the bottle, deposit a sample into it and leave it in a plastic box in the recpetion, along with my form. Two to three days later, the results will be back (two to three days?? It's a urine pregnancy test??). They will call me to let me know if I'm pregnant or not. The receptionist advised me to wait for a week or so to do the sample as their tests are not as sensitive as the tests you can buy over the counter. Then, if I'm pregnant, in a few weeks, I will get an appointment letter through the post, inviting me to see the midwife at 9 weeks! 9 weeks! This isn't a scan or anything - it's a "booking in appointment" where they take my weight and blood pressure. The midwife will then refer me for a scan at 12 weeks. </p> <p>I mean - hello???! At what point do they tell you what not to eat and drink during pregnancy? 9 weeks?? It's a bit late then, isn't it?? I'm lucky because I'm perfectly capable of looking this up for myself but lots of people are not.... </p> <p>Given that I've had an early pregnancy loss you'd think there would be some blood tests or something, to check my HCG is doubling.... but no, the best we get over here is one urine pregnancy test, the results of which take three days to come back to the surgery?? </p> <p>It's just absurd!! Outrageous!!! </p> <p>A-hem! Sorry abut my rant! I'm perfectly ok... just a little bit shocked! </p> <p>What's the standard of care like where you are? </p>