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...

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.

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....

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??

It's just absurd!! Outrageous!!!

A-hem! Sorry abut my rant! I'm perfectly ok... just a little bit shocked!

What's the standard of care like where you are?