Booking Appointment
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The first appointment you have will be with a midwife and will last 1 – 1.5 hours. This is an opportunity for you to meet a midwife, discuss any issues and to learn more about St George’s. From this first appointment, we encourage you to start thinking about where you might want to have your baby (for example at home or in the midwifery led unit) and how you might want to feed your baby.
Can I bring someone to the appointment?
You can bring a partner, friend or family member to the appointment. However, the midwife will ask to have a 10 minute discussion without anyone present first.
What if I need an interpreter?
Please contact us immediately on 020 8725 1710 if you do not speak English so we can arrange for a professional interpreter to be present for your appointment. St George’s policy states that your husband, partner, family or friends cannot translate during your maternity visits, this is because professional interpreters are trained to translate more complex medical information during consultations. Where needed, an interpreter will be arranged for all antenatal appointments. If face to face interpretation is not possible, we use professional phone interpretation services to serve the same purpose.
When will my booking appointment be?
You will be sent a date for your booking appointment once we have received your pregnancy self-referral.
We hope to offer a booking appointment before the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. If you are already more than 12 weeks pregnant when you are referred to us, we aim to see you within two weeks of the referral.
If your referral was submitted over 10 days ago and you have not yet received an appointment letter, please contact the booking office on 020 8725 1914. The office is open Monday-Friday, 08.30-16.30
What happens during the Booking Appointment?
Your midwife will ask you a number of questions about your physical and mental health and your social situation. Some of the questions may seem very personal but the aim is to ensure the best care for you and your baby.
Will I have any tests at the booking appointment?
Yes. Your height and weight will be measured so your Body Mass Index (BMI) can be calculated, you will also be asked to provide a urine sample for testing, the midwife will check your blood pressure, a blood test will be taken (unless these tests have already been done) and you will have a test for Carbon Monoxide levels by breathing into a small device.
What do I need to bring to the Booking Appointment?
You should bring any letters and reports you have received in the pregnancy so far, any medication that you are taking or using, and a list of any questions you have.
What information will I be given during the Booking Appointment?
You will be given lots of information during the appointment. This includes information on your pregnancy care pathway, diet, nutrition, exercise, smoking and alcohol. The midwife will also start to talk with you about the different options you have for giving birth.
Where can I find further information?
Please ask your midwife any questions you may have. Please visit the Parent Education Resources page to access information specific to your stage of pregnancy.
What happens after the appointment?
At the end of your appointment, the midwife will advise you which team will continue your antenatal care and where your appointments will take place. They will provide contact details for this team. If the midwife thinks it would be useful for you to see a doctor in your pregnancy after they have completed a personalised pregnancy risk assessment, a referral will be made to one of the Consultant Clinics.
Please see the information in this link to understand how healthcare professionals discuss risk in a maternity setting – RCOG – Understanding how risk is discussed in healthcare
Our aim is for everyone to see the same midwife or a very small team of midwives throughout their pregnancy. Depending on which midwifery team will be leading your care, you will either receive your next appointment on the day, or you will be advised to await contact from your team to book you in. Typically this appointment will be for 16 weeks, but is sometimes earlier if there are pregnancy complications.
How do I change the date of my booking appointment?
It is very important that you attend your appointment as planned. We offer early pregnancy screening for you and your baby. Cancelled or changed appointments could lead to delays in your screening and obtaining results. However, if you need to change the date of your appointment please contact the antenatal booking office on 020 8725 1914. The office is open Monday-Friday, 08.30-16.30.