Clueless

[xmasbaby]

I'm Clueless as to what happens from now on. What weeks to things like U/s happen, when do I get referred on to the hospital, how does it all work? My Doctor like most doctors just rushed through saying yes your pregnant the blood results confirm it blah blah but didn't really mention what happens now beyound telling me he wants me to go back for more bloods and an U/s referral in a months time something about checking for Down Sydrome.

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Hi and welcome to BB!!

Generally you will have your first scan at approximately 12 weeks, this is the one where they measure the nuchal fold to calculate the risk for Downs (I think). Then you will have a fetal anatomy scan at roughly 20 weeks (this is when you can find out the sex should you choose to).

Depending on what model of care you would like (private obstetric, midwifery led, or GP shared care) you need to ask your doctor about referrals. The hospital won't really need to see you until 16-18 weeks for the first time but it is important to get a referral now so that if you want to take advantage of things like the family birthing suite (if they have one) you still have a chance.

If you cant get the right information from your GP just call your local hospital and ask them what you need to do next (make sure you mention your GP was unhelpful).

[catherinemoses]

That doesn't sound very helpful at all!

From my experience (and I don't know if it will vary from state to state) I went to the GP and she confirmed the pg with a urine test, just like at home. Then she sent me for blood tests and gave me a referral to the hospital where I wanted to have my baby. I then had to call the hospital and make a booking in appointment (mine happened at around 14 weeks) where they go thru all your medical history and past pgs etc, they talk about your model of care (weather you want to be looked after by midwives or your GP or a combo of both midwives and hospital OBs).
You don't have to have screening done for Downs or anything unless you want it (or are in a high risk group). These test are done around the 10-12 week mark I think.
U/s usually happen at around 20 weeks and they are organised by the hospital (well they were for me anyway).
Hope this helps and hope you have a happy and healthy pg

[sloane]

congrats on your PG

if you're going public, then my GP told me they like to have a range of blood tests done, which she ordered for me so i could have the results to provide to the hospital. it's also worth noting that the downs scan also requires a blood test that is usually completely a week (approx) before the scan.

they need the combined results of the blood test & scan to work out the probability - invic, these results are sent to a central place and you can get the results within about 30 mins of the u/s (as long as the BT results were sent around a week before). this scan/test is optional. i chose to have it because i'm 34 and at an age where the risk of downs is greater. my GP gave me a flyer on what the test was all about when i booked in - it was part of a bigger pregnancy pack that had lots of diff information.

my GP also gave me a referral for my 20 week scan, but the hospital could have done this as well.

even though my GP was lovely & helpful, i still found the start of my PG really daunting & a bit overwhelming - i felt like for weeks i had no idea what was going on. actually, that stayed with me until i started having regular hospital appts. now i just whinge about how long i need to wait at the hospital each visit

wishing you a very happy & healthy pregnancy

[xmasbaby]

Thanks for the advice girls thats helps a little.

Does anyone know when i have to put in an application to the birth centre at Brisbane womans and Childrens? I know its a ballot system and all but assuming this is low risk thats where i really want to give birth as I want a water birth.

What classifies someone as high (or low) risk.

I have no history (or family history) of diabetes or GD.
My blood pressure is normal.
I am 26 - 27 when I give birth.

The only thing not so positive is that I am overweight but will being overweight be enough to keep me out of the birth centre?

[sloane]

i can't help with the birth centre - although it sounds with most places, the sooner the better.

my bmi was 1 point over the limit of the original hospital i went to, so i was referred to a hopsital where they take 'high risk' patients. i have to see a doctor instead of a midwife (boooo!) but i'm not sure if that's solely based on the bmi or because i have high BP (i think it's more the high BP). but - i think it may depend on the hospital. maybe give them a ring & chat to someone?

[first_time_mummy]

...until i started having regular hospital appts.

Im 13 weeks nearly and still havent been referred to the hospital, but i think she is planning to write me a refferal at my next appointment, which is next week.

I was just wondering...

Once i get the referal to the hospital, do i just go straight there for all my check ups now? do i still see my doc, or just go through the hospital now?

Also, how often are the hospital visits?

[sloane]

well, it depends on what sort of model the hospital offers & you choose. some people do 'shared care' where they keep seeing their GP & also have some hospital visits.

for me, i only have hospital visits because my GP isn't accredited to do shared care with my hospital. i started off with visits once every 4 weeks but as i have high blood pressure & GD, i go once a fortnight - i think the visits go from once every 4 weeks down to once a fortnight around the 32 weeks anyway.

that may all depend on your hospital though - when you go for your initial 'booking in' appointment, they should give you a pack of information about the particular hospital & will talk with you about things like frequency of visits, as well as your medical history etc.

[westy]

Hi Xmasbaby ,Welcome to BB

Congratulations on your pregnancy, i wish you a very happy and healthy 9 months.