"Poor antenatal care and very short appointments"

Anything else?

After hearing from many people that the NHS does antenatal care very well, I was very disappointed with the service I've received from the midwife so far. I had my week 8 and week 16 appointments and both were waste of time.

I highlighted that I had been iron deficient for some time and asked them to check my iron levels at week 8, but when I met with another midwife on week 16, I only found then that they don't check for iron levels (ferritin), only FBC and this came back fine, as it always does. So she was happy to confirm that my iron levels were fine, which they weren't as I had them checked at the GP in between the 2 appointments.

My week 16 appointment lasted 10mins, and faced a rather unwelcoming midwife which did not take the time to ask me how I felt or if I was experiencing any problems, which I was. I asked her if she could feel my abdomen as I noticed some swelling in one area on that morning but she refused, telling me to go see my GP.

She didn't check my weight or anything. Next appointment is at week 28, so they're leaving 12 weeks in between the two appointments, which I find shocking.

There is no chance to establish some kind of relationship since I've seen different people every time. I don't feel like the midwives I've seen are medically able to answer any questions and being pregnant with my first baby, I don't feel supported.

I'm certainly rethinking attending week 28 appointment as I only come out of the hospital feeling very frustrated.

I would definitely consider investing in private care for my next pregnancy and only dread what's coming ahead with possible complications and labour.