[jewel2]

Hi,

Little background, I have children but born overseas.
Had previous pregnancy complications, and children with serious medical conditions. (wont bore you with details.
Have C Sections and have never gone more than 38wks.
*High Risk Senior OB advised me all future pregnancies should not go more than 38wks. (Due to complicated history).

Now pregnant and 25wks, all going ok.
*Seeing GP, and will need C Section at public hospital.
*Live in regional/rural town in WA.

Anyway the Gp keeps putting me off about referring me to local public hospital. 16,20,24 weeks keeps promising to refer me.
Now went in today at 25wks and he has said hospital will not see me until 32weeks anyway. So just forget about it.

However I am busy panicking as I should be delivered around 38 weeks, its a regional/rural town with small maternity ward. So worried by the time I see them they will not have dates available.

Also I have always had booking in appointments around 20wks with other pregnancies. (overseas)

I looked at KEMH big maternity hospital and their website says for shared care see GP until 36 and something about appointment with maternity hospital at 19wks.

I see the GP again next week 26wks about test results regarding GD test. Should I push him for booking at hospital?

What is the norm for Australia regarding booking in/seeing hospital?
Am being silly and wait until 32 wks and hope they can fit me in for 38wks.

Any input appreciated
J

[Rolex]

Wow, that's bizarre that he's putting you off.

I'm going through a public hospital in Qld. GP told me they don't accept referrals until after 12 weeks, so he wrote it and faxed it when I saw him at 13 weeks. Had booking in appt with midwife at 17 weeks, and then my 2nd hospital appt with an OB was at 20 weeks.

Even that was later than my prevous babies (although most recent birth was 2005). With all 3 of them I had booking appt at 12 weeks.

I would definitely be pushing your GP again, especially with your history. I'd even maybe ring the hospital myself and see if there is someone there I could talk to? That way if they tell you that yes they should already have your referral, you could tell the GP that "the hospital said ..."

Good luck.

[Blossom11]

I would definetely ring the hospital and speak to them about best course of action. Many years ago, I had to see the hospital whilst having shared care. I also did the classes at the hospital as well.

Also, with your history you may need to be forceful with your GP and the hospital. Otherwise they may let you go over 38 weeks. Some maternity people have previous for not listening ...

[Zanbam]

I would definitely ring the hospital.

I have called them already (am only 5 weeks pregnant!) and doing a tour of the maternity unit this evening. They recommend I call at 10 weeks to book in for my first appointment at 14 weeks and that is without prior complications.

If you don't feel comfortable about calling a small country hospital then maybe see another GP for a second opinion.

Good luck for your birth!

[jmaz86]

I would also call the hospital and deal with them direct.

I didnt get a referral from my GP I just rang my local maternity unit at about 10 weeks and booked in for 12 weeks to see the midwife clinic...

It seems strange that your GP keeps putting you off, however I am in NSW, perhaps its different in WA.

[tick]

You shouldn't even need a referral for a public hospital. Just ring them and make an appointment - speak to a midwife if necessary to explain the situation.

[HGL]

You don't even need a referral to use a public hospital so just contact the hospital yourself directly to book in. There's a section on each of the regional maternity hospitals. http://www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/having_a_...in_WA/index.htm

[soontobegran]

Bypass your GP, he is being a fool.

As PP said, call the hospital, you need no referral and good luck.

[Cooperdoo]

Just ring the hospital and make a booking appointment.

However, with my last baby I didn't have this appointment until after 33 weeks I think. I had a threatened labour at the hospital at 30 weeks and it wasn't an issue that I hadn't booked in yet.

They will still take you if you haven't booked you in, they just wont have all your info.

[jewel2]

Hi thanks for all your replies ladies.

As I was visiting the hospital today. I popped up to the Maternity ward.
Spoke to really nice lady who said that I need a letter from the GP for referal and should ask for it.

That I could be referred at any time as I was over 20wks, that I could have appointments with the midwife and it would all be free of charge.

But more important that I should ring the GP and ask for the OB Consultant referal who performs the
C-Sections at the hospital. As this OB is only person who can organise my C Section and I need this appointment as they liase with hospital regarding the date.

So will be getting back to GP about this. I am happy with his treatment just thought they were a bit too relaxed about the hospital booking/and hospital OB.

Thanks for your help, feel a bit more confident about pushing for my referal letters.

J