"Antenatal Assessment "

I am currently nearly 29 weeks pregnant with my first child. I had gone through a day and a half of barely feeling any movement despite trying all the previously tested methods (cold drinks, lying on side etc. ). After an afternoon and evening of no movement, the following morning, I called the Delivery Suite who suggested I come in so it can be checked out. On my way over there I was worried that I was wasting their time but was driving myself crazy with worry.

I arrived at the hospital and found my way to Delivery Suite and was immediately taken into a Room and advised a midwife would be with me as soon as possible; within 10 minutes the midwife had arrived, I'd given a urine sample and she had listened to the baby with a trumpet looking instrument (I don't know the medical name! ) She confirmed that it sounded fine and said they'd put me on the monitor for 30-45 minutes to check everything was OK. When I heard the heartbeat I just burst into tears - so relieved - though I also felt a little silly. However, the midwife took time to sit down and really made me feel thoroughly reassured and that I wasn't wasting anyone's time. It meant such a lot to have someone take the time to understand the emotional drain that the occasion had as well as being thorough with the physical checks. She even got my mum and me a cup of tea whilst I was on the monitor.

I had to press a button every time I felt movement but although I could hear swishes on the monitor - not once did I feel the baby move! Instead of assuming from the noises on the monitor and the trace that all was well, the Doctor suggested a scan - which was booked in for that very afternoon. The scan thankfully showed that there was good blood supply and that the baby was growing well (even if he/she is in the Breech position currently! ) After the scan I went back up to Delivery Suite where the Doctor confirmed that all was well and that I could go home but first advised that I may need another scan at 36 weeks if the baby was still breech.

Needless to say, since returning home, the baby began to move again but I was so impressed by the service I received that I just had to post this. Everyone I spoke to was friendly, professional, thorough and caring. Although there are issues with the hospital, there were times when we had to wait to be seen, I think the signs could be a little clearer and the car-parking charges are steep, I cannot fault the level of care I received yesterday.

I'm due to deliver my baby at the Alex; all I can say is that everything I experienced yesterday has given me great reassurance that I've chosen the right place.