Why Did My GP Tell Me to Self-Refer to a Hospital About My Birth?

Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement, but it can also bring up many questions, especially if you’re considered high risk. One of the most common concerns for older mothers, or those who are 35 or older, is navigating their antenatal care. If you’ve been told by your GP (General Practitioner) to self-refer to a hospital for further management of your birth, it might leave you wondering why this step is necessary, especially if you’re already considered high risk due to your age. In this article, we’ll explore why you might be asked to self-refer to a hospital, what it means for your antenatal care, and how you can ensure you’re getting the right support throughout your pregnancy.

Understanding High-Risk Pregnancies

A high-risk pregnancy is a term used to describe pregnancies that have an increased risk of complications for the mother, the baby, or both. Age is one of the most significant risk factors when it comes to pregnancy, especially if the mother is over the age of 35. This is why you might be labelled as “high risk” due to your age. However, being considered high risk doesn’t mean that something will necessarily go wrong—it simply means that extra care and monitoring are required to ensure that both mother and baby are as healthy as possible throughout the pregnancy.

Why Age is a Factor in High-Risk Pregnancy

Women over the age of 35 are more likely to experience certain complications during pregnancy, including:

• Gestational diabetes: A type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy.
• High blood pressure: Which can increase the risk of preeclampsia.
• Miscarriage: There is a slightly higher risk of miscarriage as women age.
• Chromosomal abnormalities: The risk of conditions such as Down syndrome increases with maternal age. Given these factors, healthcare providers generally take extra precautions when managing pregnancies for older mothers to mitigate risks to both the mother and baby. That’s where the role of antenatal care becomes crucial.

Why Would Your GP Advise Self-Referral?

You might have received advice from your GP to self-refer to a hospital for further antenatal care, and this could be for several reasons, all aimed at ensuring the best possible care for you and your baby.

Specialised Care at a Hospital

By advising you to self-refer to a hospital, your GP is likely directing you to receive more specialised antenatal care from a maternity unit that is equipped to manage high-risk pregnancies. Hospitals that specialise in maternity care often have more advanced facilities and a team of specialists who can offer support and interventions tailored to your needs. Self-referral is a way to ensure that the hospital has you on their radar and can schedule the necessary antenatal appointments, scans, and screenings that you might need. The hospital will also be able to offer more detailed assessments of your health and your baby’s progress throughout the pregnancy.

Streamlining the Referral Process

Self-referral allows for a more streamlined process. It ensures that you, as the expectant mother, can take control of your care by contacting the hospital directly, rather than waiting for a referral from your GP. This step can help speed up the process and ensure that you receive timely access to the appropriate antenatal scans, appointments, and other specialised services that may be required.

What to Expect After Self-Referring to a Hospital

Once you’ve self-referred to a hospital for antenatal care, there are a few things you can expect as part of the process. The hospital will typically review your referral and schedule an appointment with the relevant specialists to assess your pregnancy more closely.

Antenatal Scans and Tests

Given that you are considered high-risk, the hospital will likely want to monitor your pregnancy more closely. This may include additional antenatal scans to check for any potential complications, such as the baby’s growth, amniotic fluid levels, and signs of conditions like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia. In some cases, you may also need blood tests or other assessments that can provide important information about your health and your baby’s wellbeing. For example, tests for prenatal vitamins and antibody levels may be done to ensure that you’re receiving the proper nutrients and that there aren’t any underlying issues.

Specialised Maternity Care

At the hospital, you’ll have access to a team of experts who specialise in pregnancy care for older mothers. This could include obstetricians, midwives, anaesthetists, and neonatal specialists, all of whom work together to provide a tailored care plan for you and your baby. They will consider your individual risk factors and medical history to determine the best course of action for your pregnancy and birth plan.

Antenatal Education

In addition to monitoring your pregnancy, the hospital may offer antenatal education to help you prepare for the birth and postpartum care. These classes can be particularly useful for high-risk pregnancies, as they provide additional information about managing your condition during pregnancy, understanding your birth options, and learning about newborn care.

The Role of Your GP in High-Risk Pregnancy

Your GP remains an important part of your antenatal care team, even after being directed to self-refer to the hospital. GPs often provide valuable advice and guidance throughout pregnancy and can help coordinate care with specialists. Here’s how your GP supports your high-risk pregnancy:

Antenatal Appointments

Your GP can provide regular antenatal checkups to monitor your general health and ensure you are receiving the right nutrients, including antenatal vitamins. They may also help manage any other conditions that could impact your pregnancy, such as hypertension or diabetes.

Support with Birth Plans

Even though you’ll be referred to a hospital for more specialised care, your GP is still there to discuss your birth plan. If you have specific preferences for your delivery, your GP can help you understand your options and liaise with the hospital to make sure your wishes are respected.

Prenatal Care Coordination

Your GP plays a central role in coordinating all aspects of your prenatal care, ensuring that appointments, tests, and scans are arranged at the appropriate times. They can also act as a liaison between you and the hospital, ensuring that the healthcare team is aware of your specific needs.

Managing Your Health During a High-Risk Pregnancy

Being considered high-risk doesn’t mean that your pregnancy will be problematic, but it does require proactive management to ensure the best possible outcomes. Here are some tips for managing your health during this time:

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

While age can be a risk factor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in ensuring a smooth pregnancy. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying active, and attending all antenatal appointments. Antenatal yoga or pregnancy yoga classes can be especially helpful in keeping your body strong and flexible, reducing stress, and improving your overall wellbeing.

Regular Monitoring and Tests

Regular antenatal scans and tests will help identify any complications early, allowing for timely intervention. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare team, whether it’s about the results of a test or how you’re feeling.

Relaxation and Stress Management

Being pregnant, especially with a high-risk pregnancy, can be stressful. Finding ways to relax, whether through antenatal massage or other relaxation techniques, can be beneficial for both your mental and physical health. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health during pregnancy.Being referred to self-refer to a hospital for antenatal care when you’re considered high-risk due to your age is not unusual, but it’s understandable that it might leave you with questions. The goal of this referral is to ensure that you receive the specialised care and monitoring needed for a healthy pregnancy. By seeking care at a hospital equipped for high-risk pregnancies, you’ll be in the hands of experts who can provide the right care for you and your baby. Remember, your GP is still an important part of your care team, helping coordinate appointments and ensuring your health is prioritised throughout your pregnancy. By taking proactive steps and seeking the right support, you can manage your high-risk pregnancy with confidence, ensuring the best outcome for both you and your baby.