9 weeks pregnant

[Bluebirdy27]

Hi, im currently 9 weeks pregnant and have the social worker coming out tomorrow, I contacted them when I found out I was pregnant due to my previous child being removed and adopted. Im a high risk pregnancy due to my blood type. My second was a stillborn.
Can I ask why they have decided to get involved so early? She emailed me today introduced herself and said she’s coming tomorrow and it’s an initial visit for pre birth? What will happen?

Im in the middle of redecorating and my partner won’t be able to be here as he works and has to give his work at least 3 days notice.

[Winter25]

Hi Bluebirdy27,

It is completely normal to feel a bit of a shock when they get in touch so early. The reason they are involved at nine weeks is almost certainly because of the history with your previous child, and nothing more. When there has been a previous removal, the Local Authority usually follows a pre-birth protocol to start assessments early.

In some ways, this early start is a strategic advantage for you. It gives you nearly seven months to build a solid paper trail of engagement with your midwife and to show that your life is stable and different now. It is much better than them starting an assessment in the final weeks when everyone is under pressure.

Do not worry about the redecorating. Social workers see houses in all states. Being in the middle of decorating actually shows you are nesting and preparing for the baby, which is a positive sign of a parent planning for the future.

As for your partner, it is perfectly fine that he is at work. It shows a stable, working household. You can simply tell the social worker tomorrow: My partner is at work today and couldn't get enough notice to be here, but he is very keen to be involved. When are you free to come back so you can meet him properly?

The visit today is just an initial chat to gather facts. They will likely ask about your health, your support network, and how things have changed since your last involvement with them.

Here are a few questions you should ask to keep the process clear and get their position on paper if you not had the visit yet

What is the specific pathway for this pre-birth assessment, and what are the timescales?
Since this is a high-risk pregnancy, what extra support can the Local Authority offer to help me stay healthy and supported?
What specific areas of concern from the previous case do you need to see have changed?
When can I expect a copy of the notes from today’s visit for my own records?

Because of your history and the high-risk nature of this pregnancy, the best thing you can do is stay calm, factual, and focused on your health. Keep a simple folder with your midwife appointment dates and any notes. It shows you are acting protectively and taking the pregnancy seriously from day one.

You are being proactive, Take it one visit at a time.

==========

For transparency, I am not an official adviser. I am a parent with lived experience of the system, offering strategic guidance. Always consult with a solicitor regarding any pre-birth assessments.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Bluebirdy27,

Thank you for your post. I am Suzie, the online adviser for Family Rights Group.

Firstly I am deeply sorry to hear that your second child was stillborn. Please accept my condolences.

From what you have said I think that the social worker was due to visit you yesterday. I hope that the visit went well and that you feel reassured rather than anxious. It is likely that children’s services wish to begin the assessment in good time so that it can be carried out in a thorough, unrushed manner. As has already been suggested, starting the assessment earlier rather than later is positive as it gives more time for you to demonstrate the significant changes that you have made in your life.

I can see that you have posted before and had some advice about what to expect regarding a pre-birth assessment, so I will not repeat that advice but instead encourage you to re-read that advice when you have some time and energy to do so.

Please do post again if you have more questions. You can call our free, confidential adviceline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3pm) to speak with an adviser if you prefer. We also have a webchat which is currently open on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Best wishes,
Suzie