Is a Social worker showing up during pregnancy normal?

dsab

Hi,

me and my wife are expecting our first child in a little less then three months.

Yesterday I had a note in the postbox that a social worker had come around and wants me (the husband) to call her. I guess it has to do woth the pregnancy, as I have no idea what else it could be about, as I have never been to the Hospital she was coming from. And it is the Hospital my wife goes to for her screenings etc.

Is that normal that they show up at before the delievery date to talk to the husband?

Regards,
dsab

I

aliasojo

It's not usual.

ekkygirl

Never had that happen, I dont know anyone who has

Ex-Spendaholic

Normally you only get a social worker if your wife has requested one. Are you sure it isn't a health visitor?

beaniebabe

It is not usual, however I would give her a call and find out what its about on Monday. Try not to worry too much.

happymummy24-7

hi there,
can i just say i have had 3 children and i have never heard of a social worker calling before....or after any of my children where due/born. PLEASE CALL YOU NAMED MIDWIFE OR DOCTOR and please check who this person is.....dont just call the number given by her incase it is something dodgy-im not trying to scare you at all but in situations like this you should never let anyone into your house you cannot verify who they are,you can never never be too safe and all it takes is a quick call to someone you trust....if all is above board and perhaps this is something new brought in in the last couple of years then you will get a full explination from your midwife ect and all will be well.
all the best,laura.

the_rottweiler

I totally with above poster, DONT CALL THE NUMBER.
I have only heard of social workers visiting during a pregnancy when the family is known.
Please call your health visitor or your local social services office and check with them

nikki2804

No one visited me when I was pregnant but after I gave birth I got the usual 10 day midwife checks and then passed over to a HV. They always called me though when they werecoming. Deffo phone the clinic and find out if theyve sent someone round. Could just be routine but then again always better to err on the side of caution.

cclarke12

It seems unusual. As others have said I wouldn't call the number. Either contact midwife and ask if a referral has been made for some reason, or ring the social work team at the local authority to check this is legitimate. I didn't think social workers were employed by hospitals but I stand corrected if I am wrong. If it was to do with your wife and pregnancy I don't see why they would be asking you to contact them (and not her), and if they thought there was a safety/other sensitive issue then I am sure they would not be handling it in this way. Try not to worry and give the midwife/local authority a call on Monday.

dsab

Thanks for the responses.

I thought it was a bit odd as well that a "Duty Socila Worker" would show up unannounced. Will give them a call on monday. I checked the number, and it seems to belong to the "Child Protection Team" of the local Hospital.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that we are foreigners.

Anyway, was just wondering if that was normal. Will update on Monday when I know what they really want.

Cheers,
dsab

dmg24

Hi dsab,

Has your wife had any mental health problems? This can sometimes prompt social services involvement. Alternatively, are you from a non English speaking country? They could be ensuring that you have appropriate language support during your time at the hospital.