I just found out I was pregnant. How soon should I go see a doctor? Also, does the doctor I see right away have to be the same one that will help me the whole way through the pregnancy? Show
First, congratulations! The most common time to have a first appointment is around eight weeks gestation or about a month after that first missed period and positive pregnancy test. That said, many pregnant people should be seen earlier than that. For instance, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, history of ectopic pregnancy, who are on medications that might need to be changed, or who have bleeding or pain should be seen earlier. We also understand fully how brutal that month can be mentally, so if we can shorten that time and get people in sooner, we bend over backward to do it, even if we have to get creative! It's always nice when the same doctor or team is able to follow a pregnancy all the way through, but there is always the freedom to change. In fact, sometimes a switch is needed for one of many reasons. When people change locations or offices during pregnancy, records go with them, so most testing doesn't have to be repeated, but there is always some redundancy while getting established. Many things happen at the first visit. We get to know each other, make sure the medical record is up to date, do a physical exam, update the Pap smear when appropriate, get blood work, talk about genetic testing options and check on the pregnancy itself. Whether an ultrasound is done at that appointment depends on gestational age and a few other factors, but we always check on the baby. Congratulations, you’re expecting! You’ll want to schedule your first prenatal visit right away.Prenatal Care OverviewYour first prenatal visit usually takes place when you are about 8-10 weeks pregnant. This appointment is often the longest, and will include a general physical and routine prenatal labs. After your first appointment, prenatal appointments typically last as little as 15 minutes for uncomplicated pregnancies. Make sure that your provider answers any questions you have at these appointments, but don’t worry if your appointment feels short - a quick appointment is usually a good sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally. For an uncomplicated pregnancy, women should plan to see their provider
every 4 weeks through 28 weeks, every 2 weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks to delivery. Every visit will include a weight check, blood pressure check, and a chance to listen to the fetal heart beat.
Here are three steps to help you make the most of your first prenatal visit.
1. Gather important medical information before you go.Before you arrive at your appointment, you’ll want to educate yourself about your medical history. This medical history is more extensive than ones taken at check-ups, so make sure you have knowledge (and documentation, when possible) of the following details. Your partner’s medical history will also affect the health of your baby, so he should attend this appointment if possible. If you or your partner were adopted, or if you used a donor egg or sperm, you may have less genetic information available to you, but your doctor will help you interpret the information you do have. Make sure to include:
2. Know what to expect at your first prenatal appointment.Your first prenatal visit is usually the longest unless you experience complications with your pregnancy. Routine Procedures At this appointment, your provider will take your medical history, check your weight and blood pressure, and perform blood tests. These blood tests will test your blood type, Rh factor, exposure to hepatitis and syphilis, and immunity to German measles. Fetal
Heartbeat You may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat at this appointment. However, if your prenatal appointment is on the earlierside, you may need to wait to hear your baby’s heartbeat. The fetal heartbeat is usually first detectable between 12 and 14 weeks. HIV Testing You may choose to take an HIV test during the early stages of your pregnancy. Any person who is sexually active is at least potentially at risk for HIV infection. Many people who are HIV positive do not belong to any particular high risk group, such as drug users. HIV in pregnancy has potentially serious implications for mother and baby. We now have the capacity to offer medications in pregnancy to help prevent transmission of the virus to the baby. Obviously, we cannot offer medications unless we know your HIV status. Most women will have a normal or negative result and will be relieved by having this information. If you do test positive, we will help you in obtaining specialized care for both yourself and your baby. Prenatal Care Plan Finally, your provider will go over recommendations for your prenatal care, including diet, exercise, sexual activity, travel, and work. You’ll go over your appointment schedule for the course of your pregnancy, and should also go over a plan for your general health. You may be at the doctor more frequently than usual during your pregnancy, but it’s important not to put off other regular procedures, like your regular dental checkup. 3. Have a list of questions to ask your doctor.Depending on your unique situation, you may have many different questions for your doctor. Here are our top 10 questions all women should ask at their first prenatal visit:
Use these recommendations to make the most of your first prenatal visit. And remember – don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor with questions! Your health, and your baby’s health, is their priority.How soon do I need to see a doctor if I'm pregnant?Even if a home pregnancy test confirms you're pregnant, you still need to make an appointment with an Ob/Gyn. The American Pregnancy Association recommends you make an appointment with your doctor for your first prenatal visit within eight weeks of your last menstrual period (LMP).
Is 12 weeks too late for first prenatal visit?The timing of your first prenatal visit varies by clinic. There's no right or wrong time. Most often, you'll be seen for your first appointment when you're 6-12 weeks pregnant. Yes, this seems like a really long time to wait, especially when you have so many questions!
Is 5 weeks too early for first prenatal appointment?1. First Prenatal Visit. Your first prenatal visit usually takes place when you are about 10-12 weeks pregnant (a pregnancy confirmation visit and possibly an early ultrasound typically occurs between 5-8 weeks). This appointment is often the longest, and will include a general physical and routine prenatal labs.
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