20 weeks and haven't seen a doctor yet?

Question

I'm 20 weeks pregnant but I haven't seen a doctor yet. Honestly, I'm scared of doctors and hospitals (I was in a bad accident when I was little that killed one of my friends and I was in the hospital for a month). I know I have to see one soon, but I have no idea what to expect. Has anyone waited this long before see ing a doctor? What happened at the visit? What kind of doctor did you see? All of this would be useful to me. I have insurance and everything but I have no idea where to go and what to do.

Also, I was thinking over names and if it's a girl, I like the name Claire. I can't think of a middle name or nickname for it though. I also need suggestions for a boy with H as a last initial.

Thanks to whoever answers. I really appreciate it.

Answer 1

You really do want to get to a doctor. There are tests to be sure the baby is doing well, as well as some to make sure you are doing well too. If you have a regular doctor, you might want to start there and get a recommendation for an OB. Otherwise, start asking around. There is bound to be a doctor who will make you feel comfortable.

Best of Luck to you!

Answer 2

Even if you're scared of Dr's, this is a happy reason to go, so you shouldn't be scared. You should be more concerned that the baby is OK, because he can do some important tests to make sure everything is OK with your baby! You can expect some blood work, and a urine sample. They'll probably want to schedule you for an ultrasound ASAP. You'll get to see how the baby has developed so far and the will be able to tell if it's a boy or girl.

After that, you'll probably have to go back in another few weeks to have another blood test or two - to test for gestational diabetes. And most of the other visits up until the last month are just listening to the baby's heartbeat and making sure you're feeling OK. Nothing to worry about. At the end, they do internal exams to see how far along your cervix has dilated before the baby comes... not fun, but not too bad.

Good luck! and please go to the Dr. it's so important for the baby!!

Answer 3

Please go to the doctor as soon as possible... the earlier, the better health you and your baby especially will be. What they did at my first appointment (i was 5 weeks- they thought that first appt I might be 12 weeks), was take a blood test- I am terrified of needles, so I asked for their absolute best to come in and do it- I got light headed, but didn't pass out, and honestly, it didn't hurt a bit! They must get that blood work done though. Then, they examined my breasts- to check for lumps, and also my pelvis. That wasn't bad at all. They just want to make sure you are healthy and everything is going ok. Next, since they thought I was 12 weeks, they thought they would hear a heart beat... however heard nothing (you can hear it by 10 weeks I believe), but I was 5 at the time. Next, they wanted to do an ultrasound to see what was going on since they didn't hear a heart beat. They didn't see much. So they told me I'd have to go back in 2 weeks. that next visit they saw the baby and the yolk sac which he was very happy to see, because they almost thought I could have lost the baby... so it was a good sign- and a relief to myself, I almost bawled my eyes out when he said they thought I might have miscarried. Anyways, they prescribed me prenatal vitamins you should take right away! And asked if I had any questions... it really wasn't so bad... and to be honest, you will look forward to your appointments to see the progress of your precious baby! I know I did- especially hearing the heart beat every time- that always made me smile really big :) Goodluck!

P.S. I like the name Claire- Claire then a middle name after a family member?

Answer 4

Some of that "See a doctor! See a doctor!" pregnancy hysteria is a little overblown, I think. It's not a disease, and if everything's well, there's not much to be done. Early visits are a lot of waiting around, peeing, and being metaphorically patted on the back and told to make another appointment a little further on.

Caveat: some doctors seem to be prone to sneering at patients who've avoided pre-natal care. (Source is an interesting study I just read on teen-agers and ditto.) Ask around for recommendations for a friendly and patient sort if you have that luxury.

Am amazed that nobody has yet suggested a midwife.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwifery

Google something like "(your province/state/wherever) midwives," and you should be able to find some in your area. They are primary health care providers; you could safely bypass a doctor entirely if you and the baby are well.

If it's more the hospital than anything else that bothers you, there isn't really -- again, if healthy -- any great reason to end up in one at any point.

Answer 5

You need to see a doctor. If you have no money or insurance, go to the state welfare office. If you are pregnant, they have very wide income standards and most pregnant women without insurance qualify.

You shouldn't be worried about seeing your OB. They are used to working with pregnant women and have plenty of nervous patients. If you have friends who've had children and liked their OBs, consider contacting those doctors first. They'll start out with some tests--nothing very invasive. You'll give a urine sample at every visit but that's simple.

It's really important that you been seen so all of the right steps can be taken if any problems arise. In all likelihood, things will be ok but you would kick yourself if something preventable occurred.

Call a doctor and the welfare office first thing Monday.

Answer 6

First thing, I understand a bad experience as a kid but you need to think about your kid now. If you've seen a gynecologist before call their office and see they do prenantal care, if they don't they can refer you. Get in as soon as possible, tell them how far along you think you are and they will schedule it immediately. THey will take some blood to check to make sure you are ok and you're sugar levels are ok, you'll pee in a cup to check your protein. Then they will schedule an ultrasound. THey will probably do a regular vaginal exam to check your cervix but it's not a big deal., The doctor needs to measur eyour belly to see if the uterus os growing as the correct pace.They like to do the first one in a now problemed pregnancy around 20 weeks anyways. They will make sure you're little baby is ok and growing well. It's dangerous to wait this long in case there were problems with your baby but if you do it now everything should be ok.

Answer 7

I love the name Claire! Do you have any friends you can ask about a doctor? How to choose a doctor is a very personal choice, and depends on what you feel comfortable with. You should see one soon though, just so that you can be sure that you are doing well. Take care!

Answer 8

You are not in bad standing to have waited so long to see a Dr. But, as you know, you do need to get going on this as your pregnancy is half over now.
You may want to use a Midwife. The are less invasive & highly qualified to assist you in your preg. & delivery. They are more compassionate & through in answering your questions.
I used Midwifes for both of my births. I can not answer for an OB.

I love the name Claire! Nic names come as you know your kids. Half of the nic names Ive given my cheldren have nothing to do with their actual name.

Answer 9

they more likely will try to get your family history, pap smear, and std tests. possibly a glucose test as well. and maybe even an ultrasound. not sure but i think they can now determine the sex around the 20th week.

i'm currently seeing a nurse practitioner. shes nice and all but since my husbands insurance has open enrollment now i'm thinking of finding an obgyn now. plus the nurses at the medical place are cold and always call me by my middle name after i tell them thats not my first name.

you may be scared but for your unborn child you should go see some type of doctor. you owe it to him/her. good luck.

Answer 10

The ER cant refuse to ascertain you yet once you're seen, you will get the invoice and would desire to pay it. Im shocked that the docs won't see you even nevertheless you have utilized for coverage. a super type of coverage firms will back date your coverage to the conceal any apts you had as quickly as you have utilized to receive coverage. you ought to touch the case worker engaged on getting you coverage and tell him/her approximately your situation. they'd have the flexibility to push issues alongside quicker. in case you're already 20 weeks alongside, your probability of miscarriage has severely decreased. in simple terms ascertain you're eating healthful, getting mild to average workout in a minimum of the different day and are taking folic acid and prenatal supplementations. No alcohol, smoking or caffein. in case you have any significant concerns pass to the ER.