Is it okay not to see a doctor the first three months of your pregnancy?

Question

I am married to a soldier so I am restricted to the Army Hospital on base. I am five week pregnant and they will not see me until I am at least 12 weeks. This seems wrong to me. I have heard that the first three months are the most important, yet I have to go through them without seeing my midwife. Oh, and you don't get a doctor, you get a midwife. WTF!

Answer 1

You should be ok. I didn't see a dr until I was 12 weeks. I was waiting for state insurance to go through and they wouldn't accept me until I had proof. You should be ok. If you want to start taking vitamins, you can take two flintstone vitamins to get you what you need until you get the prenatal vitamins(which are really big and gross and could make you sick; I stuck with the flintstone vitamins in my pregnancy.). Everything turned out fine!! Good Luck!

Answer 2

A midwife is the considered expert in normal childbirth and pregnancy, therefore you do not need to see a Dr. Your midwife is sufficiently skilled enough to spot problems and refer you to the Dr when needed. Pregnancy is not an illness and the majority of women sail through it, a Dr is not necessary for a healthy normal pregnancy, and, I might add, not all GP's are up to date with latest care. I saw a woman with herpes once that had been seen by her Dr and he had failed to spot it even though she had complained about the pain, women with an active attack are given a c/s, this woman was due and he wasn't aware of the serious implications of this disease. The first twelve weeks of pregnancy are only the most important in terms of fetal development and nobody, either Dr or midwife can do anything about that. What they can do though is advise you about a healthy diet and about foods to avoid which may affect development. It is important to take folic acid until at least 12 weeks. You need to avoid foods such as cheeses made from unpasteurised milk or mould ripened and pate of any variety as these may carry listeria which can cause miscarraiges and abnormalities. You need to stop smoking and drinking alchohol if you do these. You must avoid liver and liver products as high levels of Vitamin A may cause abnormalities. No fresh swordfish, shark or marlin, too much mercury and reduce your caffeine intake. .No raw eggs or anything made with raw egg, risk of salmonella which may make you miscarry, and likewise, cook all meat properly. If you have a cat, do not clean out the litter tray or clean up any faeces as there is a risk of toxoplasmosis which can cause abnormalities. From th point of view of maternity care the last twelve weeks are the most important as it is then that you are more likely to develop problems such as pre eclampsia, or have concerns regarding baby's growth. Ante natal care is provided, by midwives,to spot these problems early and refer you to your consultant.

Answer 3

that sucks, you should see a dr before 12 weeks. I don't know how the military system works. Here in southamerica you can book an app as early as 4-5 weeks, a pregnancy is a very important event in a woman life & body and needs to be monitored from the beggining.

Answer 4

I don't think you have anything to worry about. None of the tests need to be done before that. I've had 2 of my almost 4 kids in the millitary (1 on active duty and 1 as a dependent) and you do have the right to demand an OB. You also have the right to change providers anytime if you don't like the care you're receiving from the doc they put you with. You need to talk to TriCare and they can always refer you out if they don't have any room for you with an OB. You have to stand up for yourself. Check with your hospitals Patient Care Representative as well, they will know the ins and outs of your particular hospital. Good Luck and Thanks For serving! (You and your husband, your job is just as important as his!)

Answer 5

I think that is wrong!!! You should be able to go see a doctor when you find out you are pregnant and throughout your whole pregnancy!!! I also think that you should have a choice as to whether or not you are seen by a doctor or a midwife!!! I would contest that!!!

Good Luck

Answer 6

That is strange for my pregnancies I was treated by military doctors. I found the care above and beyond. Not sure what base your on. A midwife? never even heard of that one. That is new.

Answer 7

a midwife is just as good as the gyno
my 4 babies were delivered by midwives not my gyno
take your folic acid now, and prenatal vitamins too, take it easy
make sure you see your gyno before 13 weeks, even better 12 cos you need the special ultrasound that detects downs, if u get it done too late its not accurate,
good luck, youll b right
the dr dosent do much in the 1st 3 months, xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Answer 8

I'm 39 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby and didn't have my first appt. until 12 weeks as well. Every doctor is different. It's fine to wait. Of course if you think something is wrong you should call them to be seen before then, but it's not uncommon to wait that long for your first visit.

Answer 9

I didnt see a doc for the first 3 months when I was expecting my first....it'll be fine. Its not till around 15 weeks that they do tests for down syndrome and things like Spina Bifida...so youll be ok till then. If you feel unwell or have any worrying symptoms then go to hospital. Good luck.

Answer 10

I've only ever gone in to the doc in the first trimester to get a pregnancy confirmed by the GP. Then the GP refers me to the OB, and my first appt is typically at about 12 weeks.

Just make sure to take your prenatal vitamins.

BTW - I find it very odd that they will only allow you to see a midwife. With all due respect to midwives, I wouldn't be comfortable with that being my ONLY option.