Long story: I am 5 weeks pregnant and I have a wonderful primary care doctor. However, she referred me to an OB/GYN that is not close to my house, not board certified, and not a fellow of the american college of OB/GYN. I got a word of mouth referral to another practice that has more doctors in it and I got scheduled with a doctor who is board eligible and a junior fellow of the ACOG. This practice doesn't schedule patients until 8-9 weeks pregnant. I though you should see an OB/GYN at 6 weeks. I am still being followed by my PCP but need an OB/GYN. They made my appointment for January 7, 2008 by that time I figure I will be 10+ weeks pregnant and this makes me really nervous. Is this waiting too long to be seen? Please help. This is my first pregnancy and my mom had difficult pregnancies so I want to make sure I do everything right.
2007-11-28 06:50:09 · 27 answers · asked by rudreamin 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Thanks for all the responses, here are some extra details. I have been on prenatal vitamins since I started TTC. I recently moved to the area where I live now. My mom is 5 hours away and it has been a good while since she was pregnant with me. We talked to an old classmate of hers who has a daughter my age and she recommended the doctor I am going to see in January. I know just because my mom had difficult pregnancies doesn't mean I will. I have another appointment with the PCP on Monday Dec. 3 so I will talk with her again. I was just looking for some reassurance.
2007-11-28 07:19:30 · update #1
It is not necessary to see a doctor prior to 8-10 weeks. Most OB/GYNs and midwives do not schedule appointments earlier than that unless you are having issues like cramping and bleeding or have other medical issues that would make you high risk.
Don't worry about it. There is really nothing that they "do" for you that is going to protect your baby or prevent miscarriage - if that is going to happen it's going to happen regardless of when you see the OB for the first time. And just because your mom had difficult pregnancies means nothing for you and yours. Every woman, every pregnancy is different.
Congrats and good luck!
2007-11-28 06:54:00 · answer #1 · answered by Take A Test! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most OB/GYN's like to see pregnant people around 8 weeks or so. However, when I was pregnant with my first and second I was in early pregnancy and I still got treated the same as I did when I was further along. I am pregnant again now and am 5 5/7 weeks pregnant and will be going in for an apointment at 6 weeks.
You don't have to necessarly see a doctor that is "board certified" or "fellow" I have seen both doctors and midwives. I prefer midwives because they are more compassionate (I feel) than the doctors. Don't worry you will be fine. All new mom's get worried about doing the right thing.
2007-11-28 06:59:49 · answer #2 · answered by Tanya Lynn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
10+ Weeks is fine. Especially since your still being seen by your PCP. I have had a miscarriage and with my 2nd pregnancy I found out we were pregnant at 3 weeks 4 days, but couldn't get a appointment till I was almost 11 weeks with our ob/gyn. Tends to happen in larger buildings that have really popular ob/gyns. They seem like they are always booked. And from my own exp most won't see you till your ATLEAST 8 weeks anyways, because there isn't anything to see honestly.
Goodluck!
2007-11-28 06:59:17 · answer #3 · answered by mzfshonble05 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry because you are receiving care from a Doctor. Can your PCP prescribe prenatal vitamins?
I saw my OB/GYN at 6 weeks due to having a prior health condition & the medication was not safe to take during pregnancy.
Your insurance carrier can refer you to an OB/GYN within your network based on your specifications or call 1-800-Docotors.
2007-11-28 07:05:53 · answer #4 · answered by QC1_TX 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I normally heard that they wont see you until about 8 weeks. I think 10+ weeks is pushing it alittle bit. If your really nervious try calling around in your area and who knows maybe you will find someone good. All I can advice you is too make sure you still see your Primary Care Doctor and let her know that you are nervous about this and that maybe she would have another referal that you could go too. Have you not seen an OB/GYN before this? (pap smears etc?) I would call around and check with hospitals and clinics in your area and schedule an appt. for around 8 weeks of your preg. Good Luck and hope I was of some help! Which state are you from? if WI I know of some good ones around here.. (WI/IL border)
2007-11-28 06:57:02 · answer #5 · answered by determined for baby #1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We didn't get OB/GYN till 8 weeks (and most don't see till 12 weeks), so 8-9 weeks is perfectly normal to wait. Majority of the OB doctors won't see you before that (unless you are an existing patient or have complications).
In the interim, your GP can do a bunch of screening blood tests / advise.
Good luck.
2007-11-28 06:55:58 · answer #6 · answered by Face T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The OB/GYN doctors know what they are talking about sweetie , calm down everything will be fine. Did you tell the receptionists about your family having difficult pregnancies and you are nervous ?? Well if you didn't i would call them back and let them know , and if you did tell them ...then they know what they are doing ! ...I never been pregnant so i don't know when the exact date is to go in ...but i know my cousin is pregnant and she went to the OB/GYN when she was like 5 weeks pregnant ...so maybe its just the rules where you live! ..I am not sure ..I would call back and just ask why is it going to take so long thats all ! Good luck sweetie and hope this helps !
CONGRATS on your new babyyyyyy !!!!!
2007-11-28 06:55:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My doctor didn't want to see me until I was between 7 and 9 weeks along. From what I'm hearing, that's pretty normal. Also, to be quite honest, as long as you're not doing drugs or any other harmful activities, there's not much a doctor can do for you in those first weeks, anyway. It's all up to God on how things work out! In the meantime, (I know it's easier said than done) try to relax and enjoy being pregnant!
2007-11-28 06:56:27 · answer #8 · answered by Tyler's Mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most ob's will not see you until you are at least 8-10 weeks along...my ob saw me at 6 weeks just because I found out I was pregnant at 2 weeks...so calm down and try to relax this is standard practice...at 10 weeks you'll not only be able to see your baby on a vaginal ultrasound but you should be able to hear the heartbeat too...that's a lot to look forward too!
2007-11-28 06:55:06 · answer #9 · answered by Notagain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With my 1st, I saw my OB at 8 weeks. With my 2nd, it was at 10 weeks. If you ever have any strange symptoms you can always call your OB for advice. You can always call to tell them that your family has a history of difficult pregnancies and they will let you know when and if you need to be concerned. Relax, and wait. The longer you wait to do a first ultrasound, the more you'll get to see.
2007-11-28 07:19:47 · answer #10 · answered by Precious 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋