Doctor visits are so far apart...?

Question

Hi Guys, as a first time mom I am very nervous, anxious and afraid. I had my first doctos app on 15th of Nov. I was 8 weeks 4 days. My next one is not until 31st ofJan. I will be 19weeks 4 days. This seems a long time to me. Anything could happen in that time. Is this normal. Everyone else I ask has gone almost every month! As a first time mum, I thought I would be offered more support of some kind. What do you think?/

The doctors said there is nothing that can be done before 20 weeks so there is no real point in coming in earlier. I rang another hospital and they said yeah that's normal! I feel like it is just me!. They said becuase of the baby boom in asutralia hospitals are busy. I think the pregnancy hormones are getting to me because I feel like crying!

Answer 1

You should be seen every month in the first trimester. You should call your clinic and ask about an earlier appointment.

Answer 2

This is long. Usually they have you scheduled for a 14 week ultrasound. Call and get a same day appointment on Dec. 15th. This will settle your nerves and give you an opportunity to ask about the ultrasound. The doctor may be out of town or have a vacation scheduled during the holidays which has caused your late appointment. But, with a same day appointment you can see whomever is available.

Answer 3

I have had 3 children and this is how it went. You go in and they give you a test, talk to you about concerns, give prenatal vitamins (usually with a nurse) they also have you get blood work done. Then your next appt is at the end of first trimester. Then you have them once a month. At the last trimester you have them every 2 wks then the last month you have them once a week till delivery, unless you have complications you might have changes.

I think many drs wait till the end of the 1st trimester because your chances of miscarry are decreased, there isnt usually much they can do if you start to miscarry that early.

Answer 4

I'm sure it is fine. The visits will be more frequent as your pregnancy progresses. Get a book called, "What to Expect When You Are Expecting." Wonderful resource. If you feel any discomfort or are worried about anything you can always call your ob/gyn.
Enjoy your pregnancy! Eat right, sleep enough, exercise, and keep your appointments. Take your vitamins. All should be well. Best wishes for a healthy happy baby. Congratulations!

Answer 5

You need to consult another doctor. They should see you around the 12 week point to listen to the baby's heartbeat. You should then have your first ultrasound around week 18-20. In all 4 of my pregnancies I was seen every 4 weeks until week 32. Weeks 32-36 every 2 weeks and weeks 36-40 every week.

Your care more than likely should be as follows

Pap Screening/lab work- first/2nd visit. Around week 8-9
Listen for baby's heartbeat-week 12
Ultrasound-Week 18
Diabetic Screening - Week 25-28
Group B strep screening- Week 34-36

Those will be scheduled around or with your regulary scheduled appointments. You definately need to check with another doctor.

Answer 6

I have never heard of visits that far apart. I have gone to different offices for both my pregnancies and at each office it was 1 month apart for the first 7 months than every 2 months for next 2 months and every week for the last month. I would look into a different ob office or ask your office if that is right.

Answer 7

I saw a midwife three times in the first 6 months, now that I'm 30 weeks I am seeing the midwife every two weeks. She is thinking about upping it to every week because I am at risk for pre-term labor.
11 weeks seems like a long time though, I would request a visit in between sometime.

Answer 8

I have had 3 kids and know many pregnant people, I believe the "normal" vists are every 4 weeks until later in your pregnancy then it goes to 2 and then 1 week. Did you ask why it was scheduled so far out? If you didn't, maybe it was a mistake and you need to call!!

Answer 9

It does seem pretty far apart. Make sure that your OB doctor is not just scheduling you so far apart because he wants to go on Christmas break! If you still uncomfortable DO NOT be afraid to ask him or get a second opinion, remember you are the costumer and costumers are always right! Here are some sites maybe they help. Good luck!

Answer 10

so you live in australia? i to live in aus and i had a check up with my gp when i first found out i was pregnant which was 5 weeks, then he booked me in for a scan at 11 weeks which tests for down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities, which is optional then he did another check up after the scan about 13 weeks, then he referred me to the midwives where i had a check up at about 16 weeks, then i had my 19 week scan. from now on i go every 4 weeks to the midwives until im about 28 weeks then its every 2 weeks, i think that sounds too far apart for you, i would check into that, are you just going to midwives? it doesnt matter if they are busy or not you need to get the proper prenatal care.

Answer 11

That is a really long time apart. I also had my first appointment at 8 weeks. I have another one next week, which will be 11 weeks, which is to check for chromosomal problems. Then I'm back to my regular doctor at 14 weeks. You should call them and tell them you're concerned.