prenatal visits. What to expect here?

[lia_27]

Hi Everyone,

I'm about 9 weeks pregnant and I've gone to two prenatal checkups. I'm not entirely happy with my doctor. She seems to only use an ultrasound to measure and check on my pregnancy. She hasn't taken my blood, blood pressure, urine sample, or done any kind of physical exam. I'm American, so the experience I have (and the books I am reading) are from the American model. I understand there can be difference, but I'm not sure how many to expect.

What did your doctors do in the first prenatal check-ups?
When did you first go to see him or her?
And did you or would you have changed if you weren't entirely comfortable?

Thanks for any advice you can offer. I appreciate it.

Best,
Lia

[cbavasi]

Hi Lia - I completely remember the frustration of reading certain things in books and then couldn't figure out whey they weren't being done during my checkups. During my first pregnancy we moved when I was 16 weeks and I had to see a new doctor and she wasn't really that bothered about doing much. I burst into tears and can remember saying "BUT I'M PREGNANT" (looking back - i think the hormones had a lot to do with it )

At nine weeks your doctor would be checking the positioning of the sac, the heartbeat, your general health...etc. There really isn't much else that goes on until 11-13 weeks when you would have your nuchal screening and they would take your blood at that time to check the hormone levels). When I was pregnant with my second child I had blood taken very early b/c I'd had a miscarriage prior so they were checking the hormone levels. I also was now in the "mature" category (35) so all of a sudden there seemed to be a million other things they were looking for.

That being said if you are not comfortable with your doctor - by all means visit someone else. This is the person who you are going to be visiting throughout your pregnancy and will ultimately be delivering your baby. I met with 3 doctors here and immediately felt the connection with the one who delivered.

No one ever prepares you for the ups and downs of being pregnant - I always thought you get pregnant and 9 months later you have a baby - but it's really emotional when you're not sure what to expect.

Do know that if everything is fine so far - you've started off great

[suzyQ]

can't quite recall if blood tests were done early in the pregnancy, but blood pressure was taken and urine tests were ordered every time since my very first visit at 5wks. the doc enquired about my medical history and had me started on duphaston immediately as a precaution because of a past miscarriage. a vaginal ultrasound scan was also done to determine if the sac was in the right place. another vaginal ultrasound scan was done about a week or two later as the sac was not visible during my first visit.

later on, at abt 9wks, blood tests were carried out to check for hiv, hepatitis, etc.

i must say i felt a little under-informed with my doc when she didn't personally explain the nuchal screening to me (was asked, instead, by the nurse if i wanted it done while scheduling my next appt and given a brochure to go home and read). i was, like cbavasi, also in the mature category and had the option of going straight for the amniocentesis test, so was rather disappointed that my doc hadn't discussed the pros and cons of each option with me. however, i stayed on with her as i had already read up quite a bit on my own and i also had a strong network of pregnant moms with whom i share info frequently.

my pregnancy went smoothly and i gave birth to my daughter last year. visit as many docs as you wish before you decide on one, and do continue to read up on your own and join a birth club if you can. i wish you and your baby all the best!