First Dr. Appointment-Thoughts?

Question

So DH and I just got done with my first Dr. appointment (to confirm pregnancy).  I have a couple of issues...they didn't do a blood draw to confirm, it was just a regular urine test so I have no idea what my HCG levels are. 
Also, she wanted me to schedule another appointment in 3-4 weeks as my first official OB appointment and said that we would hear the heartbeat then.  She said we wouldn't be getting an ultrasound until 5 months!!
Are these things normal?  This is my first pregnancy so I don't know what to expect.

Answer

I'm not getting and HCG draws and no US until 20 weeks. The only lab I have is an OB panel in the first trimester, a CBC at 28 weeks, and a monthly urine dip. Low risk pregnancies do not need a bunch of testing.

Answer

I would be annoyed too. I would expect an ultrasound to see the yolk sak and attempt to see a heart rate. I had a transvaginal to confirm my pregnancy looked good today at 8 weeks. It was on a small machine, but was comforting all the same. Maybe call around your area to see if other practices offer more. Good luck!

Answer

Got hcg tested at 8 weeks and first ultrasound shortly after that. I would change doctors if you're uncomfortable. I had a midwife who said I didn't need an ultrasound that early (which my gp had set up) but I wanted to see the heartbeat and when I went in at almost 9 weeks there wasn't one and I found out the baby had stopped growing at 6.5 with no sign of pregnancy loss. Happy I went in for the standard checks at 8 or so weeks.

Answer

In the uk midwives see u at 8 weeks to take blood, then you get scans at 12 and 20 weeks. Midwife also sees you at 16 weeks and then few times after that

Answer

My first appointment was the same.. I've been with him as a gyno since I was 18 (now 31) and now he will be my OB 😊 I did a urine test and they did draw blood because of my hypothyroidism which I will do each visit. So far so good. We sat in his office and talked quite a bit and he sent me home with lots of info. That was 12/22 and my next appointment is 1/19 and we will listen for heartbeat.. He said it was too early to try the first time. And when I asked about ultrasound he said 18 weeks and then another toward the end. I think this is normal for a healthy pregnancy. But you can always order an ultrasound if you want more. HTH.. Xoxo and Baby dust for a happy healthy pregnancy.

Answer

Hmmm well my first appt was today they didnt do blood or pee, they just did a transvaginal sonogram for me.

Answer

Sadly I've found that to be more normal. I had my primary Dr do a urone test to confirm and gave me an ob referral. I had a newcomers orientation for them and my first appt is January 21 (11 weeks). They didn't test my hcgs levels and they said they normally don't do that.

Answer

Mine was similar.... No blood and my first ob appt was made for a month later but she did order an ultrasound for the next week for dating purposes

Answer

Every doctor is a little different. Typically they don't order blood tests or an ultrasound unless there's a concern (history of miscarriage or bleeding, etc) or if you're not sure on when the baby is due (looking for size and dates), and to be honest with you, your insurance typically doesn't cover it without a reason or diagnosis.

Answer

It varies doctor to doctor. It is more common if she is an independent practice. I have never had an HCg draw except when I had a miscarriage, I'm not sure if it is standard during the first appointment.  I am 9 weeks on Monday and that will be my first appointment, they will do an in office ultra sound (but, my doctor is independent so it is a very old machine and nothing fancy at all). I would t stress about it, three weeks will fly by. Best of luck!

First Dr. Appointment-Thoughts?

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