How soon did you get your first prenatal appointment?

Question

I was surprised when the clerk at the clinic told me they don’t start prenatal appointments until 12 weeks. Even the midwives wouldn’t consider taking me until 8 weeks. What are women supposed to do for the first trimester? Rely on Dr Google and library books? This very delicate and important process is happening inside our bodies, yet there are no professionals to provide a 10-minute rundown or even a pamphlet? I assume this is due to the miscarriage rate in the first trimester and an overworked medical system. Luckily I have a few friends who have recently given birth or are currently pregnant, so that’s helpful. But it made me wonder...

Answer

I think it depends on the office/practice you go to (here in the US). For me my office has you come in between 4-5 weeks to “confirm” pregnancy and check hormone, progesterone and blood type. As well as give you the packet that goes over basic guidelines on what’s safe and what’s not. I like this because it makes me feel validated as well as not being treated as if my pregnancy isn’t “real” until after 12 weeks. Because as we all know it’s very much real to us as soon as we see that second line! And I always wonder about certain offices doing that too because for a lot of first time moms they don’t know what’s safe or what’s not safe to take or what symptoms or ok and what’s not. And that can leave you feeling very lost! In my opinion 🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

Lol you will be fine. Take your prenatals and self educate. There’s ton on info out there for you to read on

Answer

They do that because you usually get an ultrasound and you can’t see anything till about the 8 weeks mark. That’s why.

Answer

I went at 5 weeks because I am type one diabetic and considered high risk. Then I started going every 2 weeks to see my drs .. ITs so time consuming and just glad every visit has been good so far! 23 weeks now so many more appointments lol

Answer

mine is fine to take me at 5 weeks but not for an ultrasound just to give me a run down on prenatals etc. most miscarriages happen become of chromosomal abnormalities also. But I do believe some women should be tested for BV because it’s so harsh in first trimester. Although uti and yeast infection aren’t harmful most ladies get bv and don’t even know it and end up miscarrying. Or maybe from stress or something. But I do agree i feel like all women should be tested for infections then be brought in at however many weeks for ultrasound and heartbeat

Answer

Mine is at almost 11 weeks

Answer

My midwives were 10 weeks. There really isn’t anything to do between week 4-10 anyways. Unless there are issues then you go to your family doctor, clinic or in some cases the ER

Answer

At my office, we have an appt with an OB coordinator. She gives a rundown of what we can and can’t do during pregnancy, what testing options they have, then she sends orders for blood work to be done after the appt. At 8 weeks, first ultrasound then another ultrasound with my doctor between 10-12 weeks. I have miscarried though, so now I get an ultrasound at 6 weeks for this pregnancy.

How soon did you get your first prenatal appointment?

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