What usually happens at the first OB appointment?

[Maxine45]

What can I expect at my first OB appt?

I already had an annual exam scheduled for a few weeks from now. . . I'm not sure if that will count as my first OB appt or not.

Will they do lots of routine tests? Are they all necessary?

I've never been through this.

[midwestmom]

usually it is filled with alot of info gathering...for you and provider. Provider will tell you things to avoid (foodwise, medwise), what to expect as far as visits go and answer any questions you may have. This is a good time to discuss your birthing philosophy to make sure that this provider will work out for you. Many will get some bloodwork as well. I am fine with this as I look at it as information gathering and I have had some history of anemia. Some do ultrasounds, but I find this to be unnecessary unless you have absolutely no idea when your LMP was or when you are due. The bottom line is-you are in control of what goes on with your body and if something seems unnecessary, decline until you can do more research.

[luckymama]

hi! it depends on your provider, but i think you can expect them to take medical history and such ... lots of paperwork, if i recall correctly ... my previous OB did bloodwork, u/s and other stuff, but she also didn't see me until 13 weeks. this time, my m/w did a quick exam to check the size of my uterus, and then she asked to do a quick u/s, which we did ... but she will not order bloodwork or anything until next appt.

i have waived some of the tests before ... i think i would have passed on more tests last time around if i had known better, but my foggy brain can't recall what they were. definitely do your research - i learned a ton last time around!