What happens at a first appointment?

[rock_dr]

I'm going in next week for a first appointment with a new provider (MW at a birthing center). I've been told the actual appointment will last about 1.5 hours and would be 'similar to a normal ob/gyn appointment.' What does that mean? I'm planning to turn down a pap if offered (don't think this will be an issue), but I don't know if a pelvic exam is normally done this early? Are there blood tests (besides hcg) this early? Just would like to know what to expect and when...

[Jilian]

Well, I've never been to an appointment at a birth center but I can tell you what happened at my Midwife appointment when I was preg with DS. First she checked my cervix to make sure it was closed, then we went into her office and she took my history. She asked all about my health, diseases that ran in my family, etc. She discussed all the tests I would be offered during pregnancy and then told me about the foods to avoid and importance of diet and exercise. It took about an hour or so.

[rock_dr]

thank you jilian!

[wombatclay]

Pretty much what I had during ym first visit with a Family Practitioner...the appointment took a bit over an hour, they did a pelvic exam to check the cervix, took blood for a blood test and a urine sample, I filled out a packet of paperwork covering my medical history/family history/etc, and they got my basic "stats" (weight and blood pressure).

the rest of the appointment was discussing their care philosophy to make sure we were a good match, answering questions I had brought, and going over nutrition/exercise concerns.

I have my first appointment with a new care provider on Wednesday and I'm a bit nervous too!

[Ks Mama]

Ditto what everyone else said. What I would recommend, is to make a list of questions you have for your midwife/doc about pregnancy, birth, their philosophies & office policies, and what the hosptial/birth center policies are. If you're planning on having a doula, if this is acceptable/standard practice, etc. It's still so early, and if their answers don't jive with what you'd like for your birth experience, you can easily switch care providers at this point.

[Jilian]

I agree that having a list of questions is a good idea. Some important questions: What are you feelings on pregnancy that lasts over 40 weeks? How do you handle slow or stalled labors? In what cases do you reccomend a cesarean?

It sounds silly to be asking these questions so early, but they are important and if you don't like the answers you get there is still plenty of time to switch providers.