When is your first appointment?

[*Lindsey*]

With my two living children, my family practitioner never wanted to see me until I was 9-10 weeks along. It was nice b/c we were able to hear the heartbeat right away.

When I was pg last September with our angel, they said they now wanted to see pregnant moms earlier, like 6 weeks or so.

I saw my FP and MW in combination last time. I was planning a homebirth. We heard the hb at 11 weeks. At 15 weeks I began spotting, and discovered that our baby had died right around 11 weeks, right after we heard the hb.

The OB the performed the D&C offered to do an u/s at 8 weeks for my next pregnancy.

Here's where I'm at now: I like the idea of an early u/s to see that everything is ok, but everything was ok last time until 11 weeks. My plan is to wait until I'm 11 weeks and see my FP for my first appointment. Then I can see my MW the next week and hear the hb again. The 11 week mark is going to be hardest for me because of what happened last time.

Any thoughts?

So, when is your first appointment going to be?

[JamesMama]

I have an appt for blood work tomorrow. I'm going to see if I can talk my m/w into an 8 week U/S. I had an early m/c with my first pregnancy, before James. So it will be more for peace of mind than anything. I got to hear the h/b at 9 weeks with James. My m/w doesn't see anyone for pregnancy until after 12 weeks.

[StacieM]

Lindsey, I wrestled with this too. I was going to wait until 8 weeks so I could "for sure" see something on the u/s. But since my dr needs to "confirm" my pg before I "real" visit, I'm going in on March 15 - I'll be 6w3d then. I hope to keep going back until we see a heartbeat (hopefully only 1 more visit at most) and then schedule the next appt 4 weeks from that point.

You have no idea, well, no, I think you do, how terrifying the thought of going in to do an u/s is. I keep thinking that we won't see anything again. :(

[Heather Marie]

I went to see the MW last Friday to confirm the pregnancy, Q&A, and bloodwork. She also gave us a packet of info to read thru. It was a relaxed visit and I am glad she did it. Our next visit is March 16th to go over the bloodwork. She said this visit would be longer.

All my friends said the doctors around here don't see pregnant patients til after 12 weeks. I was really glad the MW wanted to see us right away.

[~Kira~]

Appointment w/ midwife will be April 2. With Dante, we saw a doctor and the first appointment wasn't until 12 weeks.




- Kira

[sorteep]

I get my 1st Beta tomorrow and another (plus a bunch of other crap) a week later.. my 1st real OB visit will be MArch 22nd.. I ma not sure what week that is 7 or 8 I think.. far enough to see a HB for sure if there is one.. we are crossing each bridge as it comes and not thinking too far ahead for self preservation
LAura
EDD 11/7/07

[LittleBrownDog]

I went in for a blood test last Monday (4 weeks) :o because I was getting wonky results with HPTs and I am impatient :) Didn't see anyone other than the lab tech though. We toured the birth center last week and they like to see new patients ASAP to talk nutrition and stuff, so I am going tomorrow afternoon!

[Stayseeliz]

We saw our OB with the first two at around 8w. They did an u/s then. This time I'm going in a 6w4d since my RE wants to do an u/s then. I'll be released to my regular OB after that.

I totally understand the fear and uncertainty of how to do things this time. I really hope to see the hb when I go in for my u/s but I know it's not a guarantee of anything and something can happen after that. But it will still be nice to see something then.

And Stacie the thought of the u/s scares me too. I doubt I'll sleep much on Thursday night. My traumatic u/s last June when they told me I would m/c was enough to freak me out about u/s for awhile! :hug

[Apryl Srissa]

We have an appt on 3/23 which will be at about 8 weeks. We also have a loss history, at about 8 weeks. So the next pregnancy, they did an early u/s at about 8 weeks, which was a huge relief. Then last time, I hadn't had any regular cycles yet, so another early one to set a due date. This time, I almost wish for it again, just to see that baby is really there, but I doubt I will have one then.

[Momma Aimee]

The OB office i am useing doesn't see moms till 10 to 12 weeks unless there is an issue

We had a mal-formed placenta last time so they are seeing us at week 8 -- maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe a US

I am starting week 6 now.

it is a long wait, I am worried

A

[monocyte]

In the same boat here.

My RE gave me the boot as far as beta's go, but offered an u/s at 6 weeks to check on things...but, its before that i loose them. Its like they are not hearing me about my loses. I guess they cant do much anyways, eh?

Going to see my mw on wed...but Im not sure what exactly more I want done.

[Momma Aimee]

:duck: :duck:

what is a RE

:duck: :duck: :duck:

[monocyte]

:duck: :duck:

what is a RE

:duck: :duck: :duck:

reproductive endocrinologist...I have some thyroid issues that might be keeping us from getting pg on our own...although, we were told NOT to get pg this month!!! SO much for not trying!! My hormones are so screwed up, I honestly dont know how this happed (except that I had to have O'd twice.)

[scheelimama]

Still a bit in shock and doubt even though I got a positive. I miscarried at 5 weeks last time, so until my cycle is officially late (Thursday) and we reach 5 weeks, I don't think I'll make an appt.

[Momma Aimee]

(except that I had to have O'd twice.)

TWINS ????????????????????????

[jen&james]

I have a appointment a week form today, I will be 6w 2d and we are getting a U/S. My Dr said that once you se a HB your risk of miscarriage drops to 2%. I hope he is right and we see our LBs heart.

[chubbycheeks]

I'm going on March 23. I'll be a little over 7 weeks based on my chart, but closer to 8 by the pregnancy wheel, lol.

[*Lindsey*]

Stacie M--You WILL see a baby this time. Everything is going to be perfect!

Stacey--Same for you, honey! Everything is going to be just fine.

Thanks everyone for responding. It's nice to see what everyone's plans are!

[jessicaSAR]

I don't plan to see anyone until about 12-14 weeks. Both of my miscarriages have been in the 12-16 week range. I will probably call the MW and give her a heads up, but I like to keep my prenatal visits to an absolute minimum, and I have no desire for an ultrasound or doppler or any AMA screening.

[StacieM]

Thanks Lindsey ~ I am feeling more hopeful these days. Who knows if it's warranted or not, but I really want to just enjoy the days I have - that means fully embracing that there is a baby in there growing and developing just fine. If it turns out differently, it won't be any easier by not being hopeful now.

[Azuluna]

I'm waiting until close to 10-12 weeks, probably. I know who I'm planning on seeing, but I am in the process of getting added to DP's insurance...looks like we're gonna get married :lol We're unconventional kinda folk, and have no religious convictions or anything for getting married, but the secular benefits are just too good to pass up with two kiddos! I don't think there will be an issue with coverage, but my fingers are crossed just in case. If they're buttheads about the pg, I guess we'll UC :wink

[Michaels-Mommy]

I went to see my doc on Monday. He confermed the pregnancy and did all the blood work and pap. My doc usually has a appt to conferm first but he always does it all in one for me. I'm still really worried of lossing this baby too, I have had a early miscarrage too.

[ChristyM26]

I just schedules my first appt today. She said that they take patients at 8 weeks, so I'll see the ob right before we leave for London (4 days before, actually) so that'll be good. So that's a month from now... Gee, that seems like a very short amount of time.

[Momma Aimee]

i am very anxious for my appt -- upset we had to wait till week 8, I knew at 10 days past O.....so for me waiting till week 8 is forever.....

but

there is nothing to do, or effect......the appt really won't mean anything....so i am not sure why I am so anxious for it.

Aimee

[scheelimama]

I am not anxious at all for my first appt. There is nothing excited to do or see. However, I am going to push for an early ultrasound. For two reasons. 1) My dh is deploying in 4-6 weeks and will miss most of the pregnancy. If we can slip in an ultrasound just before he leaves, it will mean a lot to him. 2) I feel very strongly in my spirit that we are having twins. I want to know for sure, so I can quit censoring my use of the word "babies" vs. "baby". I don't want to sound like a freak to the rest of the world.

[Momma Aimee]

sounds like two good reasons to me

A

[thirdchild]

I just called the doctor today and have an appointment for next Friday. I'll be 7 weeks. And my doctor always sends me for an 8 week ultra sound (This is my 6th pregnancy...so far three kids) so I'm sure he'll be schedualing that for the week after.

I was kinda going back and forth about whether to even call him! LOL I hate how long the 9 months goes when you start going to the doc so early. But I guess I'd rather see him and make sure everything is ok, then to be constantly wondering.
I have had a m/c and a molar pregnancy, and I have a blood clotting disorder and have had previous high blood pressure in pregnancy....the list could go on, I was on bed-rest for most of my first. Anyway let's just say I really did need to call him and I will feel better after the 8 week u/s :)

[FillingMyQuiver]

I emailed my MW last night and she said we have plenty of time to set up an appt., which was my feelings on it too. She's very laid back and not much goes on at appts anyway, measure, listens w/ fetoscope, feels around on my tummy (once I get bigger). Mostly it's discussion and a urine check. So there's really no need for me to rush an appt.
We're also not doing u/s this time around after DH has done some research and feels they're unnecessary.

[JamesMama]

Had my pregnancy comfirmation appt, my first 'real' appt is April 5

[caeden&connersmom]

I have my appointment with the midwife on March 29. First DR Ive seen since we moved, I am hoping this will be a good fit! I miss my ob!! :( He would get me right in, test my betas, I got early u/s with both boys, etc. He was just awesome!

I have no idea what the schedule is for u/s, etc. I will be 8/9 weeks at my appointment so we will hopefully be able to hear the hb at least!

[Bonawich]

I called our birthing center (where my DS was born) and managed to get a March 26th appointment - I think right at 8 weeks?. This is the earliest they would do a 1st appointment and they prefer to wait until 10 weeks, but.....I really want an ultrasound at 9 or 10 weeks (because of a previous miscarriage only discovered by a 10 week ultrasound), they don't do them at the birthing center and I know it will take 1 or 2 weeks after the midwife appointment to get the ultrasound appointment, so they agreed to March 26th. I'm pretty sure it will be too early to hear the heartbeat, but maybe?

[Organicavocado]

My midwife said I could see her anytime. I'm feeling pretty good about this pregnancy so I decided to see her on the 24th of this month :)

[mykidsrock]

I'm doing a UP, so I don't plan on seeing anyone EXCEPT for maybe one appt with a MW and that'll just be for pregnancy confirmation....helps when it comes time to apply for the birt cert.

[meisterfrau]

It's been quite the saga for me trying to find a care provider. My dd was born by CS at 37 weeks after I was diagnosed with PIH, had a failed induction, etc. She had some IUGR issues too. I have since been diagnosed with PCOS and chronic hypertension, and I am just generally not nearly as healthy as I was the last time around.

I want to have a VBAC, but I am not having a lot of luck finding a midwife that will see me. I have done a lot of research and soul-searching, and I just am not able to get comfortable with the idea of a HB in my situation, although I wish with all my heart that I could get there.

My OB with my first PG was far from perfect, but he was an excellent surgeon. My recovery was optimal, especially considering I was as sick as a dog from the PIH and attendant misery. That OB has left practice, leaving me with no one.

I finally found an OB to see me (so many are leaving practice that a lot of them aren't taking new patients here) after hours of jumping through hoops and playing games on the phone. I have a nurse's visit 3/19 and an OB visit 3/30. I have no idea what this practice's thoughts are about a VBAC in my situation. I'm not sure how many options I really have.

If you made it though my book, thanks for sticking with me.

[Momma Aimee]

Chrysta -- more tomorrow -- but i had to tell you how sorry i am about all the hoops..................

we'll all be here wioth you till the end

Aimee

[cheeseRjedi]

After my MW and I played phone tag for a few days, we set the appointment for March 22nd. I'll be 6+ weeks. Sounds like she's not filled up for early Nov. yet, so we're good to go. We are using the same midwife as we had for dd (except I didn't meet her till 6 months last time because I still lived in FL. )Anyways, yeah!!!

[FiberLover]

I just made my first 2 appointments!

One for early April, 8 weeks, and one for early May, 12 weeks, my CNMW said we'd hear the HB then!

I'm really excited.

[myjulybabes]

Called my OB this morning, first appointment is April 12 which is around 8 wks. I would have put it off, but I needed to talk to her about medication I'm currently taking (not a planned pregnancy!) so I went ahead and made the appt while I was on the phone.

I suspect she'll offer an ultrasound to see the heartbeat since I'm pretty heavy and carry my weight around my middle and hearing it by doppler is hard until further into the pregnancy. I don't know if I'll go for it or not. Hard to resist a chance to see the little stinker, but I know it's not necessary. I think I'll try to hold out for my 1 20wk u/s to make sure everythign looks good and to have a peek to see if we can tell the sex. I suppose that's not really "necessary" either, but I'm impatient like that! :lol

[scheelimama]

Well, I had my OB registration appt. today, but my real first appt. isn't until Apr. 24. I'm bummed. I'll be 11 weeks, they won't see you until you are 11 weeks. But I'm bummed because that is the week my dh is deploying and I was really hoping for an early ultrasound so dh could be involved with at least a small part of my pregnancy. He's going to miss it all. And also, because I have a strong suspicion that I'm carrying twins. But they won't do any ultrasound until 18-20 weeks unless there's some medically necessary reason. Oh well.

[shelley4]

my first appointment isn't until april 11.... i'll be 9 wks by then

[AimeeandBrian]

I have an info session for all new patients on the 27th of this month. Then, when we confirm that we really want to pay for a HB out of pocket, we make our appointment. I am already at the top of the list for Nov. births though.

[Grace24]

Just made an appt. for April 12th, which will be 8 weeks. Will they do an US then? Can you see the heartbeat?

It seems like a lot of women have had miscarriages, it's scaring me! I feel like I can't really enjoy this yet!

[Momma Aimee]

i don't think most pratices do a rountie US till 18 to 20 weeks.

They will use a doppler to hear the heartbeat -- it is AMAZING --

I think most of the moms here having early US have had a loss in the past....

I didn't have one will week 18 last time, and no one has said anything about an early one this time, despite my mis0formed placenta last time.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT -- they are all a blessing

A

[Grace24]

Thx Aimee that made me feel better :)

[Lexi_029]

March 22nd. I'll be almost 5 weeks (4w6d) pregnant and it's just the confirmation one, I believe.