When's your doctor visit?

[Baby_Cakes]

So, this is my first pregnancy and I'm completely unaware of what to do now. I got the name of a group of midwives from my GP, they work with ob/gyns. Do I just call them up and tell them I got a positive test and would like to make an appointment? Is it too early?

I see a lot of women getting their betas tested early (like where I am now, 14DPO) so what did I miss? Was I supposed to go already? I feel like the new kid in school!!

What are you guys all doing?

[leurMaman]

Hey there!

I have just called the birth center (here's the one I'm hoping to go to: http://www.eastsidebirthcenter.com/) and left a voice message for a midwife. I'll probably set up an appointment for sometime next month to give it a couple weeks to get established. For a first timer, though, you can go right away. It really depends on the care-giver. With my first, I made an appointment the week after I knew and got blood drawn (to confirm pregnancy) and saw a doctor who went over very basic pregnant advice (avoid large fish like tuna, shark, ahi-ahi, no smoking, no alchohol, etc. etc.) I was so excited and really enjoyed that early on. With my last one, I went in by 7 weeks to make sure it was going well (got an 8 wk U/S and blood work to put my mind at ease after the M/C the pregnancy before at 8 weeks). I don't think I'll get an early U/S this time, but I will get the blood drawn to see HCG results.

Go ahead and call:) It is a good time to start "shopping" around for your care-giver. You can do mini meet-and-greet visits to "interview" and see if you like the care-giver. It is a big decision. They'll tell you when they like to see you.

Congratulations! I'll let you know when I set an appointment.

Mandi

[Baby_Cakes]

Thanks, Mandi!

I guess my biggest question is do I need to get a blood test to confirm the pregnancy? I've gotten 2 positive tests and my temps are still high. Is there a medical need to get this blood test done if all it does is prove what I already know?

[paquerette]

I'm pretty late in sept so I'll say hi!

There's certainly no medical need for a blood test to confirm. Last time I got one at 3 months or so to get insurance, other than that I wouldn't have bothered.

However, if midwives are in short supply in your area, it can't hurt to reserve your "spot" asap! So I'd go ahead and call them. :)

[NotTheOnlyOne]

I am opting not to get beta's done this time. I did with my ds and it was a lot of stress during the waiting. I have an appt with my ob on Feb 1st to do a sono and check for a heartbeat.

[DreamsInDigital]

I guess I'd be the weirdo October mommy. I won't be having any testing at all this pregnancy. We are UPing and possibly UCing, although my DH has expressed that while he is comfortable with a UC, he does want some help cleaning up after the birth. My midwife from my last birth basically just sat and watched while we birthed our baby without any assistance from her and we may go that route again. She didn't require me to do any testing and we did not have regular prenatals. I'm not sure yet, but I do want my DH to be able to be there for me and not having to worry about the little things like cleaning up and such. I'm leaning more towards hiring the same midwife again just because I really vibe with her and she is an amazing woman. Her apprentice is really awesome too. They're both MDC mamas. :love

[ibusymomto5]

My midwives typically want to see me for the first time around 12 weeks/when they can hear the heartbeat. I may call fairly soon, just so I can have a better pick of appointment times.

[ibusymomto5]

I guess I'd be the weirdo October mommy. I won't be having any testing at all this pregnancy. We are UPing and possibly UCing, although my DH has expressed that while he is comfortable with a UC, he does want some help cleaning up after the birth. My midwife from my last birth basically just sat and watched while we birthed our baby without any assistance from her and we may go that route again. She didn't require me to do any testing and we did not have regular prenatals. I'm not sure yet, but I do want my DH to be able to be there for me and not having to worry about the little things like cleaning up and such. I'm leaning more towards hiring the same midwife again just because I really vibe with her and she is an amazing woman. Her apprentice is really awesome too. They're both MDC mamas. :love


That sounds awesome! I've used the same mws for all 5 of my hbs. I like them, but I've watched them become more and more medical over the years to the point now where I really don't like the prenatals anymore. Too technical for my taste, but way better than going to an ob too. I have to play by their rules if I want them to attend the birth though, and I can see their side of needing to cover themselves from a liability standpoint too. At least when it comes time for the actual birth they are extremely hands off and respect our space. I like it basically like you do. I want someone there for just in case and for clean up, but the actual labor and birth I like privacy and space.

[Baby_Cakes]

I just made my first appointment today with an obgyn office, but I'll be seeing the midwife on staff, Katie. I'm going on February 5th! I'll be just under 6 weeks along.

So...what happens at this first appointment? For all you mamas who have already been through this, what should I expect this early?

Dreams - This being my first, I'm a little too nervous not to do any tests, but I admire you for doing it your way. I hope one day to do it the way you're doing it! Hey - wait - did you get your BFP and I haven't read about it yet???

**runs off to check The One Thread**

[NotTheOnlyOne]

the first appts for me will be a intravaginal sono checking for the gestational sac and maybe a heartbeat. Other than that... not much. They might to blood pressure and pee in a cup to verify the pregnancy for insurance.

[DreamsInDigital]

Now that we officially got our BFP, my DH has said that he would like for us to hire our midwife again, mostly for the postpartum cleanup and cutting the cord. He says the thought of cutting the cord makes him queasy. I don't blame him, honestly.

[nhapmom]

i made an appt. w/ my MW for 2/4. :) she will prob. make me pee in a cup! but thats going to be it. ill be so happy to see her again!

[Lexi_029]

February 5th but only for the medical history visit. I'm sure they'll schedule a midwife appointment soon after that though because I'm not 100% on the due date and they'll want to do an early ultrasound.