first exam

astridz077

They are not doing a US at my first appt.  I should be 7w6d at that point according to LMP.  Will my dr be able to tell A) if everything is ok? B)How far along I am?  C) Complications such as eptopic pg?  I hate to say it but I don't see a point of going to an exam that doesn't give me the important information.  What will they be able to see/tell?  I already know I'm pregnant, my BP and sugar are fine and my family history.  I don't need to have someone tell me that stuff.

PrimRoseMama

" Will my dr be able to tell A) if everything is ok? B)How far along I am? C) Complications such as eptopic pg? I hate to say it but I don't see a point of going to an exam that doesn't give me the important information. What will they be able to see/tell?"

A.) The exam with just eyes & fingers can't tell much. So "everything ok" would be hard to guarantee.

B.) At this point only a dating ultrasound could tell you baby's gestational age.

C.) unlikely, but if you had complications as you mention you would probably know by now.

You are expecting too much from a first appointment. They can run blood samples & urine samples. Check your BP etc.

You can call your office & ask these questions directly too. I'm sure that they can answer with more certainty that we can.

astridz077

that's kind of what I thought.  I may just cancel then.  I don't want to miss work this early on.  I don't have PTO so I don't wat to waste time/money on superfluous medical procedures.  I'll probably just schedule a US with a private US facility since my dr. doesn't even have a machine.

cMichelle0423

astridz077 said:

that's kind of what I thought.  I may just cancel then.  I don't want to miss work this early on.  I don't have PTO so I don't wat to waste time/money on superfluous medical procedures.  I'll probably just schedule a US with a private US facility since my dr. doesn't even have a machine.

It's still important to go to a first appt. Plus an elective ultrasound is basically just for fun, and their techs aren't supposed to give you any medical info. Not to mention, a lot of the elective places won't give you an ultrasound until after the first tri. Also, as a side note, I know a lot of drs won't see you after a certain point in your pregnancy, so it's definitely important to become an established patient.

astridz077

I guess I'm just missing the whole relevance of medical history.  I don't really have one.  I don't need any STD testing, my BP is fine, my sugar is good.  No HX of miscarriages, etc.  I just hate formalities.  I really want this whole thing as hands off as possible. Women had babies for thousands of years without having to dish out a co pay every 30 days.   There is no HX of genetic abnormality in my family and if something were wrong it isn't gong to change things to know about it.  Thank you for the advice.  I'll have to give it some thought I guess.

PrimRoseMama

astridz077 said:

I guess I'm just missing the whole relevance of medical history.  I don't really have one.  I don't need any STD testing, my BP is fine, my sugar is good.  No HX of miscarriages, etc.  I just hate formalities.  I really want this whole thing as hands off as possible. Women had babies for thousands of years without having to dish out a co pay every 30 days.   There is no HX of genetic abnormality in my family and if something were wrong it isn't gong to change things to know about it.  Thank you for the advice.  I'll have to give it some thought I guess.

How do you know "everything is good (BP/blood sugar)"? Knowing a potential health issues can help you arrange care sooner. I think you are seriously lacking awareness here.

This is your first pregnancy? Get your prenatal care.

normandyn7

My first appointment was 2 days after I got my BFP and I was 5 weeks based on the date of my last period.

My first appointment I didn't even see the doctor, just a nurse. She did a urine pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy (important because you never know), drew blood, talked about my family history (important especially if there is a history of illnesses or abnormal pap smears, which I have), and she gave me a bunch of information about pregnancy and what to expect at future appointments. It was actually very formative and I got to keep my clothes on.

My next appointment was at 8 weeks and that's when I got a pap smear and an internal dating ultrasound. I would say the 1st appointment is just as important especially if you have questions.

Don't just assume you don't have any BP or sugar issues either. Unless you are testing your blood sugar after every meal and taking your own blood pressure you have no idea what your body is doing. I had GD and I never would have known until I took the test at 26 weeks.

astridz077

Thank you for the advice. I guess I'm just frustrated because I did calls the drs. this past week and they kind of rushed me off. Im REALLY not a dr type to begin with so I'm sort of used to dealing with things on my own. I sincerely appreciate the advice and I will try not to make any decisions until im thru being an irrational pregnant whiny bitch.

24karat

astridz077 said:

Thank you for the advice. I guess I'm just frustrated because I did calls the drs. this past week and they kind of rushed me off. Im REALLY not a dr type to begin with so I'm sort of used to dealing with things on my own. I sincerely appreciate the advice and I will try not to make any decisions until im thru being an irrational pregnant whiny bitch.

You should absolutely keep your first appointment. Insurance will likely not cover any prenatal care till you are established and confirmed as a patient so yes, it is a necessary visit even if you don't get a dating u/s. Many insurances also don't cover u/s other than your 20wk anatomy scan unless you have complications. As PPs mentioned, it is also a time to get a feel for how your OB's office is and what to expect. It is not unimportant.

Getting an u/s at a boutique (actual medical offices require a doctor referral) instead of with your OB is not a good idea either because they can't tell you if anything is wrong or give any medical advice. If money is a concern, don't waste it there.

It's not safe to assume that you will have a complication-free pregnancy just because you are healthy. I hate going to the doctor and have near perfect health but have had two high risk pregnancies with multiple complications. Pregnancy is not something you should avoid medical care with.

astridz077

I have actually been to this ob's office in the past. I used to go there for my annuals but stopped because I'd end up waiting 3 hrs for a pap. I can afford the copays I just hate wasting money because I already work 8 part time jobs to make ends meet. The place that my OB apparently sends patients to for the US is one of those boutiques.I already called them and they bill their 2 D US' s as diagnostic procedures to get them covered by insurance. I dont want a 3D anyway so thats fine. I dont think it matters when you get to a dr. You are just a number anyway. I would most prefer a home birth with no medical intervention if possible but I don't think my husband will go for it.

mysticl

astridz077 said:

I guess I'm just missing the whole relevance of medical history.  I don't really have one.  I don't need any STD testing, my BP is fine, my sugar is good.  No HX of miscarriages, etc.  I just hate formalities.  I really want this whole thing as hands off as possible. Women had babies for thousands of years without having to dish out a co pay every 30 days.   There is no HX of genetic abnormality in my family and if something were wrong it isn't gong to change things to know about it.  Thank you for the advice.  I'll have to give it some thought I guess.

Well, knowing about it could change things because you would know how to deal with it.  If your baby has certain conditions you may need special baby gear. Also, you can research how to care for your child and what treatments are available.  I used to work for a plastic/reconstructive surgeon and when cleft lips/palates would show up on ultrasound he would meet the parents before the birth to discuss possible options.  He would be notified of the impending birth so that he or one of his residents could do the first exam as soon as possible after birth.  

One of the things they do at the first appointment is a pregnancy test.  To make sure you are actually pregnant and need any of the subsequent appointments.  

mysticl

Oh and as far as your BP being fine.  My BP is always fine.  Except when I was pregnant with my son.  I developed gestational hypertension and ended up being induced.  Just because it's fine now doesn't mean it will stay that way.  

newguardwife

astridz077 said:

my BP is fine.

I would add the while your BP may be fine now, it's important for you provider to have a baseline should it become elevated later on.

baloneydisc

There are many things that can happen with your body during pregnancy that you wouldn't necessarily know were happening and can change your care. I was borderline for pre-e & IUGR with my DD and had no noticeable symptoms (my BP was up, but it wasn't something I was monitoring and I didn't notice any effects from it). The first appointment might not seem important, but everything is done for a reason & your office will want baseline readings for things like your BP and weight.

ASmallWonder

I mean this sincerely - get used to a lot of seemingly "check the box" appointments for you AND your child.  That's actually what you want - the appointments where they ask you all the boring routine questions and your answers to them raise no red flags.  Well child visits are "Your kid weighs x and is y height.  They should be doing abc - are they? Good.  Do you have any concerns?  Ok see you in a few months."  Those are GOOD and boring appointments but necessary because you may not know something needs following up on unless or until someone asks you that one question.

astridz077

I should have clarified but the appointment is with a midwife not a dr. I already went 2 weeks ago for a pregnancy test (urine) and they confirmed it. My husband and I have been together for 15 yrs and married 12 of those so that's why I think the STD testing is superfluous. I will likely go to the appointment since you guys made it clear that one way or another I am going to be forced thru this visit. Just can't wait to get it over with at this point. I really just don't believe in drs. or hospitals and wish there was an alternative.

PrimRoseMama

FYI you can find a practice that used both CNM & OBs. Mine is this way. Prenatal care is important & it's really not about what you want, but what your baby needs. It's really not about you anymore.

PrimRoseMama

astridz077 said:

Just can't wait to get it over with at this point. I really just don't believe in drs. or hospitals and wish there was an alternative.

Well, there are alternatives, but they are usually not pleasant ones. I'm not exactly sure how you "believe in doctors or hospitals"? It's not really a belief system that one opts into. It's more of a development over hundreds of years that benefits society.

We've moved passed the dark ages and stuff, you know?

cMichelle0423

astridz077 said:

I should have clarified but the appointment is with a midwife not a dr. I already went 2 weeks ago for a pregnancy test (urine) and they confirmed it. My husband and I have been together for 15 yrs and married 12 of those so that's why I think the STD testing is superfluous. I will likely go to the appointment since you guys made it clear that one way or another I am going to be forced thru this visit. Just can't wait to get it over with at this point. I really just don't believe in drs. or hospitals and wish there was an alternative.

How exactly do you not believe in doctors or hospitals? They're not like leprechauns and Narnia...

astridz077

I thought that these boards are for discussing things and having opinion.  At least I've had the courtesy to not me nasty.  As for @morsebrooks  it's a good thing I didn't marry one of those guys you're talking about (150% sure of it).  Sorry if that's been your experience.

mysticl

astridz077 said:

I should have clarified but the appointment is with a midwife not a dr. I already went 2 weeks ago for a pregnancy test (urine) and they confirmed it. My husband and I have been together for 15 yrs and married 12 of those so that's why I think the STD testing is superfluous. I will likely go to the appointment since you guys made it clear that one way or another I am going to be forced thru this visit. Just can't wait to get it over with at this point. I really just don't believe in drs. or hospitals and wish there was an alternative.

No, you will not be forced through it.  You absolutely have the right to not have any prenatal care at all.  I think that would be a poor choice but you do have that choice.  However, if you choose to have prenatal care your provider is going to have you go through the preliminary blood and urine testing and medical history.  That's great you don't have much of a medical history, but your care provider needs to know that.  You and your husband are faithful to each other.  Great.  Has either of you ever once in your entire life had sex with another person?  If you haven't undergone testing since you became monogamous you could have a disease you don't know about.  And, yeah they don't really trust people who say they couldn't have diseases because some people lie, and some people are in denial. They need to see if your MMR vaccine is providing immunity.  If not you need to know so you can avoid areas that are having out breaks because you cannot be vaccinated during pregnancy. They need to know your blood type because of Rh factor issues and in case something goes wrong during delivery.  Even if you know your blood type they won't take your word for it.  They don't want to risk you being wrong.  

coffee89

How are you going to cope with the bi weekly/ weekly end of pregnancy appointments? The go something tike this: pee in a cup, wait for DR, doppler, mention any new symptoms, leave.

The establishment appointment wouldn't exist if it wasn't needed. Suck it up, your life is going to involve a lot of boring "useless" appointments for a number of years. I got a dating ultrasound at the OB I switched to at 11 weeks that I didn't know they were going to do until I showed up. My first OB that I left referred everyone out to an imaging center and wouldn't do one until the n/t around 13 weeks anyways. 

You WANT these people to have your information. These people need to know that your b/p, and weight, and CBC levels started somewhere so they can see any change. They need to know that something you don't think of as a big deal happened (I had 2 surgeries for kidney stones when I was 17...seems pointless to me to mention, but it was something my OB cared about because everything changes in pregnancy)

If you don't like your practice then leave them and find somewhere that is as hands off as possible, but you will still need an establishing appointment. It is never too late to decide you don't like your doctor and look around, but that looking around is a lot easier when you have some kind of record they can look at instead of just you waiting until you are halfway through to get the prenatal care that you are lucky enough to have access to.

peggels24

How do you know that your blood pressure and blood sugar is okay?  Do you monitor?

Some STD's can lay dormant for years.

They will draw your blood to determine your HCG levels (among other things).  This was very important when I miscarried as they could tell that HCG had decreased over time rather than increased.

They will be able to determine if you have any issues with your blood such as anemia (which can be potentially dangerous but easily treated).

Do you know your blood type?  This is important information as well for numerous reasons.

I am confused as to how you met the OB before when you went to them for annuals but you are now meeting with a midwife.  Was it a midwife who gave you your annuals?  If not, the meeting is important to meet the midwife as well - to make sure that you are comfortable with the care you will receive.  Additionally, they should go over the next steps and tell you what needs to be done.

I really hope you keep the appointment - good luck to you.

msmeg26

astridz077 said:

Thank you for the advice. I guess I'm just frustrated because I did calls the drs. this past week and they kind of rushed me off. Im REALLY not a dr type to begin with so I'm sort of used to dealing with things on my own. I sincerely appreciate the advice and I will try not to make any decisions until im thru being an irrational pregnant whiny bitch.

If your not a DR person... then look into a midwife center/ birthing center. A lot more personable in my experience. And more hands off. 

normandyn7

CrazyMonkeyBear said:

astridz077 said:

I thought that these boards are for discussing things and having opinion.  At least I've had the courtesy to not me nasty.  As for @morsebrooks  it's a good thing I didn't marry one of those guys you're talking about (150% sure of it).  Sorry if that's been your experience.

I'm sorry, but I don't really see where anyone was nasty to you. You may be sure, but people change. We were so sure about my uncle only to discover that he was cheating on my aunt for years.

I also thought my first appointment would be a waste of time. It turned out it wasn't. After the doctor took family history, I got an order for blood work to not only verify Rh factor and immunity but also to find out if I inherited a blood clotting disorder that one of my maternal aunts has (which caused her two consecutive losses) but no one else in my family does, at least, that we know of.

THIS! Do you know your blood type? If it is negative then they need to know so you can get your rhogam shot at 26 or 28 weeks (I can't remember which one) and again after birth.

argonne

smithaz602 said:

CrazyMonkeyBear said:

astridz077 said:

I thought that these boards are for discussing things and having opinion.  At least I've had the courtesy to not me nasty.  As for @morsebrooks  it's a good thing I didn't marry one of those guys you're talking about (150% sure of it).  Sorry if that's been your experience.

I'm sorry, but I don't really see where anyone was nasty to you. You may be sure, but people change. We were so sure about my uncle only to discover that he was cheating on my aunt for years.

I also thought my first appointment would be a waste of time. It turned out it wasn't. After the doctor took family history, I got an order for blood work to not only verify Rh factor and immunity but also to find out if I inherited a blood clotting disorder that one of my maternal aunts has (which caused her two consecutive losses) but no one else in my family does, at least, that we know of.

THIS! Do you know your blood type? If it is negative then they need to know so you can get your rhogam shot at 26 or 28 weeks (I can't remember which one) and again after birth.

 

You would also need the Rhogam shot if you experience any bleeding or, god forbid, miscarriage with this pregnancy.  If you are Rh-, and you don't get the shot and your blood mixes with your baby's blood (if baby is Rh+), your future pregnancies can be put at grave risk.

Seriously, OP, go to your appointment and all your other scheduled appointments.  It is important.  That first appointment gives your dr/mw/etc. a baseline on which to measure the rest of your pregnancy.  They do a full blood work-up, too as well as an urinalysis.  These initial labs can go a great way towards pinpointing issues you may not even know about.  Also, as far as your blood sugar being fine; with my first pregnancy I had GD.  I had no family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes, I was active and fit, yet I still got it.  Had it gone undiagnosed, I can't tell you if my son or I would be here and healthy today.  I am at that point in my pregnancy where I go every two weeks (soon to be every week).  Is it sometimes a pain for a 10 minute appointment? Yes.  However, it's important just in case they do find something concerning.

drpayne

If you're asking if it matters if you wait a couple of weeks, no it typically does not.  I'll be almost 11 weeks at my first appt with my midwife and that's not unusual.  They wait because you can't hear a HB until around 10 weeks anyway.  Now, if I was a new patient maybe they'd want to see me sooner... I really don't know.  This is my 3rd baby with them.   

I will say it's tough to listen to someone complain about a $30 copay, though.  Everything is out of pocket for us

Meery82

astridz077 said:

I really just don't believe in drs. or hospitals and wish there was an alternative.

Until you really need one.

Go to your Dr appointments. You owe it to your baby to get good prenatal care.

welly01

astridz077 said:

They are not doing a US at my first appt.  I should be 7w6d at that point according to LMP.  Will my dr be able to tell A) if everything is ok? B)How far along I am?  C) Complications such as eptopic pg?  I hate to say it but I don't see a point of going to an exam that doesn't give me the important information.  What will they be able to see/tell?  I already know I'm pregnant, my BP and sugar are fine and my family history.  I don't need to have someone tell me that stuff.

OP, I didn't read through all the previous comments, but my OB doesn't usually schedule a first appt until 8-9 weeks.  At that time, an ultrasound is done and you would really be able to see the baby.  Maybe just ask for the doctor to schedule it a little later so the appointment is more "relevant" to you?

Cat&S

Some things I haven't seen mentioned yet:

Unless your insurance is one of the old, grandfathered in policies, prenatal visits (AFAIK) count as well visits, and you only have to pay a co-pay for your first visit. No co-pay with subsequent visits.

At my 8w appointment, they took 7 vials of blood. It's the most blood work of the entire pregnancy, and they test for lots of things, including checking to see whether you're immune to measles and other diseases. Even if you've been vaccinated, it can wear off.

I did have a dating u/s. If you're not particularly happy with the office you go to and they don't have in office u/s, why not look for a new practice?

astridz077

@peggels24 yesthe office I'm going to is a midwives office and that's where I've had annuals in the past.  There aren't alot of options where I live so I was going to the midwives office for my annuals.  i think part of the problem may be that since there aren't many places to go, this particular office gets swamped.  They have you waiting around for hours and they have a pretty high staff turnover so you never see the same person twice.  Again there aren't alot of options.

To everyone else who doesn't quite understand my lack of faith in medical professionals I will provide an example.  A number of years back I had to go for fairly minor surgery.  About 2 months later the bills start rolling in.  The dr. claimed the surgery took place in his office and billed as such.  The anesthesiologist claimed I had surgery in the hospital OR and billed as such.  The hospital claimed I had surgery in the emergency room and billed as such.  I mailed all 3 parties plus the insurance company copies of all the bills and explained that since my surgery in no way divided my ass by 3, I could not have been in all those places getting the same procedure, at the same time.  I never heard from any of them again.

The point of this story is that I would like to spend my pregnancy taking care of myself and not waste my time with a bunch of bill padding crooks.

The original question in this thread was to ask if the first appointment will be able to provide me with certain information that I WOULD like to know.  That has clearly been answered as a definitive no.  I thank everyone sincerely for there advice and comments and apologize that this particular thread seemed to agitate so many.  I wish everyone on these boards a healthy  and happy pregnancy. 

marathonmommy82

You've gotten good advice here.

If you don't want to know/ somehow know yourself if you have high blood pressure, protein in your urine, gestational diabetes, unknown STD, need a rhogam shot, have low iron, etc. --- then by all means don't get prenatal care. You certainly sound like an expert.

Jenrileysmom

TrishieTerp said:

You've gotten good advice here. If you don't want to know/ somehow know yourself if you have high blood pressure, protein in your urine, gestational diabetes, unknown STD, need a rhogam shot, have low iron, etc. --- then by all means don't get prenatal care. You certainly sound like an expert.

=D>

allrightmeow

astridz077 said:

@peggels24 yesthe office I'm going to is a midwives office and that's where I've had annuals in the past.  There aren't alot of options where I live so I was going to the midwives office for my annuals.  i think part of the problem may be that since there aren't many places to go, this particular office gets swamped.  They have you waiting around for hours and they have a pretty high staff turnover so you never see the same person twice.  Again there aren't alot of options.

To everyone else who doesn't quite understand my lack of faith in medical professionals I will provide an example.  A number of years back I had to go for fairly minor surgery.  About 2 months later the bills start rolling in.  The dr. claimed the surgery took place in his office and billed as such.  The anesthesiologist claimed I had surgery in the hospital OR and billed as such.  The hospital claimed I had surgery in the emergency room and billed as such.  I mailed all 3 parties plus the insurance company copies of all the bills and explained that since my surgery in no way divided my ass by 3, I could not have been in all those places getting the same procedure, at the same time.  I never heard from any of them again.

The point of this story is that I would like to spend my pregnancy taking care of myself and not waste my time with a bunch of bill padding crooks.

The original question in this thread was to ask if the first appointment will be able to provide me with certain information that I WOULD like to know.  That has clearly been answered as a definitive no.  I thank everyone sincerely for there advice and comments and apologize that this particular thread seemed to agitate so many.  I wish everyone on these boards a healthy  and happy pregnancy. 

QFP

So a billing issue has rocked your faith in doctors?  You are aware that the great majority of doctors don't actually deal with billing right? 

My mother found out she needed a rhogam shot when she was pregnant with me after her first appointment.  Thank goodness because of a lab error she almost didn't get it when she was pregnant with my sister.  She was able to alert them and get the shot.  You keep going on about the "first" appointment but it doesn't matter when you go in they are still going to need to fill out a history, draw blood, take urine, send it to a lab, wait for results etc.  There is no magical way to just give you the information YOU want right then and there.  

coffee89

Also if your office doesn't do in house u/s you won't be getting one right away by waiting until you are 15 weeks or whatever, you'll still have to go through the initial appointment and be referred out.

Most doctors etc have bulling departments and it's pretty common to get something messed up and as the person being billed it is your job to make sure things look okay and to follow up with any problems or questions. Yes, medical care is expensive and yes those huge bills piss me off. In 2013 I have a whopping 10 incorrect bills that just needed one phone call to the right person to get the right info in (be that the billing dept. entering one wrong number when coding/not understanding how to bill my insurance company or my insurance to get something to clear because they needed more info from me.)

I just can't imagine having access to good medical care and just saying it is too inconvenient for you to take care of your child.

drpayne

astridz077 said:

@peggels24 yesthe office I'm going to is a midwives office and that's where I've had annuals in the past.  There aren't alot of options where I live so I was going to the midwives office for my annuals.  i think part of the problem may be that since there aren't many places to go, this particular office gets swamped.  They have you waiting around for hours and they have a pretty high staff turnover so you never see the same person twice.  Again there aren't alot of options.

To everyone else who doesn't quite understand my lack of faith in medical professionals I will provide an example.  A number of years back I had to go for fairly minor surgery.  About 2 months later the bills start rolling in.  The dr. claimed the surgery took place in his office and billed as such.  The anesthesiologist claimed I had surgery in the hospital OR and billed as such.  The hospital claimed I had surgery in the emergency room and billed as such.  I mailed all 3 parties plus the insurance company copies of all the bills and explained that since my surgery in no way divided my ass by 3, I could not have been in all those places getting the same procedure, at the same time.  I never heard from any of them again.

The point of this story is that I would like to spend my pregnancy taking care of myself and not waste my time with a bunch of bill padding crooks.

The original question in this thread was to ask if the first appointment will be able to provide me with certain information that I WOULD like to know.  That has clearly been answered as a definitive no.  I thank everyone sincerely for there advice and comments and apologize that this particular thread seemed to agitate so many.  I wish everyone on these boards a healthy  and happy pregnancy.

TBH, it sounds like you are the one who doesn't understand how billing works.  You'll almost always get separate bills from the dr., anesthesiologist and surgical center. 

Regardless, letting one bad experience dictate your approach to prenatal care is just ignorant.  You can definitely wait until later in first tri but you need to go.

normandyn7

I'm sorry but your excuse for not liking doctors is ridiculous to me. I didn't have insurance for my whole pregnancy and we have thousands upon thousands of dollars in medical bills. When I went into preterm labor at 26 weeks I didn't think twice about how much it would cost to stay in the hospital. The only thing that mattered was making sure my son was healthy. We went to every appointment and got every test that my doctor recommended even though we had to pay out of pocket for it. My son is healthy now and that's all that matters. Get prenatal care.

LnR70707

I hear Lifetime is going to have a new show featuring unassisted birth in the wild, maybe OP should just go that route.

Sarah1253

This may have been mentioned but If you don't know your blood type you will want to find that out. I am A- and if my husband is positive it means I will need to get a shot later in the pregnancy to protect the baby. I guess its common but if you have any bleeding you need to get the shot.