Confirming Pregnancy

vinerie

I see a lot of folks write things like "I think my due date is X, but I will know for sure once my doctor confirms my pregnancy this week." 

What does that mean?  Is going in to the doctor shortly after receiving a BFP standard?  My appt, isn't until 8 weeks and that is a long time to wait for a "confirmation." I asked if I should come in early and was told my HPT was as good as anything they would test me with in the office. So I guess my question is: How does one get in for a "confirmation?" Is this something I should be concerned that my practice is not offering? I have really good insurance, so I'm a little baffled why so many folks seem to be going in for early blood draws and I'm not. I know some have unfortunately experienced early losses, hence the early doctor appts., but I was curious if others were going in before 8 weeks and if that is standard at your practice. 

saladflambe

Some doctor's offices do blood tests to confirm pregnancy.

My midwife group does a urine test at 8 weeks to confirm pregnancy. It's the same as what I do at home.

megnwingate

Nothing to be worried about at all. Some practices require a blood draw to test bets and progesterone, especially if you have a history of m/c

Most OBs will have your due date from your LMP unless there is a significant difference in measurements. I know when I O'd with DD my OB wouldn't change my due date even though I knew.

countrygrl5533

My doc only does a urine test so I haven't even called yet. Plus, it's not my first pregnancy so there isn't anything they can tell me I don't already know. So I probably won't be going in until 8 weeks or so.

Some women have had m/c or infertility issues so they do go to get confirmation. I did have a m/c a month ago but my doc isn't even remotely concerned about it, hence I won't see her for another few weeks. Plus, I'm highly oppossed to paying $50 to pee in a cup and be told " Yup, you're pregnant." lol. So totally putting it off.

vinerie

megnwingate said:

Nothing to be worried about at all. Some practices require a blood draw to test bets and progesterone, especially if you have a history of m/c Most OBs will have your due date from your LMP unless there is a significant difference in measurements. I know when I O'd with DD my OB wouldn't change my due date even though I knew.

That's really interesting. Over at the TTGP board we had an interesting thread about OBGYN's and temping/charting. The general consensus was they didn't really care to look at charts. So what you said about the dr. not changing the due date even though you know when you O'd seems to be consistent with the TTGP ladies' experiences. Weird! 

megnwingate

vinerie said:

megnwingate said:

Nothing to be worried about at all. Some practices require a blood draw to test bets and progesterone, especially if you have a history of m/c

Most OBs will have your due date from your LMP unless there is a significant difference in measurements. I know when I O'd with DD my OB wouldn't change my due date even though I knew.

That's really interesting. Over at the TTGP board we had an interesting thread about OBGYN's and temping/charting. The general consensus was they didn't really care to look at charts. So what you said about the dr. not changing the due date even though you know when you O'd seems to be consistent with the TTGP ladies' experiences. Weird! 

This particular OB did look at my charts and supports NFP, he wouldn't even prescribe BC or IUD

lalala2004

vinerie said:

megnwingate said:

Nothing to be worried about at all. Some practices require a blood draw to test bets and progesterone, especially if you have a history of m/c

Most OBs will have your due date from your LMP unless there is a significant difference in measurements. I know when I O'd with DD my OB wouldn't change my due date even though I knew.

That's really interesting. Over at the TTGP board we had an interesting thread about OBGYN's and temping/charting. The general consensus was they didn't really care to look at charts. So what you said about the dr. not changing the due date even though you know when you O'd seems to be consistent with the TTGP ladies' experiences. Weird! 

---qbf---

Fortunately this works in my favor. My doctor doesn't see women for OB until they are 9 weeks, but I'm getting in at just shy of 7 since they are going from LMP. Thank you long cycle and short LP.

mightylady

I keep thinking about making an appointment prior to what I believe is 10 weeks since I don't really know when we conceived. I was on the depo shot and never got my cycle back before getting pregnant. So I am just doing some serious guess work based on when DH and I dtd and when I got my BFP. But none of that is exact science.

helleebellee

It definitely depends on your dr and your situation. My dr sees me early because of recurring miscarriages. He also knows I know my cycles extremely well (mostly) and will adjust due dates based on my charts, and ultrasounds, of course. With my first few kids, my first appointments were 12 weeks and later. My Drs standard used to be 12, then 10, and now it's 8. I wouldn't worry!

and_peggy

I wouldn't worry about it. It's pretty standard for your OB not to see you until 8 weeks. I went in for a blood draw this past week and I have an appointment this Friday because I had a m/c in May. My OB is pretty great and saw me at 5 weeks last time though, just because I really wanted them to. Don't worry!

Pepper6

For normal pregnancies (no history of losses) there's really no point to see your doctor earlier than 8 weeks. A hpt is actually more sensitive than the test Dr's use, so if you're home test days you're pregnant, then you're pregnant.

However, some Dr's do a 1st tri u/s which occurs between 8-10 weeks to confirm due date. It's not necessary though and many Dr's only do the anatomy scan at 20 weeks add their only u/s.

babymaldo

No need to worry. I had blood work at 3w6d only because of a m/c 4 months ago. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't even make an Appt until I was close to 10 weeks or so. I kind of feel like all the early monitoring is usually a waste of ins money.

RachieTK

Depends on the practice not the insurance. My coworker's practice won't see her til 8 weeks, and my doctor did blood work at 4 weeks.

bellamamma23

Pepper6 said:

For normal pregnancies (no history of losses) there's really no point to see your doctor earlier than 8 weeks. A hpt is actually more sensitive than the test Dr's use, so if you're home test days you're pregnant, you're pregnant.

This. That's exactly what's doctor said. No need to worry, but I know, it's sucks waiting!

lest12

@pepper6 - HI THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!

KristieA

LOL I thought that the confirming pregnancy thing was going to be a big deal. My GP called me, asked why do you think your pregnant? I responded with I got a BFP. Then she said good, congratulations you're expecting- call the midwives to book in for your booking appointment at 10 weeks.

if everything in the NHS could be that easy!

lest12

My dr's office makes you come in early for a million blood tests.  They're a bit excessive about it, if you ask me.  I'm 6 weeks today and I've only already had 2 blood draws, and tomorrow is an US and a full blood work up. 

They will give me the due date based on the ultrasound.  Then they base all of the other screenings off of that US (like the anatomy scan, genetic testing, etc).

Every office is just different.  I think mine is just a little over the top.  With everything, not just when I'm pregnant though.  I love my doctor but I sometimes get a sense that the overly cautious approach has more to do with policies and procedures of the healthcare network that he is part of, and I'm not sure if its a "cover your ass" or a "get insurance money" kind of thing.  The hospital was the same way.

seashellz1223

Since we had just started treating with an RE they brought me in this morning for a blood draw to confirm pregnancy and check progesterone. I called my OB first though and they didn't want to see me til October 10th! Now that I got my blood draw I'm even more anxious awaiting the results (in case all the BFPs were somehow all in my head!) :-S

vinerie

Really appreciate the responses, everyone! 

gooberdoofus95

Most mommas want to hear the heartbeat when they go for there appointments and you usually can't hear it until around 12 weeks. Unless you have problems there's no need to come in early! I finally got into my doctors office when I was 36 weeks with DD2 so I don't know what to expect this early but I have my first appt next Tuesday when I'm 6 weeks.

Kennedy0830

Just had my first appointment today at 6w3d (even though I think I'm less than 6 weeks due to ovulating later). All they did was blood work and tell me the "do's and don'ts". They said they wouldn't schedule an appointment until my hcg was at 5,000 and progesterone was at 15.

Just got the call back that my hcg was 8300 and progesterone was 25 so my ultrasound is scheduled for next Wednesday!

I am thankful my OB allows early testing/scheduling as it's putting my already-crazy-mind at ease.

KKMalinowski

@Kennedy0830 I had my 1st appt this morning too and I met the dr then she lined me up for labs US etc in a line before meeting back with the dr. Apparantly I'm only 4 weeks not 6-7 like my LMP and so it was tough not seeing anything on the VUS so I almost see the point in waiting!!! More labs Friday and hoping for good numbers.

Kennedy0830

@KKMalinowski sending lots of good vibes your way! I know the feeling of thinking you're so far along and then they kick you back a week or so... Feel like I'll be 6 weeks for 2 weeks now!

concreteayngel

gooberdoofus95 said:

Most mommas want to hear the heartbeat when they go for there appointments and you usually can't hear it until around 12 weeks. Unless you have problems there's no need to come in early! I finally got into my doctors office when I was 36 weeks with DD2 so I don't know what to expect this early but I have my first appt next Tuesday when I'm 6 weeks.

That's not right. The heart starts beating between 5 and 6 weeks. Usually if you CAN'T see/hear it by 8 weeks, that's bad news. 

hkoons

My doc did a blood test to confirm the HPT. When that came back with an HCG of 698, we scheduled an appointment for 10/9. She said they schedule you between 7 & 9 weeks.

bvdk44

I'm 6w3d and have had 3 blood draws to ensure hcg was doubling due to trouble conceiving. I have my 1st appt with the OB on 9/22 but I'm going in 9/14 for an ultrasound bc the OB said that the results help her during the 1st appt. I guess it just all depends on your doctor/hospital group?

JRTWM

With my 1st, my caculated due date was March 3rd. After ultrasound it became March 12th. If you're irregular this can happen.

DutchLucyLu

concreteayngel said:

gooberdoofus95 said:

Most mommas want to hear the heartbeat when they go for there appointments and you usually can't hear it until around 12 weeks. Unless you have problems there's no need to come in early! I finally got into my doctors office when I was 36 weeks with DD2 so I don't know what to expect this early but I have my first appt next Tuesday when I'm 6 weeks.

That's not right. The heart starts beating between 5 and 6 weeks. Usually if you CAN'T see/hear it by 8 weeks, that's bad news. 

My practice's website says they don't listen to the heartbeat until you're 12 weeks. I don't know why that is, but I don't question it. My first appointment is just going to be a blooddraw and lots of questions about lifestyle and genetics. They might poke me in the gut to see if they can feel my ute, but I'm not sure if that'll do much good with all my flabby bits getting in the way at 7 weeks.

I can understand why people would want to confirm their due date, though, (rather than the pregnancy) if they don't know for sure when they ovulated. Going by my LMP I would be nearly two weeks further along than I actually am, but I've always had long cycles and I know when I O'ed. Midwife is going to date my pregnancy/determine the due date through ultrasound somewhere between 10 and 12 weeks.

JessicaB0627

gooberdoofus95 said:

Most mommas want to hear the heartbeat when they go for there appointments and you usually can't hear it until around 12 weeks. Unless you have problems there's no need to come in early! I finally got into my doctors office when I was 36 weeks with DD2 so I don't know what to expect this early but I have my first appt next Tuesday when I'm 6 weeks.

I'm sorry, what?? You didn't see a doctor until you were 36 weeks..??

concreteayngel

DutchLucyLu said:

concreteayngel said:

gooberdoofus95 said:

Most mommas want to hear the heartbeat when they go for there appointments and you usually can't hear it until around 12 weeks. Unless you have problems there's no need to come in early! I finally got into my doctors office when I was 36 weeks with DD2 so I don't know what to expect this early but I have my first appt next Tuesday when I'm 6 weeks.

That's not right. The heart starts beating between 5 and 6 weeks. Usually if you CAN'T see/hear it by 8 weeks, that's bad news. 

My practice's website says they don't listen to the heartbeat until you're 12 weeks. I don't know why that is, but I don't question it. My first appointment is just going to be a blooddraw and lots of questions about lifestyle and genetics. They might poke me in the gut to see if they can feel my ute, but I'm not sure if that'll do much good with all my flabby bits getting in the way at 7 weeks.

I can understand why people would want to confirm their due date, though, (rather than the pregnancy) if they don't know for sure when they ovulated. Going by my LMP I would be nearly two weeks further along than I actually am, but I've always had long cycles and I know when I O'ed. Midwife is going to date my pregnancy/determine the due date through ultrasound somewhere between 10 and 12 weeks.

Oh, I see. As harsh as it sounds, with m/c being as common as it is, they probably don't want to waste time giving u/s to women in early pregnancy, when statistically, 1/4 of them or more will not carry to term.

penelope4612

I just found out from my dr's office that they do a phone call with the nurse at 6 weeks and then your first in person appt is 10 weeks.  The receptionist said they "listen for the heartbeat" at 10 weeks so I'm guessing no ultrasound yet.  I'll clarify with the nurse about when my ultrasound will be after I speak with her on Monday (according to my LMP I'm 6 weeks but I know I'm really only a little over 4 based on a super late ovulation date).  

I know there's not a lot of medical indication for an early ultrasound, but I can't help being nervous that something is wrong and I feel like the only thing that will reassure me is seeing the baby in there!

skiingstark

Mine would not scheduale till 8 weeks, then I pushed it off to 10 weeks so I did not need to take time off work and they said there would be no issue waiting the long. It is a bit nerve wracking but I want all the sick days when I really need it.

shannonandy

I went for early blood work because of a previous MC and because I am 35, it just depends on your situation. But if you have Insurance and ask for a blood test I imagine they would order it?

lalala2004

concreteayngel said:

concreteayngel said:

gooberdoofus95 said:

Most mommas want to hear the heartbeat when they go for there appointments and you usually can't hear it until around 12 weeks. Unless you have problems there's no need to come in early! I finally got into my doctors office when I was 36 weeks with DD2 so I don't know what to expect this early but I have my first appt next Tuesday when I'm 6 weeks.

That's not right. The heart starts beating between 5 and 6 weeks. Usually if you CAN'T see/hear it by 8 weeks, that's bad news. 

My practice's website says they don't listen to the heartbeat until you're 12 weeks. I don't know why that is, but I don't question it. My first appointment is just going to be a blooddraw and lots of questions about lifestyle and genetics. They might poke me in the gut to see if they can feel my ute, but I'm not sure if that'll do much good with all my flabby bits getting in the way at 7 weeks.

I can understand why people would want to confirm their due date, though, (rather than the pregnancy) if they don't know for sure when they ovulated. Going by my LMP I would be nearly two weeks further along than I actually am, but I've always had long cycles and I know when I O'ed. Midwife is going to date my pregnancy/determine the due date through ultrasound somewhere between 10 and 12 weeks.

Oh, I see. As harsh as it sounds, with m/c being as common as it is, they probably don't want to waste time giving u/s to women in early pregnancy, when statistically, 1/4 of them or more will not carry to term.

It depends on how early you're talking here. Most people would consider 6 weeks still early, but you have a less than 10% chance of miscarrying at that point.

gooberdoofus95

@concreteayngel I meant with the little hand held Doppler they use, usually can't hear it until around 12 weeks but YES you can see it and hear it on an ultrasound sooner if your practice give them sooner than 20 weeks! I should have clarified!

@JessicaB0627 I saw a doctor until I was 20 weeks when I moved out of state and then continued at the local health department until I was 35 weeks. That's when my insurance finally kicked in for me to go to my OB that I will use again with this pregnancy. So I don't know what to expect at this office during the early stages of pregnancy. At my first one they don't do an US until 20 weeks unless you do the genetic testing at 12 weeks! Which I did so I could see LO!