No appointment yet...but an appointment related question:
Anyone having difficulty scheduling an initial appointment around work obligations?
My job revolves around client centered engagements that are generally scheduled months in advance. For what will be weeks 7,8,9 of this pregnancy my work schedule is booked solid & I know taking time off for an appointment at such *short* notice is likely to upset my superior. (Outside of these busy weeks, things are pretty flexible, but when you are committed to a project, you're expected to schedule other things for the slower times. Generally makes sense and is pretty fair. ) It would be a little different if it was an emergency (I & other co-worker's have left work on similar situations for sick kid's sent home; but there's a perception that if you aren't sick, which I'm not, doctor's appointments are flexible.)
My OB/GYN office has a very strong preference for doing the first appointment during week 8. And these appointments are an hour long. And only slotted for the middle of the day (10AM or 1PM). And it's an hour drive from my dr's office to the client I'm scheduled to be at that week. So, essentially any appointment that week means at least 1/2 a day missed from work. I tried to explain to the receptionist the difficulty of missing work & asked if I could schedule for week 10 instead. Her exact words were "It's not unheard of, but we really prefer to see you week 8." and her tone of voice implied that the proper timing this appointment was considerably more important than my work schedule.
So - I suppose I'm looking to commiserate, if anyone else has had similar difficulties.
Or see if anyone has any insight as to whether it really matters whether the initial appointment is week 8 or week 10? (I strongly suspect not. With my first child, the first appointment was a lot of talking about normal symptoms, what to expect, what not to eat, etc. Having been through this all once before, I feel like waiting 2 extra week to have that chat won't really make a difference in the grand scheme of things....But the receptionist's tone made me feel so guilty)
@ivy_leaf85 My work is also client based too (I'm a social worker) and my appointments are made at least a month in advanced. There is a bit of flexibility but not a whole lot especially if it coincides with something like a court appearance or a scheduled home visit. I do understand your frustration.
I called to make my first prenatal appointment today and initially I was told the same thing, that they would prefer to see me between week 8/9. The receptionist told me that they would like to see me the week of September 8th (week 8). Great. However, when they looked at the calendar, their first available appointment would put me two days before week 10. So my first appointment is now September 20th. Based on the experience I had today, I think you will be okay going in at week 10. You shouldn't feel guilty, I'm sorry the receptionist made you feel that way.
@ivy_leaf85 Second time mom here. My Dr. wont schedule anything before week 10. They do have you speak to a nurse around week 6-8 to go over medical history. I think you will be okay. They did the same with my first and as excited as I am to get the first appointment started I dont think the extra 2 weeks make a big difference.
Yeah, my OB doesn't see you til between 8-10 weeks either unless you are having issues. No earlier calls/appointments with nurse either - I always see her. I absolutely loved her my first pregnancy and am excited to get to see her on a regular basis again! Kinda a question along those lines, I need a good excuse as to why I'm leaving. We're the kind of office that usually volunteers why we need off if we do so it'd be odd if I didn't give a reason. I am already taking time off around then for other big events, have a dentist appointment that they are previously aware of plus my ob is 45 min away. I am at a loss of what to use as it's unusual for me to take off so much right at the same time. So sorry if I should have posted this elsewhere...
@mylittleirvz With my first I just ended up bucking up and telling work super early because I felt every excuse just seemed really fake and like they'd see through it. You don't HAVE to keep it a secret. I know it's 'done'. But. Anyways.
Honestly @mamabear2015, I think that's what I'll end up doing as I don't have anything that would sound remotely real. TW***
I am just super nervous to tell one coworker as she had a miscarriage the beginning of the year and her due date was supposed to be the day before my appointment is. She has since lost a second one and this month has several appointments with a specialist. I just am trying to judge the best way/time to tell her. I know she'll be happy for me but just feels like a crappy time to tell her.
@mylittleirvz I'm not sure if you're looking for advice, but if I was in your situation I would talk to your coworker alone and tell her. Let know know that it's important to you to tell her first and you want to consider her feelings. After a loss, or multiple, it really sucks to find out that someone close to you is pregnant.. especially in front of other people.
Yes, very good point @SDSwenson and that was my thought that I should do. In your opinion (or anyone else that wants to chime in) is it better to tell her at work in person (alone of course) at some point or send her a text some evening so she has a chance to process it by herself first and then see me? I just really want to be sensitive to her situation!
@mylittleirvz I personally would go the text or email route (if it's a text, write it as if it were an email). I wouldn't want to put the person in the position of having to respond right away and potentially feel like she has to fake excitement for you in the moment. But others might think that's too impersonal.
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
@mylittleirvz, I agree with the suggestions above. Telling her first will hopefully prepare her for when word gets out around the office. And doing it by text, phone call, or email is probably better than in person. I am dealing with a similar situation with my brother and SIL who can't get pregnant right now. I'm planning on calling my brother and telling him to just share the news with SIL whenever he feels it's best.
I know how you feel and it's not always easy to schedule things around work. I had a lot of stress with my first pregnancy because my boss was a complete crazy person and I was always stressing out about how I can work everything else in my life around my job. So this is a sensitive subject for me and I now have a different approach. Again, I know it's easier said than done, so please don't take this the wrong way and I certainly don't want to make things more difficult. BUT you should really never put your job first, especially when it comes to something like this. The company won't shut down, the world won't end and they will have to, and will find a way to handle things for 4 hours while you are gone. To expect people to schedule their lives around their jobs (unless you wake up dead) is unrealistic and disrespectful.
Yes, you are not sick but it's also a time sensitive thing and important one to handle. Not only that, it's so freaking exciting and you should enjoy all of the things that go with it, without having to worry about work for a few hours. So don't feel guilty no matter what decision you make.
having said that, whether you go in at 8 or 10 weeks certainly isn't going to make a difference, especially for an appointment that is to determine whether you take your prenatal vitamins. So if it makes things much easier for everyone and causes less stress on you because of work, going in at 10 weeks is just fine. F that receptionst
@mylittleirvz I at first thought that in person would be better, but after reading other peoples responses I could see why Text would be better. I would maybe just follow it with, "maybe we can have lunch and talk when you are ready" or something like that?
I had my first appt on Monday and got to see little bean and the heartbeat - 170 bpm! My EDD was changed to 3/30/17 and AUA is 4/2/17 so guess I'll be hanging out at both BMBs. I have my first consult with my new MFM next week to discuss the course of treatment for my Factor V Leiden and previous preterm labor. And today the OB called that my progesterone levels were low so I have to take pills and go back in for another blood draw on Friday. Kinda nervous about the progesterone even though I know it's a common occurrence; just doesn't help my existing anxiety about having another very early premature baby.
kristine!
me: 33, Factor V Leiden, MTHFR + hubs: 37 BFP #1: 9/25/14 -- EDD: 6/4/15 Jesse, our baby boy: 2/25/15 @ 25.6 weeks, 2lbs 2oz & 13.5 inches. spent 66 days in the NICU. BFP #2: 7/29/16 -- EDD: 3/30/17
@beemaya83 Keep us posted and you will be in my thoughts and prayers! No local Zika transmission where I am in LA, but there could be and I worry about it constantly. Hope yours comes back negative.
I had my first appointment yesterday! I have to say I'm much happier now and more relieved. The nurse on the phone ticked me off and seemed completely clueless. But when I got in yesterday they immediately scheduled me for a dating US which is tomorrow! They also went over everything since I'm AMA. The only difference is the 12week scan really. The rest is pretty much the same. Also, they told me that this time around I won't have to pee in a cup every time they see me. I found that strange but whatever. I also got to briefly see my OB who was not busy at the time. She gave me a big hug and congratulated me, I love her so much!
The only bad part about my appointment yesterday was the fact that I fainted when they took my blood. Reason #1 is bc by the time they took my blood, I hadn't eaten in almost 5 hours. My fluid intake isn't really that great either sine I'm constantly feeling sick. But reason #2 was that she first started poking around my right arm and said my vein was too small. Then she switched to my left arm and started saying how the flow is much better etc etc. Ya well then things got dark and I took a nap LOL. They gave me some apple juice and I was fine after that but then when I got home all I could do was nap!
@beemaya83 Did everything come back negative? Where in Mexico were you?
One of my best friends is having a bachelorette weekend in Cabo in January, and I am so disappointed to probably have to miss it. I am guessing transmission has mostly been on the east coast, but by then, who knows.
Had a scan today, baby measured 6w3d and we heard the most beautiful heartbeat, thumping away at 127bpm! Going back in 3 weeks for full workup and Panorama test, which will tell us if our DD will be getting a little brother or a sister
No doctors appointment for me this week, but I have a question on doctors appointments or labs. I just got my BFP yesterday. Since I had an MC back in March, I am slightly terrified of it happening again. I emailed my doctor (I'm a new patient of hers) and explained my concerns and asked if she could order labs for me to test my hcg levels. She was out of the office and a NP answered back saying that they don't do those types of testing during early pregnancy. Does this sound legit? I mean, yes, I realize I found out super early (I will be 4 weeks on Saturday), but I just want to make sure that my levels are rising/doubling as they should be. Should I wait until my doctor is back in the office next week and call?
I heard back from the specialist and all she can say is that the test takes a few weeks to come back. So it's a matter of waiting now. If the result is negative, we will wait to see what the 20week ultrasound reveals. If it is normal, no further testing is required. She did advise to use condoms because if my husband was/is infected it can be transmitted through him by semen.
To answer your questions, I was in the tourist area of Cancun, Mexico at the end of June. I did do my research prior to going. I checked the CDC website, details showed that there were no zika related incidents reported in that area. I took all of the precautions and used mosquito repellent. I must add that we did not see any mosquitos during our stay. We also stayed in the resort for the 4 nights we were there (no excursions). My husband and I made the conscious decision to go anyway knowing that we wanted to try for number two.
About Cabo, I'm not sure how it is there. I'd say, just don't take the risk since you are already pregnant. It is not worth it. It only takes 1 mosquito. Now that I am pregnant myself, I plan to stay put here in Northern California.
@KirstinH88 I don't have personal experience with this. I did have a CP in July, but that didn't require the OB. I have heard from a couple of other people that some doctors won't order blood work on just everyone. I think they said they won't until after multiple losses. That definitely sounds like BS though. So, I would just ask to talk to someone else until you get a reason why at least. Are there other doctors in the practice? Talk to them? If not then I would look into finding another doctor.
Me: 28 year old SAHM/Birth Doula DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
Married: October 8, 2011
DD1: September 24, 2013 BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016 DD2: April 16, 2017 BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
@KirstinH88, was this your OB or your family doctor? When I called to make my appointment with my OB, they said she won't do bloodwork until 12 weeks. But I called my family doctor and they were willing to do it. However, she couldn't get me in for a while. Some family doctor's will just fill out a requisition for you without even scheduling an appointment. Not sure if you can request that even at like a walk in clinic? Good luck!
Thanks. It was with my OB. I have a major health insurance carrier that has their own doctors, labs, pharmacies, etc. If you go outside of network, nothing is covered. And all my doctors are interconnected. So my primary physician has access to my OB records, etc. I'm sure she would just tell me to go to my OB. I'm going to call on Monday and see if I get a different response regarding having blood work.
Hi there. Question here. I have my first ultrasound today. I'm 7w5d but Doctor thinks I'm 8w1d (you know, the whole 28 day cycle thing). They didn't tell me to come with a full bladder. Due to my timing, I'm likely getting an abdominal U/S, right? So I should go with a full bladder?
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
@catem07 I think you will still get a vaginal U/S. I can't remember exactly when but I don't think they do abdominal U/S until you are farther along (I have a horrible memory and can't remember based off when I was pregnant with DS).
Also @catem07 I remember the dr having me pee in a cup for the first SEVERAL appointments. Not to test that I was pregnant, but to test for...other things? Infections? I have no clue... I can't remember 4 years ago
I have my first dating US today. Just like last time, they are having me come with a full bladder. They first do the abdominal US, then have me go empty my bladder and then they do the vaginal US. It's standard procedure at my clinic. Maybe they just do things differently in that office. You can always call and ask.
I have my first prenatal appointment with my GP today, really crossing my fingers that my OB from my pregnancy with DD is accepting patients right now because I really loved her
Waiting on Doctor telephone appointment as we speak. I got tested for zika since I traveled to Mexico in June...anxious, very anxious
I had zika at the end of May. I should be in the clear, but I'm also very nervous/anxious this pregnancy. My OBs face when I told them was not a happy one.
Taylor72
member
Re: Doctor's Appointments (week of 8/15)
No appointment yet...but an appointment related question:
Anyone having difficulty scheduling an initial appointment around work obligations?
My job revolves around client centered engagements that are generally scheduled months in advance. For what will be weeks 7,8,9 of this pregnancy my work schedule is booked solid & I know taking time off for an appointment at such *short* notice is likely to upset my superior. (Outside of these busy weeks, things are pretty flexible, but when you are committed to a project, you're expected to schedule other things for the slower times. Generally makes sense and is pretty fair. ) It would be a little different if it was an emergency (I & other co-worker's have left work on similar situations for sick kid's sent home; but there's a perception that if you aren't sick, which I'm not, doctor's appointments are flexible.)
My OB/GYN office has a very strong preference for doing the first appointment during week 8. And these appointments are an hour long. And only slotted for the middle of the day (10AM or 1PM). And it's an hour drive from my dr's office to the client I'm scheduled to be at that week. So, essentially any appointment that week means at least 1/2 a day missed from work. I tried to explain to the receptionist the difficulty of missing work & asked if I could schedule for week 10 instead. Her exact words were "It's not unheard of, but we really prefer to see you week 8." and her tone of voice implied that the proper timing this appointment was considerably more important than my work schedule.
So - I suppose I'm looking to commiserate, if anyone else has had similar difficulties.
Or see if anyone has any insight as to whether it really matters whether the initial appointment is week 8 or week 10? (I strongly suspect not. With my first child, the first appointment was a lot of talking about normal symptoms, what to expect, what not to eat, etc. Having been through this all once before, I feel like waiting 2 extra week to have that chat won't really make a difference in the grand scheme of things....But the receptionist's tone made me feel so guilty)
I called to make my first prenatal appointment today and initially I was told the same thing, that they would prefer to see me between week 8/9. The receptionist told me that they would like to see me the week of September 8th (week 8). Great. However, when they looked at the calendar, their first available appointment would put me two days before week 10. So my first appointment is now September 20th. Based on the experience I had today, I think you will be okay going in at week 10. You shouldn't feel guilty, I'm sorry the receptionist made you feel that way.
Kinda a question along those lines, I need a good excuse as to why I'm leaving. We're the kind of office that usually volunteers why we need off if we do so it'd be odd if I didn't give a reason. I am already taking time off around then for other big events, have a dentist appointment that they are previously aware of plus my ob is 45 min away. I am at a loss of what to use as it's unusual for me to take off so much right at the same time.
So sorry if I should have posted this elsewhere...
TW***
I am just super nervous to tell one coworker as she had a miscarriage the beginning of the year and her due date was supposed to be the day before my appointment is. She has since lost a second one and this month has several appointments with a specialist. I just am trying to judge the best way/time to tell her. I know she'll be happy for me but just feels like a crappy time to tell her.
Yes, very good point @SDSwenson and that was my thought that I should do. In your opinion (or anyone else that wants to chime in) is it better to tell her at work in person (alone of course) at some point or send her a text some evening so she has a chance to process it by herself first and then see me? I just really want to be sensitive to her situation!
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
BFP #1 12/23/13 MMC 01/24/14 @ 9w5days
@ivy_leaf85
I know how you feel and it's not always easy to schedule things around work. I had a lot of stress with my first pregnancy because my boss was a complete crazy person and I was always stressing out about how I can work everything else in my life around my job. So this is a sensitive subject for me and I now have a different approach. Again, I know it's easier said than done, so please don't take this the wrong way and I certainly don't want to make things more difficult. BUT you should really never put your job first, especially when it comes to something like this. The company won't shut down, the world won't end and they will have to, and will find a way to handle things for 4 hours while you are gone. To expect people to schedule their lives around their jobs (unless you wake up dead) is unrealistic and disrespectful.
Yes, you are not sick but it's also a time sensitive thing and important one to handle. Not only that, it's so freaking exciting and you should enjoy all of the things that go with it, without having to worry about work for a few hours. So don't feel guilty no matter what decision you make.
having said that, whether you go in at 8 or 10 weeks certainly isn't going to make a difference, especially for an appointment that is to determine whether you take your prenatal vitamins. So if it makes things much easier for everyone and causes less stress on you because of work, going in at 10 weeks is just fine. F that receptionst
me: 33, Factor V Leiden, MTHFR + hubs: 37
BFP #1: 9/25/14 -- EDD: 6/4/15
Jesse, our baby boy: 2/25/15 @ 25.6 weeks, 2lbs 2oz & 13.5 inches. spent 66 days in the NICU.
BFP #2: 7/29/16 -- EDD: 3/30/17
baby #2 on the way.
I had my first appointment yesterday! I have to say I'm much happier now and more relieved. The nurse on the phone ticked me off and seemed completely clueless. But when I got in yesterday they immediately scheduled me for a dating US which is tomorrow! They also went over everything since I'm AMA. The only difference is the 12week scan really. The rest is pretty much the same. Also, they told me that this time around I won't have to pee in a cup every time they see me. I found that strange but whatever. I also got to briefly see my OB who was not busy at the time. She gave me a big hug and congratulated me, I love her so much!
The only bad part about my appointment yesterday was the fact that I fainted when they took my blood. Reason #1 is bc by the time they took my blood, I hadn't eaten in almost 5 hours. My fluid intake isn't really that great either sine I'm constantly feeling sick. But reason #2 was that she first started poking around my right arm and said my vein was too small. Then she switched to my left arm and started saying how the flow is much better etc etc. Ya well then things got dark and I took a nap LOL. They gave me some apple juice and I was fine after that but then when I got home all I could do was nap!
One of my best friends is having a bachelorette weekend in Cabo in January, and I am so disappointed to probably have to miss it. I am guessing transmission has mostly been on the east coast, but by then, who knows.
Married: 5/30/2013
DSS #1: 5/25/2007
DSS #2: 1/22/2011
DS #3: 7/8/2012
BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
DS #4: 4/21/17
@schef070911 and @ladameperdue
I heard back from the specialist and all she can say is that the test takes a few weeks to come back. So it's a matter of waiting now. If the result is negative, we will wait to see what the 20week ultrasound reveals. If it is normal, no further testing is required. She did advise to use condoms because if my husband was/is infected it can be transmitted through him by semen.
To answer your questions, I was in the tourist area of Cancun, Mexico at the end of June. I did do my research prior to going. I checked the CDC website, details showed that there were no zika related incidents reported in that area. I took all of the precautions and used mosquito repellent. I must add that we did not see any mosquitos during our stay. We also stayed in the resort for the 4 nights we were there (no excursions). My husband and I made the conscious decision to go anyway knowing that we wanted to try for number two.
About Cabo, I'm not sure how it is there. I'd say, just don't take the risk since you are already pregnant. It is not worth it. It only takes 1 mosquito. Now that I am pregnant myself, I plan to stay put here in Northern California.
I will keep you all posted!
BFP #1 12/23/13 MMC 01/24/14 @ 9w5days
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
DH: 30 year old pneumatic electrical engineer
BFP: June 25, 2016 and MC: July 3, 2016
DD2: April 16, 2017
BFP: November 30, 2018 EDD: August 14, 2019
Married: 5/30/2013
DSS #1: 5/25/2007
DSS #2: 1/22/2011
DS #3: 7/8/2012
BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
DS #4: 4/21/17
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
Married: 5/30/2013
DSS #1: 5/25/2007
DSS #2: 1/22/2011
DS #3: 7/8/2012
BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
DS #4: 4/21/17
Married: 5/30/2013
DSS #1: 5/25/2007
DSS #2: 1/22/2011
DS #3: 7/8/2012
BFP: 3/14/2016 ~ MC: 3/19/2016
DS #4: 4/21/17
Good luck!