blood tests?

thatcma

Hello ladies! July 2017 isn't started yet so I decided to post my question here:

I am about 3 weeks 2 days pregnant, first OB appointment is in 6 weeks (December 1st) and feels so far away! She did not order blood work, and apparently isn't going to until the appointment. Is this normal? I see so many ladies post BETA numbers, is this for people that have had issues conceiving, or carrying a child?

alexandrae90

Hi lurking from march 17. Congrats on your bfp ! I too got an early hpt positive at about 3w and 4d my Ob did not order me any blood work or ultrasound till about 7 weeks at my first appt. the wait is hell but I just try to stay busy and distracted to help pass time . Good luck and fingers crossed for a H and H 9 months  

joyful08

Most of the time betas are only done if you have a history of loss. It is normal not to have your betas done. Congrats!

thatcma

Thank you @alexandrae90 and @joyful08!

JAM85

Nice to see you here too @osucma! From what I understand as well blood tests are for those with a history of loss to monitor the progression of hormones to make sure they are on track and if they need additional hormones or drugs to boost it. I have to see my primary for a referral so I will likely get another pee test then after my missed period (12 dpo here) then nothing until my 7-8 week appointment. A long wait and as others say distraction is key which I think is easier as the holidays are coming up!

thatcma

@JAM85 so happy you are over here too! I have no idea what to do to distract me until my first appt on 12/1. It's so hard not telling anyone other than hubs and my best friend but I don't want to tell anyone until after Christmas because I will be 13 weeks then.

Ashley.G

I had my levels checked at 6w 2d and 6w 5d due to bleeding. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have had mine checked. Usually if you've had a previous loss they will....although that's not always the case (I had a previous m/c and my prenatal nurses didn't want to take them). Some family doctors/obgyns will check it right off the bat though (heard from others pregnant), so sometimes it depends on the doctor. Seems like its more obgyns that prefer to check/monitor levels to ensure both hcg and progesterone are increasing (from what I've heard). Congrats and wishing u a happy and healthy pregnancy

SnarkasaurusRex

My OB orders bloods when you call in reporting a BFP, whether there's a history of loss or not, to confirm the pregnancy since she doesn't see you until 8-10 weeks, and doesn't do an US until 10-12 weeks. However, this is not the norm! Every practice does things differently. My OB is very data oriented, so she just likes to have the numbers on everyone.