Hi, first timer here as will become obvious. I got my positive test on Friday night, called Monday morning to book an appointment. I don’t have an existing gyno (long story) but months ago researched and found an OBGYN with office in my neighborhood, admits at the nearest hospital, taking new patients, in network.
I called, said I’m a new patient, I’m pregnant, and want to schedule my first visit. The receptionist asks if I want a pregnancy confirmation or a prenatal visit, and uhhh??? I asked if they could be the same visit and she said no, and explained that the pregnancy confirmation is usually 2 weeks after missed period. Also, the OB I had picked out doesn’t have an appointment at the office near me until the end of October, at which point I’d be 12 weeks!! I asked when they usually schedule first prenatal visit (I’ve heard 8 weeks?) and receptionist said as she is not a medical provider she can’t give advice. I panicked and asked for the first appointment with ANY provider at the office near me, so now I have a prenatal appt with a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in obstetrics, 2 weeks from now when I’ll be7 weeks. (The original OB did have an opening at a different location in early October when I’d be 9 weeks.)
Help! When are you actually supposed to have your first prenatal visit? Do I actually need a “pregnancy confirmation” appt? How the heck are you supposed to make an appointment if you missed the boat on having an established relationship with a dr before you get pregnant? Can a NP act as my primary doctor all the way to delivery, or am I also still going to have to find an OBGYN in their practice? I clearly don’t know what the F I am doing here. Sorry for the long post, and if you’ve made it this far thank you for reading my manifesto of panic.
Re: Advice on finding a dr / first visit?
For my first it was early 2020 (right before Covid) and I was in a different state. They booked my first appt at 7 weeks. It was with a midwife & they did blood work & a scan. FF to 12 weeks (my second appt) I had a regular appt and an ultrasound . However I did not know about the insurance thing and had to pay for a portion of that ultrasound OOP.
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022