- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Minnesota Babies
WHNP?
I've scheduled my first appointment for next month (10 weeks pregnant) and just realized it is with a WHNP (women's health nurse practitioner) not an OB doctor. Should I be more active in locating an actual doctor to work with during my pregnancy. I just assumed when my regular doctor had me schedule my next visit that it would be with an OB/GYN doctor..what do you think?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: WHNP?
I think that depends on your comfort zone and situation.
My first appointment was with an OB, but it could have been with a WHNP. I had no complications getting pregnant or in my first weeks. My first appointment was question and answer, giving me a ton of hand outs and a big blood draw.
my read shelf:
I agree, it really depends on what you are comfortable with, and what you are looking for in prenatal care. I;ve never had a regular OB, so when I made my first appointment for DD's pregnancy, I just told them I don't care as long as the person is female. Thet set me up with a Certified Nurse Midwife. A midwife was definitely the right fit for me. I've seen a few of OB's during my pregnancies, and I often don't agree with their approach/views on things. Where, for other people, an OB is 100% the way to go.
It wouldn't hurt to just meet and see how you feel. First appointments are usually not much...like pp, maybe some paperwork, handouts, blood draw.
I agree with pp, it's what you feel comfortable with. Your first appointment is mostly a history recap and physcial. It might be helpful for your DH/SO to join you as they ask about family histories. (I didn't know answers to some of the questions as far as diabetes/heart disease, etc.)
If you are due for a pap, they will also do that to make sure you are not having any other issues. They will most likely take a few vials of blood too.
Other than that they should give you a packet of info for do and don'ts. If your clinic is affliated with a hospital, they may give you information about the hospital too. I walked out with a little bag of stuff!
I have an OB/GYN but in their practice they have you see the WHNP every other visit. I have been very comfortable with it as the NP has 20+ years experience and the OB/GYN is there if any problems arise. In some practices it is very common however do what is comfortable with you. Later in the pregnancy I will see only the OB/GYN so maybe you could ask what their practice is and how often you see the WHNP vs the OB? You may just be seeing the NP for the initial and from there on the OB.
Good luck!