I had my first prenatal appointment today. I've been looking forward to this for 3 weeks, however I didn't even see a doctor. All they did was have a Medical Assistant ask me all the usual history questions, had me pee in a cup, and then sent me to lab for blood work. I guess I was atleast expecting the doc to make an appearance since I'm a new patient.
I'm scheduled for an ultrasound and an appointment with my Doctor on December 9th, but the receptionist phrased it as "hopefully the doctor will have time to see you after the ultrasound." I'd like to at least meet the woman so that I know if she's going to work for me.
I guess I'm just grateful that I got in at 7wks2ds, when I was searching for a doctor one office couldn't schedule me until JANUARY.
Re: First Appt today... and didn't even see a doctor..?
I'd be a little disappointed, too, and really question if that's the right doc for you? IDK, if the nurse is acting like maybe even at the next appt doc won't have time?!? That seems crazy to me. I would find someone else, but that's just me. I got spoiled at the birth center with my son and know it won't be any different this time....they take all the time you need when you are in the exam room, and I've even called my midwife after hours and she's always willing to talk to me and help, never ever seems upset/irritated/frustrated.
I hope your next appointment goes better!
That is exactly how my first appt went, my doctor was not in that day but its a group practice so they said i could get one of the 4 at any time but that they all like to get to know you incase yours isnt available the day of devlery. As for an ultra sound i was told my first one would be at 18 weeks!
So thats a long long time away. I am hoping my next appt. at 10 weeks i will at least hear a heartbeat.
Seems like the states have more intence first time visits, and canadians have it a lil more laid back. Also i have had no previous children so i think they thing unless u have a reason to worry they dont rush you in!
I actually think it's fairly common to be seen by a MA or NP. My appt today was with a CNP and with DS we started with a NP at the first appointment and switched off every other appt between seeing her and the OB.
That said, I'm really sorry you were disappointed by your appointment.
BFP 10/25/10 Brynn Helen born 7/7/11
That was my experience today too! What practice are you going to? I'm going to Piedmont OB/GYN and will deliver at Piedmont.
I saw an NP at my office for my first appointment around 6 weeks. She took a urine sample, BP, did a pap, asked lots of questions and went over the NT scan option and another test in 2nd tri that I forgot what it is. Then she sent me for bloodwork. I will see my doctor for the first time at 10-11 weeks.
The only reason they ordered an u/s for me (which I'm having tomorrow) was because there was a 6 day discrepancy from when they think my due date is, and when I think it is, otherwise I wouldn't get one until 18 weeks.
I did a health history with the RN at 6 weeks, and she talked with me for about an hour. Much longer than a doctor probably would have!
We set up an u/s for next week, but I am not actually going to see the doctor until 10 weeks because that is how our schedules worked out. I am just telling myself that I am thankful that I have no real reason to see the doctor right now, my last 2 pregnancies were full of red blood spotting drama. So I am cool with it. And, honestly, the u/s is way more fun than the doctor!
GL, hopefully your doc is great.
I'd be thrilled to see an NP, they are usually more patient oriented than the docs. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a Medical Assistant is more or less just a technician (I think it's a 1 year technical degree). Where as a Nurse practitioner has a Masters Degree in Nursing Science......
I'm new to my area and had to pick my doctor from a long list with nothing but the internet as my resource. If this practice doesn't work out I'll go to tricare and request a new referral. I'll give her a chance. I just wish I had been given an opportunity to ask questions.
Luckily my next appointment (assuming I see the doctor) is just over a week away.