To answer your question, No, your spouse does not NEED to go. But it is better for them to go if they can. My OB asked my husband some medical history on his side of the family. Also, it is most likely the first time you'll be able to see/hear your baby! Wouldn't want to miss that!
We have an appt Friday for an ultrasound and to meet with the nurse to get stuff set up. Then on Monday I have an appt with the Dr. My DH is going friday because we have the ultrasound but I am going alone Monday because he can't take 2 days off so close to each other. He will be there for the important ones though, esp if there is an ultrasound.
my DH came to every one with baby #1. But I told him not to come to our first appt because he needs to take care of DD and he knows what happens. I am going to bring a flip cam to film the us though and he's definitely coming to the 20 week one. Hope that helps.
Re: First OB appt
Mine did for all of my prenatal exams with baby #1. I expect him to want to do the same for this one.
Anyway, the first exam could involve lots of family history questions, so it wouldn't be a bad idea for him to go.
To answer your question, No, your spouse does not NEED to go. But it is better for them to go if they can. My OB asked my husband some medical history on his side of the family. Also, it is most likely the first time you'll be able to see/hear your baby! Wouldn't want to miss that!