What to expect at appointment 1

AlanaB2010 · May 2014

I'd love wisdom/experience/stories from those who have been there done that. I have my first OB appt. at 8 weeks and would love to know what to expect. I'm prepping some questions for the doctor so if you have any suggestions on that front too, send them along. Thanks very much!

WashingtonQueen · May 2014

It depends of your doctor/midwife and their policies. My first appointments went like this
Weight
Pee in a cup
Talk about health history forever.
Meet with midwife
Dating ultrasound

AlanaB2010 · May 2014

Thanks, @WashingtonQueen - sounds v. entertaining, particularly talking about health history forever. It makes sense that it might not be the same, but it's nice to have an idea of what is waiting...

[Deleted User] · May 2014

It seems to differ for everyone. At 8 weeks, mine was weight, pee in a cup, dating ultrasound, discussing 1st trimester testing, and I was given a bag with samples, different booklets, and a page of do's and dont's.

AlanaB2010 · May 2014

Thanks @apk4 - re: the testing, is this something I should be considering/researching in advance?

[Deleted User] · May 2014

Yes, I would. The NT scan must be done between 11w and 13w6d. Also make sure to write down any questions you have. I had a list and it was really helpful because once I was back there it was hard to remember everything.

AlanaB2010 · May 2014

Excellent - will do! Thanks all - and yes, my husband is coming to the appt.

GlitterMuffin914 · May 2014

I think each office is a little different. At mine I had to provide a urine sample, and had my vitals taken (weight, blood pressure, etc.). I also had a pelvic exam and pap smear. We then spent time talking about medical history (my own, my husband's, things I knew about my mother's pregnancy experiences, etc.), talked about what to expect during the first trimester, things to avoid, how to manage certain symptoms and such. We talked about routine and optional testing as well. I would definitely look into the optional testing options before hand as I felt a little pressured to make a decision to do certain testing and schedule it right then and there and it was my first time hearing about a lot of it. At my first appointment we also did an ultrasound which was just to monitor the heartbeat. We couldn't see anything else except a flickering white dot. Not all doctors will do an ultrasound at that appointment though.

PrimRoseMama · May 2014

RedheadBaker said:
Why not call them and ask? Particularly if they're going to go over health history, you'll probably want the father of the baby there, too -- they're going to want his family's health history.

Agree. The best thing you can do is call the office. They will give you a complete run-down.

My experience might be different than yours but here:

Weight
BP
Draw vials of blood
Pee in a cup
Transvaginal ultrasound to date pg
Breast exam
External exam
Pap smear
Family history

Good luck!

normandyn7 · May 2014

My doctor had me come in when I got my BFP (I was 5 weeks). That was just a confirmation/information appointment with the nurse only. At 8 weeks I had a pap smear, blood drawn, and a dating internal ultrasound and given more information. I might have gotten my blood drawn at my 5 week appointment but I can't remember....

MNgirl326 · May 2014

pee in cup, pap smear, health history, and a list of do's and don'ts.

MichaelSC28 · May 2014

@alanaB2010 Make sure to let us know what you experienced (or me) I am also curious called my dr. and they were like we will schedule your ultrasound when you come in. I was like whomp whomp.. Interesting to see what you will have done. By the way...not chat stalker here, but you in NOVA correct?

amylou35 · May 2014

I had my first exam at 7 weeks - I had an ultrasound, they did my family history and answered my many questions I had with an NP, pee in a cup, then blood work. It was an interesting experience - I go back for an appointment at 11 weeks to discuss my blood work and to have the pelvic exam. They actually gave me a book that breaks down what every appointment will consist of and what to look forward to so I know what to expect. It is very cool, plus has a place to write questions down so you can ask at the appointment.

Even though I didn't meet with my doctor at that appointment, the NP was very informational about all my questions. Just because they don't have the M.D. doesn't mean they don't have the information.

AlanaB2010 · May 2014

@amylou35 - that sounds like an extremely helpful booklet! Sounds like a great practice.

@MichaelSC28 - live in MD and work in DC. Seeing the OBGYNs at GW. You? I'll let you know what happens, though I still have 2.5 weeks to wait. Which seems an awfully long time though I realize how obnoxious I sound as I type that.

amylou35 · May 2014

AlanaB2010 They truly are amazing - they gave us a tote full of magazines, booklets, dos, don'ts, even give you free coupons for a nursing from nursingpillow.com, a free car seat canopy from carseatcanopy.com and many more. I was very glad with my choice to go with them. I actually called 4 other practices before deciding on them.

I think if after your first appointment if you aren't happy with the practice, you should look around to what might suit you and your child.

MichaelSC28 · May 2014

@AlanaB2010 I live in NOVA, I am actually going to Physicians and Midwives. I will be having my lil one at Alexandira Inova. I was looking at GW, but the commute and location to my house and job is not the best. I am waiting 2 weeks till my 8 week. So believe me I am totally in the same boat. But as you said to other people probably sounds like Whine Whine...lol.

@amylou35 totally jealous of the freebies!

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