Do I really have to wait 4 more weeks to see doctor?

chloe97 · October 2015

This is my first and Im 4 weeks today (and finally registering BFPs on the less sensitive HPTs!). I keep reading posts from folks who are getting their HCG levels monitored. I'm 36, so I was hoping that we could at least get a baseline test done this week, but the receptionist said I can't come in til week 8.

Other than my age, I have no reason to think I'm high risk, but I'd just like some sort of confirmation that the pregnancy is progressing. I feel like I'm out in the wilderness, expected to figure out what I need to know for the 1st 4 weeks with only the help of the Internet. With all the focus on the importance of prenatal care, you would think obgyns would want you to come in immediately to talk about what you should and shouldn't be doing during the important first 4 weeks! I'm scared to death and though H is supportive, he really had no idea what I should be doing either. Last night I ate a turkey sandwich and then read later that night that I shouldn't eat deli meat. Ugh!

emucoleman · October 2015

It is really tough to wait, but it's pretty normal not to see the OB until at least 8 weeks. I would recommend getting a good pregnancy book like What to Expect When You're Expecting. If you have a book then all the info is there...the Internet can be helpful but it can also make you really anxious!

Wyattnash00 · October 2015

It totally sucks but yes 8 weeks is generally the earliest. I'm 38 and my first appt is at 8 weeks too. This is my 2nd as well and like you, I tried to use my 'advanced age' but no such luck. You can buy cheap pregnancy sticks to keep peeing on to give you a little peace of mind:)

tan&web · October 2015

Okay, add on to the original question. It is normal to get a pap on your 1st appointment? And do I still call and make the appointment now, after the at home positive pregnant test?

mkemommy · October 2015

Yup, agree with PPs. I have to wait until week 8 to see my doctor (thankfully that is this Friday but its dragged since I got my BFP). They didn't want to see me until week 10 but I have an international trip which is the only reason I got in earlier. Hang in there!

danalynn86 · October 2015

tan&web said:

Okay, add on to the original question. It is normal to get a pap on your 1st appointment? And do I still call and make the appointment now, after the at home positive pregnant test?

If you're relatively close to being due for a pap they will give you one at your first appointment, or schedule you for one I do believe. I just happened to have mine like 3 months before getting a positive pee stick, so I didn't need one.

BLM10 · October 2015

tan&web said:
Okay, add on to the original question. It is normal to get a pap on your 1st appointment? And do I still call and make the appointment now, after the at home positive pregnant test?

Yes, most places do one if you are due for one in the next 12 months or so.

meggyme · October 2015

If you have specific questions about your pregnancy and what is/isn't ok for you to do, I would suggest researching and then if you can't come up with a clear answer call your office to see if you can speak to a nurse practitioner about your specific questions. As long as you don't call to ask "what do I do now?" I would think most doctor's offices would take the time to reassure you and answer thoughtful questions.

B2FlyGirl · October 2015

I can understand your concern, and definitely would not like waiting until 8 weeks to confirm the pregnancy. The only reason I did get in to see a doc this early was because I was a patient of an fertility clinic. A lot of women who post their HCG betas are being monitored by a clinic like that. Congrats on your first pregnancy! This is my first as well, and I'm trying not to stress so much and just enjoy the excitement of it ❤️

matthewsdm · October 2015

I feel you! I went in for a confirmation, they only did another pee test, this was at 5 weeks. Since this is my third, no history of complications, very regular periods and no severe cramping/bleeding, I don't go back for my next appointment until 11 weeks! But, be thankful there is no other reason to go in, but if you do have questions and want to set something up, maybe they have a nurse practioner or someone you can meet with just for basic info earlier?

AmberLiz99 · October 2015

At my doctors they make an appointment or a pap and blood test a soon as you call after you BFP. I'm going in Wednesday at 6 weeks. I will go back for an ultrasound around 8 weeks

chloe97 · October 2015

Thanks all! I got What to Expect last night so I'm learning a lot from it. I guess I'm partly just venting bc I'm pretty well-educated and want to seek out this information, but so many women who get pregnant don't know this stuff. Especially if they are young and have no close family or friends who've had babies. Why wouldn't the doctors want to first-time moms in right away to make sure they are taking appropriate care of themselves from the minute they find out they're pregnant?

SnowQueen105 · October 2015

My doctor doesn't see you until 10 weeks, and because of his schedule and mine, I can't get in to see him until I'm 11 weeks. (I'm 7 weeks today) I have had one miscarriage, so I called and asked if I could get a blood test to check my progesterone. I'm so glad that he said yes, and my numbers came back great from that. I'm actually one of those people that really only wants to get one ultrasound at 20 weeks anyway, so I'm kind of glad that I don't have the 'temptation' of getting one earlier.

aside from giving progesterone if your levels are low, there's not a whole lot they can do at this stage anyway. But I'm with you on the frustrated part... I just want four weeks to be over with so I can have something to see!!!

leasaj · October 2015

I completely understand. I am 36 & pregnant with my 2nd. We have to wait until Nov 9 to go for an usound and checkup. Longest wait ever!

tan&web · October 2015

chloe97 said:

Thanks all! I got What to Expect last night so I'm learning a lot from it. I guess I'm partly just venting bc I'm pretty well-educated and want to seek out this information, but so many women who get pregnant don't know this stuff. Especially if they are young and have no close family or friends who've had babies. Why wouldn't the doctors want to first-time moms in right away to make sure they are taking appropriate care of themselves from the minute they find out they're pregnant?

I agree. I don't want to tell anyone in case anything should happen I don't want to give them the disappointment but I am scared it is going to bubble out of me! This will be the first grandkid on my husbands side.

Lyzza350 · October 2015

Some docs to confirmation apts. No ultrasound but they sit you down for a chat about what's important what isn't. I agree with pp you can get all that info from a good pregnancy book.

Pascal86 · October 2015

I'm going in at 10 weeks in a couple of weeks, but at 5 weeks I had an appointment with a nurse who walked me through all the dos/don'ts. Didn't do any kind of pee/blood test, only thing she did was take my weight and then scare the crap out of me when I said I thought I was having round ligament pain and she wouldn't stop saying it might be an ectopic pregnancy. I was excited to have my first appointment but afterwards I just felt scared, would have been much better off just getting a book.

ella26 · October 2015

I so agree with this I am shocked that they won't see me until after 8 weeks?!? I too mentioned on the phone "I am 35 so shouldn't I come in earlier?" She just blew me off, I hope all is well but I would like so tests please! Guess it's just wait 4 weeks until I can go in. This is going to take forever

NamelessAria · October 2015

I'm not really sure about the whole "how soon can you see a doctor" thing since I haven't even tried to schedule an appointment yet. I'm still terrified by the MC risk this early on (I'm only 3w, 6d) and I'm worried I'll schedule an appointment I won't end up needing by 8weeks. :-S

However, I second what some previous posters have said regarding books and apps. I downloaded the Ovia pregnancy app and it lets you look up medications and foods to check safety. It also tracks weight, mood, symptoms, any doctor appointments, what you're eating and all sorts of other stuff. I've found it to be pretty helpful. I spend a lot, probably too much, time looking up medications and foods just to double check things before putting it into my body.

I've heard great things about the What to Expect When You're Expecting book also. I know my SIL got it to read when she found out she was expecting her first child and she loved the book.

I definitely can relate to the whole feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to figure everything out on my own for the first 4 weeks or so when you hear all the time how incredibly important those weeks of development are. Hopefully we're all doing all the right things.

cattlebride · October 2015

Alotbof doctors won't see you until 8-12 weeks because that's when chances if chromosonal miscarriage go down. If you have not had complications in the past or any other reason for concern most will wait to do appointments.

longhurrdontcurr · October 2015

What pp said. I'm actually using both my ND and my Ob. I'm getting a blood draw tomorrow just to check my levels and make sure hormones and vitamin levels look good. Then I see my ND Friday to go over the results.
I don't get an ultrasound from my Ob until 8 weeks which is torture... But there's no way around it, I guess it's good practice for me to learn patience.

Arwen0503 · October 2015

My OB does the confirmation appointment between 5 and 6 weeks, they make sure i'm pregnant with a pee test and get the pap done. My appointment is next Monday but I don't get my ultrasound appointment till 8 week.

emmyfreeman27 · October 2015

I know it sounds terribly negative and unreassuring, but most docs wrong take you right away because there is little you can in that first trimester... There is really not much you can do then to help your pregnancy.

Don't stress about "what can I eat/drink/do"... Google of you need to, then just leave it alone. You can drive yourself crazy going overboard during pregnancy. Enjoy your time-- and if you are feeling good, do some light exercise, drink up (water!!), eat well, meal prep for just in case you end up getting sick, etc. Seriously, mama of four here... Babies are pretty well protected. Be sensible, do good things, don't worry.

osumae · October 2015

I'm frustrated with this too. I have a known history of low progesterone and they keep ignoring my requests for a lab test. I just want to see the number.

4fairydust · October 2015

@tan&web what is a pap please? I'm 5wks 1 day and also wondering myself if 8 need to see a dr before getting a midwife appt! As last time I was pregnant (4 mths ago) I went to the Dr's and he just said ok ill book you in with the midwife! They don't even test u so I see it as a waste of time going but then again how do I get a midwife apt? Looks like I'm going yo have to book an appt with Dr as not sure what next step would be!

tan&web · October 2015

A pap smear test is what I was referring to. I was just wondering because I didn't think they would probe up there while pregnant this early. The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Cells scraped from the opening of the cervix are examined under a microscope. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.

itsbronte · October 2015

If anyone is looking for another pregnancy book recommendation besides what to expect, I really loved "from the hips" by Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morris. I like the format, how everything is broken down, stories from moms with a variety of views and experiences, and pretty much everything else about it ha. It was really helpful while I was waiting for that first appointment. Hang in there!

Edited because words are rough.

ttcours2015 · October 2015

I called the Doctor the day after my BFP and was shocked when they said my appointment was in 2 days! However all we did was the pee test, urine, blood pressure, Etc and all of the questions. Medical history and stuff. I go back in 4 weeks (I will be 8 weeks) for the pap and u/s.

jennk0118 · October 2015

I'm super jealous! My nurse's appt is on Dec 3rd and my first ultrasound is on Dec 11th. I'll be 12 weeks then! I was really expecting being seen around 9 weeks.

Want a personalized experience?

Do I really have to wait 4 more weeks to see doctor?

Re: Do I really have to wait 4 more weeks to see doctor?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards