What do you do between positive test and 8 week appointment

UKtoCA · March 2016

Hello ladies!
I am very excited about being pregnant and being in this group but I am so confused. It's my first pregnancy and I'm living in a foreign land. Ok it's just the US and I'm from the UK but things are a bit different when it comes to pregnancy and medical stuff here. I am about 4-5 weeks pregnant and have my first appointment at 8 weeks. But it's just with the nurse. I haven't even met my OB as I'm a new patient.
So what are you supposed to do between now and the appointment? I feel like there is so much stuff I need to know about how my body is changing, what to eat/not eat and what exercise to do/not do, whether you can take pain killers for a headache and so on . I know there is a lot of info online but I would feel so much better if someone would actually go through it all with me and explain what I *actually* need to know. Everything says "consult you dr" before exercising or taking pain killers and all the rest but I can't, because I have 4 more weeks until then. The receptionist wan't any help and I don't have a phone number for a nurse or anything.
So what do you do, just read up online and hope for the best? I don't want to do anything wrong because I "didn't know" not to eat or do something.

jarethinafrock · March 2016

I would suggest picking up a book like "what to expect when you're expecting". Make sure you're taking a prenatal vitamin that contains DHA and folic acid each day (either have your doctor prescribe you something over the phone or just get some over the counter). Don't drink alcohol and try to really limit caffeine. I wouldn't stress too much. I didn't see a doctor til I was 10 weeks along with my first and she turned out fine.

m6agua · March 2016

It's normal to not see a doctor until 8 weeks or later. If you get a headache regular Tylenol is safe.

TheBorg7of9 · March 2016

Take a prenatal every day. Buy a book about pregnancy and wait...

TheBorg7of9 · March 2016

jarethinafrock said:

I would suggest picking up a book like "what to expect when you're expecting". Make sure you're taking a prenatal vitamin that contains DHA and folic acid each day (either have your doctor prescribe you something over the phone or just get some over the counter). Don't drink alcohol and try to really limit caffeine. I wouldn't stress too much. I didn't see a doctor til I was 10 weeks along with my first and she turned out fine.

I prefer some other books over WTEWYE. That book is a little alarmist sometimes. I like Mayo Clinic guide to pregnancy a lot. A lot of good info and a chart for each week with symptoms and whether you should call the doctor.

jarethinafrock · March 2016

TheBorg7of9 said:

jarethinafrock said:

I would suggest picking up a book like "what to expect when you're expecting". Make sure you're taking a prenatal vitamin that contains DHA and folic acid each day (either have your doctor prescribe you something over the phone or just get some over the counter). Don't drink alcohol and try to really limit caffeine. I wouldn't stress too much. I didn't see a doctor til I was 10 weeks along with my first and she turned out fine.

I prefer some other books over WTEWYE. That book is a little alarmist sometimes. I like Mayo Clinic guide to pregnancy a lot. A lot of good info and a chart for each week with symptoms and whether you should call the doctor.

Mayo's good too. WTE was just the first thing that came to mind.

DunkinDecaf · March 2016

Yeah, I would echo PP's. Take a prenatal vitamin and maybe read a couple books.

My favorite pregnancy book by far is "Dr Dan's Last Word on Babies and Other Humans". Not only is it practical and sound advice, but it's also actually fun to read. I highly recommend it.

edited because I can't spell

TrueMyth · March 2016

I'd second the advice here. Do you have the Bump app for your phone? It has pretty good check lists and advice. It's too bad you don't have an advice nurse or anything. Do you have a general care provider? They might be able to answer some of the basic questions or provide you with a pamphlet. I also liked using one of those pregnancy journals (there is a forum topic discussing different books). It had some basic information on self-care and baby development as well as places to reflect and record my thoughts and feelings.

Mostly, aside from prenatal vitamins, just take good care of yourself, including trying to keep your stress low. I know it can be hard (I certainly spend too much of the day angsting over "what ifs" and this is my second time), but try to focus on things that make you happy and busy and get plenty of rest.

UKtoCA · March 2016

Thank you so much everyone. I was just saying to my husband we need to get some books so I'll look into the ones above and on the forum that was suggested too. I am really new to living in the US and don't really know anyone yet and haven't worked out the medical system yet (at home we go to our GP to report a pregnancy, usually a few days after getting a bfp, and then we get referred to "our" midwife. We don't have our own OB dr unless there is a problem. Or at least that's what my friends have been through, not me of course as this is my first).
I wasn't exactly sure what to do here so I just called up my local OBGYN practice the day I got a positive and they booked me an 8 week appointment with the nurse. I asked to meet the ob but they said that would be at another appointment. With my insurance we can go directly to specialists in the network so I didn't think to call my GP as I didn't need a referal. Did I do the right thing or do you think I should also call my GP for a blood test to confirm the pregnancy and to ask them questions? I do have one that I went to once and she was nice. Is it normal to have an advice nurse then? Or maybe they'll give me a number for a nurse/dr to call at my 8 week appointment.

I went to yoga this evening and it didn't feel quite right doing some of the postures especially things that involve lying on the stomach. I asked for modifications but was only told not to twist too much. I know it's meant to be good for labour though and I have been doing it for a a few years so hope to carry on.

Agh sorry I sound really silly but it's all a bit confusing. Really appreciate the advice here. I will try to chill and not stress... try.. haha

TheBorg7of9 · March 2016

UKtoCA said:

Thank you so much everyone. I was just saying to my husband we need to get some books so I'll look into the ones above and on the forum that was suggested too. I am really new to living in the US and don't really know anyone yet and haven't worked out the medical system yet (at home we go to our GP to report a pregnancy, usually a few days after getting a bfp, and then we get referred to "our" midwife. We don't have our own OB dr unless there is a problem. Or at least that's what my friends have been through, not me of course as this is my first).
I wasn't exactly sure what to do here so I just called up my local OBGYN practice the day I got a positive and they booked me an 8 week appointment with the nurse. I asked to meet the ob but they said that would be at another appointment. With my insurance we can go directly to specialists in the network so I didn't think to call my GP as I didn't need a referal. Did I do the right thing or do you think I should also call my GP for a blood test to confirm the pregnancy and to ask them questions? I do have one that I went to once and she was nice. Is it normal to have an advice nurse then? Or maybe they'll give me a number for a nurse/dr to call at my 8 week appointment.

I went to yoga this evening and it didn't feel quite right doing some of the postures especially things that involve lying on the stomach. I asked for modifications but was only told not to twist too much. I know it's meant to be good for labour though and I have been doing it for a a few years so hope to carry on.

Agh sorry I sound really silly but it's all a bit confusing. Really appreciate the advice here. I will try to chill and not stress... try.. haha

Take a breath!

theres not much you can do to hurt your baby really. I don't know anything about yoga and pregnancy, but why don't you google it.
If you don't like how your OB's office works, they are all different and you can call another one instead. If you can't call your doctor to ask questions maybe another doctor would be a better fit for you.
A blood test is not really necessary and mostly a waste of time and money. Your pee stick told you everything you need to know. Good luck!

Amyboxer · March 2016

I agree the blood test is not necessary. However many OB practices have nurses you can talk to on the phone if you need advice if you just ask. Maybe look into a different OB practice that has something like that? Also my favorite pregnancy book was Expecting 411

mszobota · March 2016

I'm the same way! 6-7 weeks with first baby and don't have ultrasound/OB appt until 8 weeks. I've known since 3.5 weeks so it's been tough to wait. Especially as a first timer with all the changes in my body! I've read books and I also told my mom, my mil, and my best girlfriend (who has three children). Their advice has been instrumental day to day. Thoughts for a happy and healthy 9 months!

Chcaggie1 · March 2016

I love the Ovia Pregnancy App it give you new updates every day about whats going on with baby and you plus tips on general health and diet as well. What to expect when you're expecting is a good book as well with lots of details.

Do you have insurance?? In the US most insurance companies have nurse lines you can call. I didn't use mine at all with my first pregnancy but since my son was born they have been SOOOO helpful. Its a 24 hr nurse line that's written on the back of the insurance card. With my insurance if free to call and they give great guidance on all sorts of topics.

srh71 · March 2016

if you live in a state that has midwives, you can make an appointment with one of them. they are illegal in my state or i'd be seeking one out. i went and got my blood taken at 4 weeks (last week) to confirm the pregnancy and that is your right to do that. i just went to a random after hours doctor that is open 7 days a week just to get the lab work done. i have an earlier appointment with my obgyn because i haven't been pregnant in 4 years and the first time was an ectopic pregnancy, so since i am now pregnant for the second time EVER... i requested to come in at 5 weeks 3 days to see if we can tell where the baby is growing. i will have an ultrasound with a nurse first and then talk to the doctor after. i decided to get a new doctor this go 'round because they are doula friendly and have a nurse on staff that has midwife training as well. my first pregnancy was in my right fallopian tube and we didn't know it until 7 weeks. it resulted in surgery and the removal of my right tube and the pregnancy. hoping this one goes better.

LadyBugMe101 · March 2016

Chcaggie1 said:

I love the Ovia Pregnancy App it give you new updates every day about whats going on with baby and you plus tips on general health and diet as well. What to expect when you're expecting is a good book as well with lots of details.
Do you have insurance?? In the US most insurance companies have nurse lines you can call. I didn't use mine at all with my first pregnancy but since my son was born they have been SOOOO helpful. Its a 24 hr nurse line that's written on the back of the insurance card. With my insurance if free to call and they give great guidance on all sorts of topics.

I love this app too. I used Ovia Fertility while TTC and switched to Ovia Pregnancy once it was official. I have both The Bump App and Ovia and love all the information available. It is a good resource if you do not have someone you can call.

aquasocks · March 2016

1) Welcome and congratulations!
2) No need to see a GP. Most people don't even have one and just see specialists (myself included.)
3) Most of your questions will probably be answered in books like the PPs have mentioned (Mayo guide is my fave) or just by lurking this board.
4) If your question hasn't been asked here then ask away!
5) If your question has any sort of medical urgency, call your OB's office. Just because they haven't seen you, doesn't mean they can't help you. If you have serious concerns or spotting or anything that worries you, they should move up your appointment. If they don't, find another doctor.
6) Good luck!!

thatlauragirl · March 2016

I can only imagine how stressful it is to be pregnant for the first time while living abroad! You're doing everything right, you made your OB appointment and there's no need to meet with your GP at this point. Ditto to the pp who mentioned checking your insurance to see if you have access to a maternity nurse helpline. It sounds like a lot of your concerns could be addressed with a phone call. If not, there is a wealth of information at your fingertips between the Internet and so many great books available. And please ask questions here, you'll find a lot of knowledge!

LindsayLuLu27 · March 2016

This is very normal for first pregnancy or someone with no loss of pregnancy history.

Definitley start art on a prenatal asap and it's worth reading around websites like webmd or American pregnancy.

You also have the option to request that you longer see a nurse or nurse practitioner and prefer to only see the doctor. Just let them know that when you schedule your next appointment. Although I will say nurse practitioners are awesome and have more time to spend talking things through and are very knowledgable

MrsDramaK · March 2016

I just found out my OB doesn't do Ultrasounds in office and I have to make a seperate appointment at a radiology lab to have an ultrasound. Does that sound weird for anyone else?

EmmieAnn22 · March 2016

@MrsDramaK My office doesn't do ultrasounds either. I have two options for where to go that are all the same hospital system. My husband asked the doctor during our ultrasound why they do it this way and her reasoning was the particular machines they use are just too expensive for each office to have individual ones.

MrsDramaK · March 2016

@EmmieAnn22 I was really surprised by this and I don't get a lot of time off so when I found out today they don't I was scrambling to see if I can get something tomorrow since I already took a half day for my OB appointment. No one had any availability, but the girl who does scheduling told me if my doctor orders a Stat ultrasound tomorrow they'll see me right away, so fingers crossed he will do that tomorrow. I have weird cramping and a history of endometriosis so I am worried it could be ectopic.

EmmieAnn22 · March 2016

@MrsDramaK I'm sorry you have to deal with all that. That doesn't sounds convenient at all. Hope you get an appointment soon and all turns out well.

MrsDramaK · March 2016

@EmmieAnn22 Thanks it's an anxious time, but Fx everything goes smoothly

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