Pregnant for the First Time - Gurnee,IL

I'm 31 weeks now and I was told the same thing by my doctors office however I had to wait until I was 3 months. I guess it is pretty normal but the thing that really bothered me about it is that I had no idea all the stuff I wasnt' supposed to be doing or eating. Finding out at 3 months made me kind of freak out about the weeks before hand. Maybe ask them if they can at least provide you with information about foods and activities you should be careful about.

That's totally normal. I remember thinking the same thing when I was pregnant with my first. I'm now almost 9 weeks with my second and I just saw my OB for the first time on Wednesday.

I found waiting 8-10 weeks for my first doctor visit shocking, however, it does seem to be very common. Just about everyone I know has waited the same amount of time and happy to say we've all had healthy babies.

I had the same feeling when I was pregnant with my first -- we had been trying for a couple months, so I was reading pregnancy books and charting. I knew I was pregnant by 5 weeks. All the books I had read said to make a prenatal appt immediately, so I called the doc only to find that they didn't want to see me until 10 weeks. The nurse I spoke to said it was because a lot of pregnancies miscarry in the first couple of weeks, which did not help to make me feel any more secure. They did ask if I'd like to come in for a nurse's visit to confirm the pregnancy (just an official pregnancy test) and to get a prescription for prenatal vitamins. The nurse also talked to me about methods for dealing with morning sickness because I was suffering with a lot of nausea. There isn't really a lot they can do so early on. Of course, by the end of my pregnancy I was really tired of going to the dr all the time (I was overdue so was going every few days the last 2 weeks).

I am now pregnant with baby #2. I'm about 8 weeks and haven't make an appt yet because my husband just changed jobs and we haven't gotten our new insurance cards. So, I probably won't even make it in until 12 weeks this time around!

Dont worry, this is normal, with my second, when I callled and said the test was positive, they would not see me until 8 weeks. I would not worry, after that first visit, you should go however every month and if you dont you should ask about that! Congrats on getting pregnant, kids are the most wonderful life changing thing you will ever do, I would never trade mine in for a moment and remember they grow up too fast so cherish every moment and every picture, I was made fun of b/c I took literally hunderds of pictures, well they are only small once and they are always growing and changing!!
Good Luck and welcome to Mamasource!!
M.

I didn't realize I was pregnant till I was about 7 or 7.5 weeks. I could not get in till about 9 weeks.

One nice thing about my dr. was he was able to send me for tests (blood work to confirm I was pregant & other basic tests that I can't remember anymore cause I was so happy and nervous.) That way, when I did have my appointment my dr. could focus on things he wanted to review with me (taking vitamins, foods to focus on, etc.) listening to the heartbeat. I also knew he was going to send me for an ultrasound that day.

Start reading some of the pregnancy books. They will focus on week to week development.

You could either look at the dr. response as very normal, find someone who may see you sooner, or just call and talk to the nurses/dr. They may be able to speed things up a bit.

Congratulations and take care.

Congratulations!

I think the wait is fairly common but very nerve-wracking, I know. I didn't find out I was pregnant until about 9 weeks and my OB didn't see me 'til 13 weeks. Everything was fine though - I used that time to read about what I should or shouldn't be doing. Try to relax

Good Luck!

R.

My Dr. had a similar policy, except her's was 12 weeks. I think the "rules" vary significantly from Dr. to Dr. Of course, if I had an issue with the pregnancy before my first scheduled visit, I could go in. But for ultrasounds and listening to the heartbeat, all that waited until 12 weeks. I also asked "why the wait?" They told me that if the bloodwork and urinalysis showed a healthy, normally progressing pregnancy that they waited to do further testing until the first trimester was almost over. I found her policy a little unsettling at first too, but she was an absolutely excellent Dr. Post your Dr's name if you want. Maybe someone else has gone to him/her. There's no harm in calling your Dr's office and asking why you need to wait, but I don't think the rule is all that uncommon.

that's very common. i went at 8 weeks with my first and got an ultrasound then to confirm the pregnancy, and didn't bother to go till 11 weeks with my second (by my own choice).

Don't be worried. It is common practice that you don't see the doctor until you are about three months (assuming you are not a high risk pregnancy). I was high risk and had to be seen once a week for 10 weeks. But my friend, who was not high risk, was only seen at 3 months, 5 months and then during the last month every week. So don't get worried because it is perfectly normal to see your doctor only a few times. Good luck with your pregnancy!!!!

Yes, this is common, but didn't really affect me much since I didn't find out that I was pregnant until I was 8 wks pregnant......
V. K.

I didn't see my doctor until 10/11 weeks as well and it was DRIVING me nuts and didn't make sense to me either. It really didn't. And when WE went to our first appt we found out we were having twins. Crazy. You'd think they would want to see you right away to make sure you are taking vitamins and following good diet/etc. Good luck and CONGRATS!!!!

first of all congrats! I thought i might recommend a book for..it's called "what to expect when you are expecting". I read this book from cover to cover and found it very helpful. Even thru the first year of my son's life. He is now 3. don't worry about the wait. that is normal. Just make sure you are taking care of yourself for that baby.

Just to add to what everyone else has said, there is not much they can do before that time anyway. You can't even hear the heartbeat before then.

Hi - this was strange to me the first time around, too. However, I didn't go in until about 7 weeks along with my first, and almost 9 weeks with the 2nd. It seems to be the norm. Hang in there - congratulations!

My Ob-Gyn has the same policy. I know that they wont be able to detect a heartbeat unitl that time with their doplers. I thought I remember my doc telling me that was the reason. I was very upset with my docs office to at that time. It is a very standard procedure and not too worry. I would however call them and ask them to call in a prescription for prenatal vitamins if you are not already taking them. Good luck with your pregnancy and try to relax and enjoy it.

D.

This is normal. I thought it was crazy that you have to wait that long, but yes, it is normal. I am not sure why they wait. If you feel like you have issues you need to talk to the doctor about, make sure you call. They will ALWAYS talk to you and if you press, see you if you need to go in.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

F.,
Most pregnant patients see their "O.B.s" only monthly until about the 6th month of pregnancy. Try to relax. It will be good for the both of you. There are some really great books out there by Dr. William Sears and also there is one called "Your Pregnancy Week by Week." I really enjoyed reading these books. Also, learn from observing your friends with their kids, but ALWAYS follow your instincts.
Good luck!
Amy

Hi F. - congratulations!

Yes, your doc's policy is normal. I knew I was pregnant immediately due to those early detection over the counter tests, but my doc just sent me in for a lot of tests and did not do an exam until 9 or 10 weeks - I think my first ultrasound was the same day. A heartbeat can not be detected until 10 weeks or so - that's why they make you wait.

One suggestion - in addition to reading the "week by week" pregnancy books, I would strongly suggest that you read up on baby sleep books by Ferber and Weissbluth to educate yourself about an infant's sleep cycle and how you can establish a semblance of a routine. Once your baby arrives, it is freaking IMPOSSIBLE difficult to make time to read any books at all.

I learned the hard way - I was just obsessed with pregnancy and labor details while I was pregnant and "forgot" about reading the books that help you raise your little one.

No matter how dramatic your labor is, you will immediately forget all about it once your baby arrives! My little guy is 3 months now and I am now obsessed with getting him to sleep more - I have nearly forgotten all about pregnancy and labor.

I do remember that the 2nd trimester especially was a magical time, when I could feel my baby's movements but I wasn't so big and uncomfortable.

I wish you and your baby good health - enjoy this time!

Yes, this is normal. After that you'll go once a month until you reach 36 weeks and then you'll go once a week. Good luck!

Congrats!!!

I have had 2 children. Completely normal!!! My 1st preg. I did not see the Dr. til the 12th week. I guess I figure why go? Not too much that they do. With my first preg. They did not do an u/s that early. Only a pap test. No blood work to confirm. I picked up a prescription for the prenatal vitamins when I first found out I was preg.
Think about, our parents did not have preg tests to tell them they were one second preg. Relax and enjoy!
K.
K.

Congrats! Thats a pretty typical time to see your provider. If you have any concerns prior to then, though, don't hesitate to call them. That's what they're there for.

Also, has anyone recommended a midwife to you? Certified nurse-midwives do deliveries in most hospitals in the area. They have significantly lower interventions, complications, and c-sections than doctors. They also tend to be more personable and approachable than many doctors.

Good luck!

Mine saw me at 6 weeks and did a u/s bloodwork etc. I did have a previous miscarriage so I had another u/s at 8 weeks. Many books I have read say that if the dr doesn't want to see you until 8-10 then find another dr. There are so many things happening that 1st trimester and you need as much knowledge as you can get as early as possible.

Yep, mine didn't see me till I was 8 weeks either. It's very common. I can tell you that until you really start feeling that baby inside you, it can be difficult/unsettling to know if everything is okay...because you don't 'feel' anything...and you're not showing either. Hang in there though...once you start feeling those tiny limbs move and their hiccups, etc., it will be the most wonderful feeling.

F.,

First of all, congratulations on you upcoming arrival.

I think it depends on how old you are or if you are in a high risk group. If you are under 35 and not in a high risk group, it's probably okay. Stay away from lunchmeat (nitrates), sushi, and soft cheeses in the meantime. Probably talk to your doc before then so she can check on the meds you are taking and give you advice on what to eat.
Diana

I know what you mean. I couldn't beleive my doctor didn't want to see me again until around 9 weeks. I had a million questions that I wanted to talk to the doctor about. Just do the following and you'll be fine:
1. Make sure you get a perscription for pre-natal vitamins and take them every day!!! Very important!!! If you don't have the percription, don't wait, take a multi-vitamin NOW and continue until you get the pre-natals.
2. Buy "What to expect when you're expecting" and read.
3. Eat well and make healthy choices.
4. Get your sleep.
Congratulations!!!! Adventures await!

I will reinforce what most others have said and reassure you that this is typical. A common visit schedule is 8,12,16,20,24,28,30,32,36,38,40 weeks, sometimes even alittle less is your pregnancy is not high risk. At four weeks all they could check is blood work, even an US at this time would not show an embryo with a beating heart, that is usually not seen until 6 weeks or more. The handheld doppler that they use in the office to check for the heartbeat cannot usually detect it until 12 weeks, 10 at the very earliest. Your first visit usually only consists of history taking, your vital signs and physical exam, and a discussion of healthy pregnancy behavior. Pretty much none of that will change the course of care between 4 and 12 weeks. So in the meantime, read about pregnancy, relax and enjoy!
Good Luck, S.

Most doc's don't see you until you have missed two periods. I think the reasoning is that it's SO early in the game, a lot can happen if it's 'not meant to be'. IF you have a known problem or condition then you can normally get them to see you earlier. It's a great sign that they are already doing all that blood work for you... A lot of docs don't do that till you are further along too (unless there have been problems or you have a condition that warrants it).

relax and ENJOY the ride!!!

That is common unless you have a high risk pregnancy.

I got a great book for free from State Farm insurance, they will send it to you if you have their insurance. I is a big hard bound book (700 and some pages) the Mayo Clinic Complete book of pregnancy and the babys first year. I used it alot, it has great photo's and it takes you from preconception thru your childs first birthday. I still use it to look up fevers and childhood illnesses. I think this is the phone number (1-888-733-8368).

Good luck and congrats.
R.

I've never heard of such a thing.
I'm a mom and grandma and my youngest daughter is 12 weeks
pregnant. When she went to the Dr. herDr. saw her the very next week. I would getr another Dr. If he won't see you why use him.

F.

This is totally normal - lots of docs or midwives won't even bother to see you until you're 12 weeks along. Really, all they do for most of your pregnancy is (1) answer any questions you have (2) make sure the baby is growing (3) check your blood pressure (4) check your urine (5) check your weight. If you're going to miscarry (sorry for bringing this up, but it's always a possibility) it will likely happen in the first 12 weeks, so a lot of people keep a relatively hands-off attitude until the coast is clear. Once your baby's heart beat has been detected you're almost certainly out of the woods on this one.

At 8-10 weeks they can do a vaginal ultrasound and see the baby's heartbeat (!!!) and date the pregnancy in case you're unsure of the dates. Unless you have a history of miscarriages or other high-risk things, there's really not much care you need prenatally. Just eat well, take a vitamin, and take good care of yourself. This is why they don't bother to see you earlier.

Congrats on your pregnancy!! Everything is going to be *great*

I actually saw my Dr. before getting pregnant to go off bc and get a perscription for prenatal vitamins. I did that for a few months, then went to see the Dr. once I missed my first period and I also had done an at home pregnancy test. The only thing the Dr. did was confirm I was pregnant with a urine test and did a pap. Then I scheduled my next appt. two weeks later for the ultrasound (8 weeks).

Well, this is pretty common. I think alot of it has to do with the fact that most people dont find out they are even pregnant till 6 to 8 weeks. Also, insurance plays a big part in this too. What insurance do you have? Alot of my clients did not start going to their OB appts till they were about 8 weeks along. I know that you want this to hurry up, because it is excting. I could never wait. With Lexie, my first one, I was about 6 wks when I found out, but the other two, I knew about the time i was 4 weeks too, and hated waiting to get into the Dr. for my appt.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

Hi F.,

Congratulations!!!! My little one turns 4 next Saturday. If there is one thing I am learning, it is the importance of nutrition. Do you have a multivitamin yet? If they won't see you yet, at least I would get started with that. My son takes cod liver oil and probiotics now. If I had to do it again, I would take these while I was pregnant. Both are really good for you!!
I saw my gynecologist for the first time when I was 6 weeks pregnant and then every 4 weeks after that. (Until the end, when you go all the time.)

D.

F.:

If you are not comfortable with this then you shoule look for another health care provider...

try looking at: www.birthlink.com

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
800 LACTATE

F.,

Don't worry...just backing up what most others have said...very normal. I went at 8-10 with both of my pregnancies.

Guess I am the odd ball out. My doctor made an appt to see me at about 4 weeks (I took the HPT at 2wks) and I had my first u/s at 7 weeks. I guess I feel like it is important to get information on what to eat/not eat/stay away from/be concerned about, etc. It is not all common sense. The first trimester is when they are developing the most important things and what better advice to get on how to care for you and your new baby than from a doctor. Not to mention, what you might be at risk for based on your family history.

However, it does seem common, as noted by the other mothers, to not get into see someone until 8+ weeks. DEFINATELY go buy yourself a book (What to expect while expecting or Pregnancy Week by Week). These will give you some good guidelines, then if you have any questions I would definatley call your OB.

Good luck!!

L.
Soon to be mother of a baby girl. Due date Sept. 4th...is she here yet???

Yep, this bothered me as well. I think they saw me at 10 weeks.

8 weeks is the norm. they can't really tell anything before that, accept that you are pregnant. relax. you have a long way to go and plenty of appointments!