When To Have The First OB Examination For Pregnancy
Finding out you're pregnant is an exciting time. You want to make sure your growing baby gets good care so he or she has every chance for good health. You may wonder when it's time to schedule a visit with your OB doctor. Here are some guidelines your doctor may suggest.
A Pregnancy Confirmation Visit
The first visit you'll make is to find out if you're pregnant or to confirm the results of a pregnancy test. At this point, you'll probably have missed one period. If you have irregular periods, you may want a test just to confirm your suspicions. A confirmation visit involves taking a blood test, so this can be done at your regular doctor or gynecologist's office if it is more convenient. A full OB exam is scheduled once you have a confirmation of your pregnancy.
The First OB Examination
Once you have medical confirmation of your pregnancy, it's time to call your OB doctor. The appointment will probably be scheduled around the beginning of your second month of pregnancy, but you'll want to call early so you can get an appointment date set. If you have medical problems that might affect your pregnancy, then let the OB doctor know on your first call because you may need to start care right away rather than wait. The sooner you are under the care of an OB doctor, the better it is for your health and the health of your baby. Don't postpone going to the doctor because you feel healthy and you don't think it's necessary.
During your first OB appointment, the doctor will do a full medical physical on you that includes blood tests for health problems and screenings for possible diseases or genetic conditions. You may be given prenatal vitamins and instructions for dealing with morning sickness and other problems you might have. If you are on medications for an existing condition, your OB doctor may need to work with your regular doctor to adjust your medications or change them to something that won't harm the baby.
Your first OB appointment will be one of the most thorough exams you'll have. The focus is on you to ensure your health and body are in good shape for carrying your baby. While you may be anxious to start medical care right away, if you're in good health, waiting a few weeks for your first OB appointment is normal since it could take that long to get an appointment with a busy OB doctor if you don't have special medical concerns.
