Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

So I was told I had to wait until I was around 8 weeks to go in for my first appt. This to me seemed normal from what ppl had told me. However, I called today to try to switch my appt from thur to wed so that DH would be able to come. His work schedule changed, and I wanted to make sure he would be able to be there to see/hear the baby b/c this is our first DC. The receptionist told me they don't do a sonogram at the first appt? Then why the hell did they make me wait 8 weeks? She said the refer me to radiology (various locations depending on insurance, but there are two in the same building) so I will be able to schedule it so DH can come around that. Does this seem weird to anyone else? She said the first appt is to talk about me, and what I should and shouldn't be doing. What if I was someone who wasn't proactive about their pregnancy. They make you wait until 8 weeks what if someone isn't taking vitamins in that time, eating lots of fish, etc.. To me it just doesn't make sense. Any input? I think I am just upset b/c I thought I was going to see the baby Thursday, and now I am not. I have symptoms still, but really want to know for sure there is a baby in there. When do you think I will able to go for the sonogram? Right after the appt, or are they going to make me wait another two weeks or something. I am just so upset.

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

I'm guessing they probably don't have sonogram machines at your doctor's office then.

They would still be able to take bloodwork to see your HCG levels and confirm the pregnancy that way.

But I totally know what you mean about wanting to SEE to make sure everything is ok. I was really looking forward to my first appointment for the same reason. Can you call them back and ask them for the radiology # so that you can make the appointment ahead of time?

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

This sounds normal to me. I had to wait a few weeks for my first appointment. At that appointment, I peed in a cup, spoke to the doctor about any questions I had and was given paperwork for blood work.

I had a sono at my next appointment, which was 1-2 weeks later. Depending on your insurance and doctor's practice, some people only get 1 sono during pregnancy.

ETA: My doctor's office has the sono machines in the office, but the practice is to not do a sono until the 2nd appointment.

Message edited 10/30/2009 10:48:58 AM.

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

I know that's definitely frustrating, but it does sound pretty normal.

Not all doctor's offices have the equipment to do sonos right there in the office.

Sometimes the first appointment is just bloodwork, weight, blood pressure, and talking about being pregnant.

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

I switched to a new OB at week 8 because (among other reasons) she couldn't do a sono or take blood in the office. The place I go now is full service and I never have to make appointments anywhere else - it's so much better! I feel your frustration - I would definitely want to see the baby at the first appointment.

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

i have to say this is something that has always annoyed me, if they arent going to do an exam or a sono, they should give you an earlier appt to confirm the preg with a blood test and to go over proper care of yourself while pregnant,

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

with my dr they also just had me come in to talk and weight, blood, etc. and 2nd appt was sono..... BUT my first appt was at 4 weeks (when I first found out - the next day actually) and my next appt (with sono) was at 6 weeks.

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

Your doctor is working on a normal time frame. My midwifes don't even do an early ultrasound unless there is a problem, so I saw them early, got all my paper work in, then a couple of weeks after that I started seeing them for my regular monthly visits. I wound having some complications so i got some early ultrasounds.

As for what if a patient is not being proactive with their pregnancy, to be honest, that is really up to the patient not the doctor to force on the patient. If they don't do it on their own knowing they are pregnant then there is not much a doctor can do.

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

Re: Is this normal (1st doctor appt)

To be honest I think it's better to make newly pregnant women wait until at least 8 weeks. Like you I was so anxious and wanted a sono so bad just to see something!! I did have one at what I thought was 6w5d and they saw nothing. They said it could have been because it was abnormal and I would have to come back in a week. That was the worst week of my life!! Luckily, I saw my peanut the following week-it didn't show up because I ovulated later but I totally understand why doctors make their patients wait for sonos. They can still do bloodwork to test for HCG levels.