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Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

What should I expect at my first prenatal visit?

Re: What should I expect at my first prenatal visit?

The Bump Expert

Your first appointment, generally between 8 and 12 weeks, will include a complete medical history and a thorough physical, including a pelvic exam, breast exam, urine test, pap smear and blood work. This is to check your overall health and identify any factors that put you at risk for pregnancy, birth or fetal complications. Based on this, your doc will discuss possible genetic testing and any specific warning signs and symptoms to watch for. You may also have an ultrasound. Based on the time of your last period, the doc will give an estimated (we said estimated!) due date.

The first visit is also a time to ask lots of questions and any discuss lifestyle changes or restrictions you may need to observe during pregnancy. Based on your health and risk factors, you and your doc will work out a schedule for subsequent appointments.

The Bump Editors | May 01 , 2009 4:02 PM

re: Q: First OB Visit?

I just had my first OB visit it was pretty exciting and i had my first sono and I heard the heart beat. It made it real.

smrodrigues1 | January 23 , 2008 4:21 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I just had my last obgyn appointment in july (pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam), its now august and Im pregnant. Does this mean that I have to have all of the above done again?

fdmaw | August 19 , 2008 2:39 PM

Always a Sonogram at First OB visit?

Do all women get to have a sonogram at their first doc's visit. I'd love to hear the heartbeat!

BaltoBride | August 22 , 2008 8:13 AM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I'm going to my first OB visit today and they are just doing a routine exam. I'm completely bummed b/c I thought I would be able to get the works or at least the ultra sound to hear the heart beat. After waiting over 8 weeks, who just wants to come for a regular exam?

ccole2127 | November 12 , 2008 2:37 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I totally understand! I was bummed today when they told me I had to come back in a week or so for the ultrasound. I am 8 weeks and figured I would get one...Poo... We are wanting to break the news to our families at my birthday dinner next week and really wanted a picture to take with us!

WONDERFULLYMADE83 | December 04 , 2008 4:01 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

IM HAVING MY 1ST OB ON THE 30TH HAD MY ULTRASOUND LAST TUESDAY I WAS SOOOO SHOCKED I COULD HEAR THE HEARTBEAT....

JENALY24 | December 27 , 2008 3:01 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

WONDERFULLYMADE83 , DON'T FEEL BAD LOL U CAN'T SEE NOTHING BUT A LITTLE WHITE DOT ON THE ULTRASOUND!!!!!!!

JENALY24 | December 27 , 2008 3:02 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

Suprisingly my doctor scheduled my appointment for next week, I'm only 5 weeks along!! I'll be disappointed if they can't do an ultrasound, but just talking to the doctor period will satisfy me. My friend said they did an ultrasound on her at 5 weeks too though. I'm confused, I hear so many different things

GirlyGirl514 | January 14 , 2009 7:38 AM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I am worried about choosing a doctor for me and my baby. We want to keep it a secret from friends and family for awhile since this is our first pregnancy, but it's so hard not being able to talk to anyone about good and bad doctors in our area. Are there any good doctor review websites out there?

homebody2 | January 18 , 2009 12:36 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I just called my OB office to ask them what will happen on the first visit, She stated routine bloodwork, preganancy test, sonogram, pelvic exam. So hopefully I get my sonogram , regardless of what I might not see, I still wont to visually see and possible hear my baby heartbeat. I let you'll no how it goes on Feb 2nd

Nurse White | January 21 , 2009 12:28 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I just had my first visit today and they didnt do an ultrasound or a sonogram. My husband said "how do they even know for sure that you are pregnant?" It just seems weird...has anyone else had this experience?

Loudermilk2B | February 11 , 2009 5:43 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

My first appointment was only with a nurse. They took blood to do tests, gave me literature to take home and read, answered all of my burning questions, and got the info to me to set up an appointment with the hospital I'd be delivering at. That was at 8 weeks. My next appointment is with the midwife and she'll do those other things listed. They'll do the pelvic exam and pap. They'll check me out, go over my blood test results, etc. That appointment will also include an ultrasound so we can hear the heartbeat and see the baby. We'll be able to take a photo home then too! I've heard a lot of people say they got to do a lot of that at 8 weeks, and it's kinda upsetting, but I've been patient so far..I can go another 3.5 weeks. Right?

Saiphyn | February 18 , 2009 3:06 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

well i am going for my first visit on monday...i have no clue what to expect. i am really just wanting them to verify that in fact w/o a shadow of a doubt that i am preggers. but i've taken many pregnancy tests and never have i seen one show positive within seconds! it was immediately after...

PeacheChampagne | February 20 , 2009 10:20 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I just found out that I was pregnant last friday 2-20-09. I have my first appointment for 3-24-09. I want to know is this something that I want to take my husband to? Or is it ok to just go by myself? If there are any ideas or experience from others please let me know. This is my first time being pregnant. I have so many questions.....

JAMT | February 25 , 2009 11:10 AM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I had my first one ..on 2/16 and I was 6 weeks. It was just with the Nurse Practitioner. She did a pelvic, Pap, bloodwork and urine. Talked a litle bit. nothing too exciting. I have my first REAL appointment with the Dr. on St. Patrick's Day(go figure, we're both almost 100% irish). So i'm excited. I told my bf. I know it's hard for work and stuff, but I said he can come to whatever appointments he wants..but he MUST come to the first one ( first time we have an u/s and hear the heartbeat) and then to the one we find out the sex of the baby. Then more towards the end so he can prepare. Otherwise. They are not that exciting. Usually just the same questions every time. Maybe it's just me. + he's not much of a dr's office person lol.

Heather.111 | February 25 , 2009 6:14 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I haven't asked my bf if he wants to go to the first appointment but I know that I have some time left still.... We shall see when time for the appointment gets closer if he wants to go or not.

sunsmiles6 | February 26 , 2009 7:01 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I found out that I was pregnant the day before my birthday. Our first appointment isn't for a couple of weeks, and we REALLY want an ultrasound, but it doesn't sound like the dr will do one. They don't feel that it's necessary. BUT I WANT ONE!!!

akholland05 | March 04 , 2009 10:58 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I just had a miscarriage the begining of Jan. ... how important is it that I am seen earlier than 8weeks pregnant... I think I am 5 weeks along right now.. :)

baby2_boerngen | March 08 , 2009 9:42 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I was very lucky I just had my first visit and got an ultra sound which confirmed me I was def 5 weeks Pregnant. I am sooo happy =)

andra9 | March 13 , 2009 10:00 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I am going on my first OB visit tomorrow! This is a very long awaited visit. I am excited and I hope I get an ultrasound.

floridabride07 | March 17 , 2009 11:00 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I just found out that I was pregnant. And based on the pregnancy calendar, I'm around 2 weeks. When is it recommended to go to a first OB visit?

admiralmy | March 24 , 2009 4:22 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

typically the first US is done between 7-12 weeks, different docs have different policies. You may also receive US earlier if you arent sure of your LMP or time of conception, sometimes they'll get you in right away to be able to determine how far you are... Otherwise keep in mind that you can't hear the heartbeat until after 5 weeks and there are other things that they won't be able to detect until you are farther along, that's the reason for docs waiting until later. The point of the US is NOT to give you a pic of the baby, it is a diagnostic tool to help the docs track your progress, detect issues, and plan your care so don't be disappointed if you can't get one early, you want to make sure there's enough there for them to check on!

farrellashleigh | March 27 , 2009 1:51 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I am 5 weeks pregnant, this is my first pregnancy. I called to schedule my first OB appt and I have to meet with the nurse first to give history and then we will not see the doc until 10-12 weeks. I am upset and nervous that they make you wait. Is this normal? Do anyone else have this same problem.

lmhgator | March 30 , 2009 7:49 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

Imhgator - Same thing with me!! I had my first appointment around 7 weeks with a nurse. My next appointment isn't until I am 13 weeks. It is a little frustrating because it still doesn't feel real but I am trying to keep positive thoughts as I try to wait patiently for my appointment! :)

allisonebass | April 10 , 2009 11:11 AM

re: Q: First OB visit?

i have my first OB appointment tomorrow afternoon. i'm kinda worried they wont give me an US or sonogram because i'm 14 weeks pregnant! gosh, I wish this OB wasn't so busy!!! i mean, don't most people see the Dr WAAAAAY before week 14!!!! dah, and if they DONT do a sonogram or US...i'm going to be soooo disappointed. gosh. I wanna know that everything is okay!!! :)

AngelicaJaeger | April 21 , 2009 6:08 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I had my first visit at 8 weeks but they didn't do anything. I just talked with the doc and we go back in two weeks for an ultrasound. I was disappointed because I didn't even get to hear the heartbeat or see our baby. But we get a 3D ultrasound and they will determine my due date by my ultrasound which is sooo exciting!

| May 02 , 2009 8:31 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I called and tried to make an appt but she would see me the women told me to wait till June...and it sucks because I heard that I was missing out on hearing my babys heart beat =( I just found out I was prego like a week ago and I belive Im 5 weeks along.

lacie02 | May 03 , 2009 10:59 AM

re: Q: First OB visit?

This message is for lacie02. You do realize that you are not "missing out" on the babys heartbeat right? with my first we couldnt hear the heartbeat until I was 13-14 weeks, something about an outter placenta. (and most women cant hear it until 10-12 weeks) Im 12 weeks now with my second and we still cant hear the heartbeat. But they check the heartbeat EVERY time you see them throughout the pregancy, not only within the first trimester!

ashlittle_1 | May 09 , 2009 5:34 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

lacie02, We had an ultrasound at 10 weeks and we got to see the heart beating but we didn't hear it until our next appt. at 14 weeks, so you are not "missing out" on anything yet!! And, yes, ashlittle_1 is right, they check the heartbeat at every appt so you'll get to hear it a lot. My husband had to work at my 14 weeks appt so I brought a digital voice recorder with me and recorded abt 15 seconds of the heartbeat to let him (and everyone else!) listen to later! I even uploaded it to my computer to send out in emails! lol

dizzzy_chik99 | May 13 , 2009 10:47 AM

re: Q: First OB visit?

In response to bringing your partner to your visits, I would say DEFINTIELY the first one and the 20 week ultrasound, but other than that (unless you're having problems), I would say he/she doesn't need to be there unless they want to. The first appt you usually have a longer appt time to ask a bunch of questions and things like that. After the first one they are mostly measuring, weighing, checking heartbeat with doppler, and later on, checking dialation and effacement so nothing they NEED to be there for. That's what my hubby and I did with our first, so this time it won't be any different.

BlueEyedBaby | May 13 , 2009 5:12 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I have my first appointment scheduled in two days. I have asked what tests will be done and they did not mention a u/s. I hope they are not planning on doing one! My DH cannot make it to this appointment and my doctor wants to see me this week. Hopefully we can work around this. I am only 5 weeks, does this seem normal to have a u/s at your first visit? (I am seeing my regular doctor, who does not do pregnancies - I still need to find a OB/GYN.)

krystal0707 | June 23 , 2009 12:30 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I'm so glad to hear that other people are in the same boat as I am. I got the BFP on Friday so I called to schedule an appointment yesterday (Monday) thinking that they would take me in within a few days - with my doctor. Instead they kept giving me dates that were like two or three weeks away with a midwife or nurse. I called my husband and cried thinking that my doctor's office was no good that they were making me wait. It felt so unfair. Haha, I guess that's what they all do! I am just anxious to have that first appt. For some reason it doesn't fully feel real yet!

blushy08 | June 23 , 2009 8:57 PM

re: Q: First OB visit?

I am 3 wks preggo and I just scheduled my first appointment with the doctor for August 13 when I will be 10 wks. It's going to be so hard just to wait but I am just going to focus on taking good care of myself and monitoring anything that happens from here till then. The funny thing is the nurse said that if anything happens to got to the emergency because the first weeks are the most important so why make me wait till 10 weeks? Oh well, patience is a virtue.

ZaChris1403 | June 30 , 2009 7:55 AM

re: Q: First OB visit?

We went to our first ultra sound appointment barley able to contain our selfs with excitement and wonder and we left feeling crushed and devastated. Our ultra sound revealed a sack with no embryo, it just stopped forming at the 6th week in pregnancy. They call this a blighten ovum. We are feeling much better today because we have been talking to everyone who will listen and to my surprise theres a lot of couple that have gone through the same thing.On Wednesday I'll be going in for a D&C, I'm a little nervous about this little procedure.

Janesaw | July 11 , 2009 8:22 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

Just got back from my first appointment. We saw the heartbeat and everything looked good. One thing worries me, though. They told me I have a small hemorrhage in the uterus that is a result of implantation. They said I shouldn't worry and that it is only a problem if it gets bigger. Has anybody heard of this before? I can't find any information. Thanks in advance.

monicadigre | August 17 , 2009 12:01 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I went in at 5 weeks for blood work because my OBGYN doesn't trust the over the counter tests and she set us up for an ultrasound in 2 weeks. I am not sure what we will see on the screen at 7 weeks but we are excited.

AnnieOaks21 | August 29 , 2009 8:29 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

My cousin went last month, and she had an ultra sound. We called the baby her little "bean" because that's what it looked like on the screen. She was only about 4 weeks from conception, or 6 weeks along. She went again last week. They told her that she was measuring 9 1/2 weeks and she could see things like the profile of the baby's face and little arms and legs. I just found out that I'm pregnant today, and my appointment is in two weeks. I was told that they'll do an ultra sound and that we may hear the heart beat.

wmeasel | August 31 , 2009 4:56 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I called my OB last week. They asked me when the first day of my last MS was and if I had been pregnant before. Then, instead of scheduling an app't, they told me they would call me back. 24 hours later I called them and asked when I could expect to hear from them. They told me that I should hear back by the end of the week or the beginning of this next week. Needless to say I am so frustrated. It's already the end of Monday and still...no call. Is this a sign that I should get a new OB? One that has time for me? I wanted to go with this one because both my sisters say he's "so wonderful". He may be wonderful but his nurses are awful :(

Stphanne834 | September 14 , 2009 6:10 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I haven't had my first OB visit yet, and I am just about 5 weeks... We're trying to switch from my military insurance to me now being a dependent on my husbands... Not only that, but we're moving to Hawaii in December... I'm worried it will be hard to find a doctor that will see me!!! Any advice?

NavyWife1989 | September 14 , 2009 11:27 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I just found out a few days ago that I'm pregnant. I estimated myself to be about 4 and a half weeks. I called the doctor and they scheduled me for 3 more weeks. I am excited and can hardly wait, I hope everything is ok.

susie985 | November 10 , 2009 2:32 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

My husband and I are so excited for our first appointment! I made sure to schedule a time where he could be there as well! I was told that I will have an ultrasound and then a complete physical.

Caryssa8 | November 30 , 2009 9:11 AM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I have my first OB visit in January. I'm only 5 weeks. I'm anxious but excited. I'm not a big fan of needles though!!! I've been feeling well. No morning sickness yet, and breast are slightly sore....I pray I continue like this.

cihawkins | November 30 , 2009 6:03 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I am 8 weeks 4 days my first ob appt is monday but i found out today that they dont do any sonograms or anything! :( I have to schedule that after my first appt!

Hearts_Halo | December 02 , 2009 8:10 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I am so excited for my first appointment! I am about 6 weeks pregnant and am going in early January!

netoohey13 | December 17 , 2009 12:46 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

Your appointment might be different, but most appointments are simple. They sit you in the room and have you answer lots of questions about family history and previous surgerys. They then tell you approximately how far you are and let you hear the heart beat and they weigh you. Then schedule your next apt. Its that easy.

sjuthe83 | January 03 , 2010 2:36 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I just found out that I am 8 weeks preg. (now 9 weeks) and I have my OB appt in a couple days. I'm just more scared than anything else. I have such a fear of docs. I'm scared something or some test they'll do will hurt (lol!!!). I'm such a big baby. This is my first pregnancy so this is new, exciting, and scary all at the same time! :((. Lord help me!!!

alma_vargas | January 10 , 2010 8:49 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

well my first obgyn visit was because my hormone levels were too low and i almost lost my baby but they showed me it on the screen and i didnt hear a heart beat and they didnt give me my sonogram pics i was pretty mad that i forgot to ask them why now i switched doctors because my doctor couldnt see me that day and ill be going the 21st so by then i will get to hear his/her heart beat and find out hopefully how many it is or what have you

homegurl_fo_life_26101 | January 12 , 2010 3:44 PM

Q&A: What happens at my first OB visit?

I just found out I was pregnant yesterday and we are moving 1000 miles in 2 weeks and I'm starting a new job. I'm about 5 weeks. So I called the practice I'll be going to (I've been there before b/c it's in my college town) and they wouldn't even consider scheduling me an appointment until I officially have my new health insurance. It made me cry (hormones) but I checked with my new job and they had already decided to waive the waiting period for my health insurance so I won't have a lapse in coverage and so I will hopefully be able to schedule the appt. for February when I'm btwn7-11 wks.

burkems | January 18 , 2010 2:43 PM

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