What Doctor Do You Call When Your Pregnant

Set Up A Doctors Appointment

When to Call Your Doctor or Midwife | Pregnancy

Another important thing to do when you find out youre pregnant is to call your OBGYN to make an appointment and confirm that you are indeed pregnant. Your doctor will usually have you take a pregnancy test in their office, do a sonogram and even have blood test done to confirm your pregnancy. So this is very important! The faster you see your doctor the faster you will be on track to a healthy and safe pregnancy. Already experiencing morning sickness? Check out these 6 vital ways to combat morning sickness!

Please note: Always do your research before deciding on an OBGYN. Once you meet with your doctor and you do not feel comfortable with him/she, do not hesitate in finding another one. Its your pregnancy and you should feel comfortable and at ease with your provider.

Pregnancy books to read:

A Spike In The Mothers Blood Pressure

A slight increase in blood pressure during pregnancy can be normal due to the extra stress on the body. However, if blood pressure starts to spike, in association with other symptoms such as swelling and blurred vision, a condition known as preeclampsia may be present.

If this does occur, early delivery may be necessary and the baby may need additional time under medical supervision to continue natural development before being released.

What If You Have A High Risk For Certain Genetic Diseases

Genetic counseling can be beneficial if you are at risk for certain genetic disease. This type of counseling involves taking an extensive medical history and assessing the health of you, your partner, and your respective families.

After this information has been evaluated, you may receive counseling regarding certain genetic risks. Your counselor may recommend that you, your partner, or certain family members undergo blood testing for inheritable diseases.

You may also be offered early pregnancy screening tests, such as ultrasound and amniocentesis, to assess your pregnancy for the presence of a genetic disease.

The first prenatal physical examination is comprehensive so your doctor can evaluate any abnormalities that may be present in various parts of the body.

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What Your Ob Does

During your pregnancy, your OB will:

  • Monitor your health and your developing babies’ health, including doing routine ultrasounds, measurements, and tests
  • Check for health conditions that could cause problems during your pregnancy or affect your babies’ health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, and genetic disorders
  • Advise you about diet, exercise, medications, and staying healthy
  • Help you cope with morning sickness, back and leg pain, heartburn, and other common pregnancy complaints
  • Answer your questions about pregnancy and your growing baby
  • Explain what will happen during labor and delivery

Your OB will also:

  • Monitor your health while you recuperate

Find A Healthcare Professional That Best Suits Your Needs

Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Youre Pregnant

Who you see for your prenatal check-ups depends on what type of care you want, where you want to give birth and if you have any health complications to consider. You couldcall your family doctor first, but you may want to book directly with a midwife or an OB/GYN because theyre often in high demand. Generally, most healthcare practitioners recommend that you book your first prenatal appointment at around eight to 10 weeks.

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A Counseling Session With A Doctor

Here is a little known fact about doctors: They really wish that you would get in to see them and counsel with them before you get pregnant, rather than after. That way they can react to a medical problem you might have before the pregnancy, rather than afterward, when it might be too late. It’s particularly important with women who might have medical considerations factoring into their pregnancy.

At this point, the doctor could tell you what your options for pregnancy are and whether or not you’re a high-risk patient. Factors that might be important to discuss with your doctor ahead of time are:

  • Current health and past medical history
  • Age of mother

How Soon Should I See A Doctor When Pregnant

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As soon as you see the positive results of an at-home pregnancy test youre going to feel a whirlwind of emotions. Some of those will be happy, and some might involve feeling nervous.

Youre also bound to have an indefinite list of questions. One of the most common questions that mothers wonder about is when to see the doctor.

You should schedule your first appointment as soon as you can. There are quite a few reasons behind this.

  • 3 In Conclusion
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    Choosing A Certified Nurse

    An CNM is a medical professional who has completed accredited graduate-level programs in midwifery and passed a certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board to become licensed by the American College of Nurse-Midwives to practice in all 50 states and U.S. territories. CNMs are trained to care for women with low-risk pregnancies with the goal of reducing birth injury, trauma and cesarean section by providing individualized care and minimal technological intervention.

    This practitioner also handles primary health care needs, such as preconception advice, newborn care, family planning and treatment for STDs. A CNM often focuses on more natural approaches to labor and delivery , and may be more likely than MDs to offer nutritional and breastfeeding support. CNMs work in hospitals and birthing centers though some perform home births, and in some settings they can prescribe epidurals and labor-inducing medication.

    • A certified nurse-midwife might be right for you if… having a natural childbirth is your number one priority or youre on a tight budget . To locate a CNM, check out Midwife.org.
    • but keep this in mind: You might need a doctor in a high-risk pregnancy .

    What Should I Do While I Wait For My Gp Appointment

    When should you visit the doctor during your pregnancy?

    Carry on as normal! And, if youre not taking folic-acid supplements, nows the time to start.

    Youll probably find yourself paying closer attention to your lifestyle and diet. Youll also find there are lots of people giving you advice about what you can and cant do and often theyll tell you different things!

    So, weve made it clearer with lots of Whats Safe info thats regularly updated with the very latest research:

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    How Often Do You Go For Prenatal Care Checkups

    Most pregnant women can follow a schedule like this:

    • Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 4 weeks .
    • Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 2 weeks .
    • Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every week .

    If you have complications during pregnancy, your provider may want to see you more often.

    Your partner or support person is welcome at your prenatal checkups.

    Supports For Postnatal Depression

    Postnatal depression affects 10 to 15% of women within the first year ofgiving birth.

    Symptomsof postnatal depression may start as baby blues and then get worse. Forsome women, symptoms become most obvious when your baby is 4 to 6 monthsold.

    If you think you are experiencing postnatal depression, the most importantthing to do is ask for help. Contact your public health nurse or GP to talkabout how you are feeling. You can also read about supportsfor postnatal depression on the HSE website.

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    You’ve Had A Positive Pregnancy Test But No Morning Sickness

    Morning sickness may be awful, but some people appreciate it because they know that they have a statistically lower chance of miscarriage with morning sickness. That doesn’t mean you need to worry if you’re one of the lucky ones who don’t experience nausea.

    Even if you had morning sickness earlier in your pregnancy and now it’s gone, it doesn’t mean your pregnancy is at risk. Morning sickness can change and usually goes away completely at 14 weeks of pregnancy.

    On the other hand, if you don’t have morning sickness and you also have the following signs of miscarriage, you should contact your provider.

    • Abdominal pain or cramping

    Youll Have Someone To Call If You Have Questions

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    When you find out youre pregnant, youre going to be full of questions. Youll wonder if the stomach cramps are normal. If youre spotting you might feel concerned.

    When you already have an appointment scheduled, you can give your doctor a call any time with questions, even if you havent been to your first appointment yet.

    Having a nurse just a phone call away to address your concerns can help ease any anxiety you might have.

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    Is Leg Pain Normal During Early Pregnancy

    Leg Cramps: Although leg cramps are most common in the third trimester, many newly-pregnant women report that their thighs, calves, and feet might feel cramped. An expanding uterus can put pressure on certain nerves and blood vessels, causing poor circulation, cramps, or spasms of pain.

    Sciatic Pain: The growing weight of your uterus might push on the sciatic nerve, sending a jolt of pain down the back of your leg.

    Other Causes of Leg Pain: Both deep vein thrombosis and uterine fibroids also cause leg pain, so it’s best to call your doctor or midwife.

    Is Breast Pain Normal During Early Pregnancy

    Breast pain may be one of the first signs of pregnancy. During this period, your breasts are beginning to prepare for a big job: Making milk to feed your baby! In addition, the ligaments that support your breasts will begin to relax , and this will account for some of the pain.

    In most cases, breast pain is nothing to worry about, but make sure that you contact your doctor if you experience breast pain with a fever, as this may indicate an infection.

    There’s usually no reason to stress, even in the first trimester. Worry only increases the risk, so if you’re anxious, please relax!

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    Your Gp’s Role After The Birth

    It’s a good idea to see your GP at around 6 weeks after the birth. They will check your physical and emotional wellbeing and also your baby’s health.

    At this age, your baby is due for vaccinations. You can choose to get the vaccinations at the same appointment, if you wish. Vaccines for your child are free under the National Immunisation Program, but your GP may charge a fee for your visit. Some local councils run free, regular vaccination clinics â check your council website.

    But you should also see your GP at any time if you have any concerns about your health or your baby’s health.

    Choosing An Ob/gyn As Your Prenatal Care Practitioner

    What will the doctor do at my first prenatal appointment?

    If you select an obstetrician-gynecologist , you wont be alone: more than 90 percent of women opt for this physician who’s had post-medical school training solely in womens reproductive and general health. OB/GYNS have experience handling every medical aspect of pregnancy, from labor and delivery to the postpartum period, as well as any complications and twin pregnancies.

    An OB/GYN can also provide all your non-pregnancy female needs, such as pap spears, contraception and breast exams. And because your OB/GYN can function as your primary care physician, he or she can make an excellent partner after the baby arrives. And if you are among the one in three women who require a C-section, OB/GYNs are trained to perform those as well.

    • An OB/GYN might be right for you if… you have a high-risk pregnancy, an awesome relationship with your current OB/GYN or you dont want to give birth without an epidural.
    • but keep this in mind: OB/GYNs are more likely than midwives to use surgical or technological interventions during labor and delivery.

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    There Are Two Main Types Of Abdominal Pain That A Woman May Experience In Her First Trimester:

  • Cramping It is common to experience cramps that feel like period pain, which are caused by the stretching and relaxing of the ligaments that support the abdomen. One of the biggest concerns that new mothers have is cramping during early pregnancy. While cramping may be an indication of miscarriage, in most cases it is caused by other factors.
  • Sharp Pains While sharp pains can mean anything, at any phase of pregnancy, I recommend visiting your doctor for a urinalysis in case you have contracted a urinary tract infection . This can be dangerous for you and for your baby, and your doctor can prescribe a pregnancy-safe antibiotic.
  • Will My Gp Do Another Pregnancy Test

    Probably not. Home pregnancy-testing kits are generally so accurate these days that, if its positive, you are almost certainly pregnant.

    The doctor will not need to repeat the test, says midwife Gail. Shop-bought tests are very efficient these days!

    Your GP wont need to see your home test, either. Keep that stick at home he or she will take you at your word!.

    As MFMer Corrine says, When I went to the docs after I found out I was pregnant, she said, We dont need to do another test. Well just book your scan.’

    And dont avoid doing a home test because you think a GPs test is more official or accurate, midwife Gail says:

    The general advice is to do a test at home. If you go to the surgery thinking you might be pregnant, they will probably send you to the chemist to get a test!

    If youd still like the doctor to do a confirmatory test for you, it may take up to 5 days to get the results back. If your GP does the test for you, adds Gail.

    He or she will need a urine sample from you, or they might do a blood test. Either way, the samples will be sent off to the lab for testing, and you will have to wait.

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    What If Im Not Sure I Want To Be Pregnant

    If youre pregnant and dont feel ready to be a parent and dont want to have a baby, you have options, including adoption or abortion.

    Some people find it helpful to talk with their partner, a supportive family member, friends, or a therapist if theyre considering termination or adoption. You can also ask your doctor for guidance and support.

    No matter what you choose, having a support system before, during, and after can be very beneficial.

    Just remember: The decision to continue or terminate your pregnancy is yours alone to make. No one should pressure you to make a decision youre not comfortable with. You alone know whats right for you.

    How Should You Choose Your Pregnancy Team

    How Often Do I Need Prenatal Visits?

    As you investigate medical practitioners, ask plenty of questions about each persons approach to prenatal care, testing, labor and birth procedures and protocol for complications. The more information you gather, the more informed your decision will be. If you currently see an OB/GYN, take stock of your relationship in case you decide youll need to shop around for a new one.

    From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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    You Wont Get In For An Appointment Immediately

    Im not sure why, but obstetricians in my area are always backed up. Sometimes for weeks. So, even if you call to schedule an appointment the day after you get a positive pregnancy test, it might still take weeks before youre seen.

    That means you might not see your obstetrician until youre almost two months pregnant. If you wait to call, youre still going to have to wait weeks before getting in. This is why its better to call sooner instead of later.

    Youll Be Offered A First

    Depending on your province or territory, you may be offered an optional first-trimester screening to determine your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18. This involves a blood test and an ultrasound at around 11 to 14 weeks.Your medical provider will counsel you on the reasons for undergoing this testing. If the initial screening results are positive, if youve had a prior pregnancy with a positive first-trimester screening or if you are over 40 when the baby is born, you may want to pursue a newer blood test called non-invasive prenatal testing , which can be done as early as nine weeks and provide more genetic information on your babys risk factors. When will your next ultrasound be? After the first-trimester screening ultrasound, your next one generally wont be until 18 to 20 weeks for the anatomy scan.)

    Knowing that you will be offered this screening test beforehand can be helpful. The conversation about screening and genetic risks brings up a lot of things that people might not have thought about before, says Murray-Davis. Within couples, in particular, sometimes that may be a discussion theyve never had.

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    What Happens At Later Prenatal Care Checkups

    Later prenatal care checkups usually are shorter than the first one. At your checkups, tell your provider how youre feeling. Theres a lot going on inside your body during pregnancy. Your provider can help you understand whats happening and help you feel better if youre not feeling well. Between visits, write down questions you have and ask them at your next checkup.

    At later prenatal care checkups, your health care provider:

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