Seeing obstetrician before starting IUI - why?

[Ofpalestsilver]

Hi - I have a high BMI so before I start IUI treatment, my clinic needs to get the results to lots of health checks to make sure I'm in good health. They've asked for me to get a referral to an obstetrician before they start. I don't know if we're just missing each other's point but I cannot get them to explain to me what I'm wanting the obstetrician to do!

I'm not opposed to it at all. If I need it, I need it. However, what checks does the obstetrician do? I had always thought you only went to see one if you were already pregnant. Obviously that's not the case.

I would like to fully understand what I'm hoping to achieve so that I come away from the appointment with it, particularly if I end up paying for it.

So, can anyone else who has gone through this help me please?

I think they are looking for an obstetricians opinion on if they feel it's safe for them to help create a pregnancy when it would be a high risk one, you would usually have a letter of support from them advising if they would be happy to oversee your pregnancy if treatment was to be successful. The obstetrician may order some additional tests for you before making a decision so they can consider your general health and not just your BMI. A report would them be passed to the clinic usually for them to make a final decision

Thanks Lauren - that makes sense. there are so many different tests and checks being done that I am confused over who is doing what. :)

I would imagine it would be things like full blood count, thyroid function, liver function, blood pressure, Hemoglobin, poss ECG etc. They just need an obstetrician to say they think it's appropriate to treat you, good luck with your treatment!

Ah you see, those are all the things that I've just done. But thank you!