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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

How soon to did you go to the doctors?

19 replies

Franykins · 27/03/2013 14:17

Hi everyone. I found out yesterday I am pregnant with DC #1 My AF was due last Thursday. I have an appointment with the doctor this afternoon and was wondering when other people first went. I know its very early and although two tests showed very strong BFP's I want to be reassured.

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minicreamegg · 27/03/2013 14:20

Where I stay you phone the midwife direct and she makes a booking in app for you at around 10 weekish.

ToThreeOrNotToThree · 27/03/2013 14:21

You can go now, but it is such early days that they will do very little. Say congratulations, hand you some leaflets. They won't do any pregnancy tests unless you have reason to disbelieve yours. Try not to be disappointed at how dismissive it all is!

With DC1 I went at about 6 weeks. With DC2 not until about 10.

Congratulations.

biscuity13 · 27/03/2013 14:21

Congrats on your bfp! I phoned the doctor as soon as I had had 2 bfps a few days apart. I didn't even see the doctor though, the receptionist just said I had to do a urine test and then I had to phone for the results. I'm now 8 weeks and have still not seen anyone although have my booking in appointment next week.

RJM17 · 27/03/2013 14:22

Firstly congratulations!!!
I went the day I found out and I was only 4 weeks gone then so was very early!!
But be aware the docs tests aren't as sensitive as home tests! I had a load of positive home ones but the docs was negative but I am definately pregnant cos I have seen it on a scan. So just don't panick if theirs is negative!
Good luck with everything xxx

Original poster

Franykins · 27/03/2013 14:22

Oh ok. I looked on the NHS and it said to contact your doctor straight away, I am probably over reacting already! I'll go to the appointment this afternoon and just see what they say I guess. Hoping they will do a test to confirm.

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ToThreeOrNotToThree · 27/03/2013 14:23

They honestly won't. Not unless they are very different to mine. It's a waste of resources for them. Sorry if that sounds a bit blunt!

ToThreeOrNotToThree · 27/03/2013 14:23

P.s. Your tests are as good as theirs. Unless they do a blood test. Which they wouldn't in a straightforward pregnancy.

CityDweller · 27/03/2013 14:28

The only reason I went to the doctors was to get referred for my antenatal care (which I actually could have done myself on the hospital's website). I think she weighed me and checked my blood pressure, and otherwise just gave the standard advice re. diet, folic acid/ vit D, etc.

willyoulistentome · 27/03/2013 14:29

Congratulations one your news.
Like you I was keen to go and report in, and find out 'for sure'. But the doc was pretty dismissive . Just said - "Well if you have done a test and it is positive then you ARE pregnant" There was no further test to confirm. Then she seemed to remember I might not be happy about it and asked "...Oh- did you WANT to be pregnant?" basically finding out if I wanted to terminate, which I found very deflating.

I also was told to book in with the midwife - 1st appointment at around 10 weeks. I didn't bother telling the doc with number 2 - just booked in and saw the midwife at 10 weeks.

MisselthwaiteManor · 27/03/2013 14:34

I didn't go to the doctor, I self-referred to the midwife at 6 weeks and was booked in at about 9 weeks. The doctor really won't do anything apart from refer you and give some leaflets/advice. I never had a test to confirm my pregnancy they just trust you!

Original poster

Franykins · 27/03/2013 14:38

Thanks for the advice everyone. All seems a bit surreal and don't worry Tothree that's not blunt just honest Silly that the NHS website tell syou to go see your doctor as soon as you get a positive then really. Oh well its all booked in now and I have only recently moved to them as I moved house so guess I can just 'check in' with them and see if I like them!

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MamaBlue4 · 27/03/2013 14:49

Hmm, I've had different experiences with my GP. I'm private but that shouldn't make any difference...

I went to my GP when I found out I was pregnant, he took my word for it but did a test anyway then referred me to my MW.

I'm pregnant with #5 and recently visited my doctor, I think I mainly go to check in and like previous times he goes through everything with me and called my MW who's dealt with all my pregnancies and booked me in.

Honestly, I think it depends on what doctor you have, some are more involved than others.

Original poster

Franykins · 27/03/2013 14:56

Are there any questions I should be asking? And how far along am I? Will the doc go form the date of my last period?

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StuckOnARollercoaster · 27/03/2013 15:04

I phoned my docs and asked which was their procedure - doc or midwife and they booked me into the midwife at about 7 weeks.
As others have mentioned there isn't much more that a doc can do, unless you need to have a more detailed conversation because of your personal medical history.
The booking in appointment with the midwife was very underwhelming! All about getting your details , medical history and logging you onto the ante-natal system and getting the first scan booked. To be honest, unless you are having problems most midwife appointments are very boring - they are only starting to get interesting since about 16 weeks when they started using the Doppler to listen for a heartbeat.
Congrats and good luck with your pregnancy

FoofFighter · 27/03/2013 15:05

Yes they work it back to that Franykins. They'll advise you to take folic acid/maybe vitamin D too and you might have to have an increased dose of folic acid if you have a higher BMI (usually over 30).

Congratulations :D

Original poster

Franykins · 27/03/2013 15:13

Ok. I've already been taking folic acid. Didn't know the dose varied on weight. I have recently lost 2 stone and think I am now under or just on 30 BMI, I will ask. Thank you all, you've been very helpful and understanding

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smartdoodle · 27/03/2013 15:21

Hey i rang docs as soon as i found out and booked an appointment for the following wednesday with the midwife. At that point she dated me at 6 weeks, gave me a green booklet to fill and basically said wait for a letter with your next appointments on. She didn't do a test to confirm or anything and dated it from my last period ( have your dates handy if you can).
Just got my letter through yesterday for my next 2 appointments which will be at 8+7 and then 9+3. All tuis dating stuff kinda baffled me until i got pregnant!
Congratulations and don't be down hearted if they're not as excited as you. This is my first and i was a but like urgh is that it. Oh she gave me an excempt form so i dont have to pay for perscriptions anymore , which was handy as i am perscribed vit D tablets!

rrreow · 27/03/2013 16:10

I made an appointment as soon as I found out (2 days past period due), there was a 2 week wait. So at the point of seeing the GP I was about 6w pregnant. At that point they referred me for my booking in appointment and scan.

I'd say just see them as soon as you can. It's not an important appointment in itself, but it's just to get the ball rolling on the ante-natal care. And I've read quite a few posts on here about people getting their dating scan very late, just due to admin/waiting times etc, so better to get in early so everything can be arranged.

MsIngaFewmarbles · 27/03/2013 16:15

If your BMI is 30+ you need to take 5mg folic acid daily, if it's less than 30 it's 400mcg per day, it's also now recommended that you take 10mcg of Vitamin D throughout your pregnancy.

Congratulations :)

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