What to expect from first Drs appointment.

[0hana]

Hi all, I've got my first appointment at the end of the month with the Drs and I was just wondering what to expect, what will be discussed etc. The receptionist wasn't particularly helpful!

You will just be referred to the midwife, probably given some info about healthy eating and folic acid. The first appt with the midwife is where you are asked loads of questions, take a urine sample, blood pressure, blood tests.

Not a great deal really, it's more so they can pass you on to midwifery services. Unless you're on meds, in which case I'd imagine you'll discuss whether to continue them.

Thanks both, I didn't expect much from it, but its nice to have an idea what's going to happen!

Not a great deal. It is worth checking whether you need a first appointment with the doctor or can just self refer to the midwives (I've had both arrangements in different areas).

The doctor will hand you a bundle of leaflets and that's about it. Unless you have health conditions that need discussing in the context of a pregnancy.

I skipped the GP appt and self referred to the midwives, nothing much happens at the doctors. Usually you won't even be tested because home tests are so reliable nowadays.

I never saw the GP either just straight to the midwife for a booking in appt at 6 weeks.

Expect a huge anticlimax
sorry
do check if you can self refer to the midwife and save yourself the trouble.

Self referring is way better if you can. My old area didn't allow it, but this one does and it is way easier than a pointless appointment.

Thanks for all the advice! I will be about 7 weeks when I see them, so I will see about skipping this and the self referral! I'd rather not waste my time.

On my first appointment the DR done a vaginal exam is that not the norm??

Not a lot, with dc3 i was asked by doctors why i was there as he thought home tests to be reliable enough (they are) and i was refered to mw. With dc4 just self referred to mw

Gill Uh, I don't think so. Did s/he say why?

Why did you have a vaginal exam? What were they checking? No. it isn't standard at all.

Gill, no not normal.

Gill that's not normal for the UK but common in some other countries AFAIK

gill never heard of this happening in the uk, are you abroad?

I don't quite understand what they would be looking for with a vaginal exam at that stage either?

If you have any long standing health issues - you're still better going to the GP first rather than self-referring to the midwife as your doc may want to do some extra monitoring whilst you're expecting. I've got an underactive thryoid and the GP decided to also refer me to the endocrinologist at our local hospital for the duration of my pregnancy.

YY is under active you'd need your dose increased. So, although just going to midwife is easiest for most, depends on your exact circumstances.
I had my first dc without anyone ever looking at my vagina (well dh possibly, but I soon put a stop to that!)