Can a GP feel how far along you are?!

[Rootvegetables]

I found out just before Christmas I'm pregnant, which was surprising but a good thing! I don't know how far along I am and when I phoned the GP for an appointment they gave
me one for the 10th. So il be 3 weeks more than I was but I don't know how far that is, I know they can do a scan but I wonder how long it will take to organise as I'm getting a bit impatient! Any ideas what will happen at that appointment?

Congrats!
What will almost certainly happen is that they will simply refer you to the midwifery service, for a 'booking in' appt at around the 10 week mark.
When was your last period?

If it's anything like mine then very little. Gp asked me when my last period was, asked if i was taking fllic acid then gave me a flu jab and wrote me note to go to reception and make an appointment to see the midwife. Congratulations on your pregnancy x

*folic acid not fllic acid z

Hi root, congratulations!

I don't want to disappoint but they will probably not do anything at your appointment other than arrange for your 12 week scan. I thought they would do their own pg test or take bloods to check I wasn't some mad fantasist, but no

The doctor will date your pg from the start of your last period, do you know when that was? Are you quite regular? If so that will help you with dating. The 12 week scan is much more accurate in terms of dating and at that appointment they will give you an estimated due date based on the measurement they take of the baby.

Does that help? Hope so! And congratulations again!

Thanks for all the posts, no I've no idea when my last period was as I had my coil out 4 months ago and am still feeding my oldest so not really having regular periods at all, nothing in December at all for sure very possible something early nov , but not really. We had decided to try in the new year so had paid no attention we have a few friends very stressed about trying so have been very blaise about the whole thing- until the vomiting started!

If you have no idea then they might physically examine you to make sure you're not about to go into labour as you walk out the door.

You can approximately guesstimate gestation if average growth on average distances of the top of the uterus (fundus) from the pubic area i.e. can't usually feel the uterus at all till first trimester is over (still within the pelvis bones) & belly button level ~24/40 weeks.

But, they might just refer as usual! Can you self refer to your local midwifery service to get on the scan waiting list quicker?

I didn't bother seeing my GP with the news - just self referred to Maternity at the hospital I wanted - but then I knew how much an anticlimax the 'I'm pregnant!!!' to the GPs probably are. :)

You could try a clearblue digital test with conception indicator. I've heard mixed reviews but it was confirmed to be spot on fore when i had my 12 week scan x

Sounds like I will just need to be patient then unless I'm really far and they can feel but doubt I am (goodness me whoever said about giving birth on my way out the door!) I did look at the clear blue tests but they only go upto 3+ weeks which I know I am by now. Thanks anyway all!

No worries! Just don't get excited, mine was v dull. The booking in one is fun though!

Re CBD tests, the 3+ actually means 5+, they don't date pg the way doctors/mws do (from first day of last period), so it might still be worth it (I.e. If you are 'medically' 4 weeks, it will say 2weeks). Or not, they are pricey! Either way, hope all goes fabulously for you.