What should I expect from the first GP visit?

[legallyblond]

Hi all

I am 5 weeks pg and seeing the GP for the first time tomorrow... what should I expect/ask?

I have some pregancy niggles that I want to discuss with him, but apart from those (abdominal cramping), what should I discuss and what should I expect if he's doing his job properly?

I ask because I went to see a GP (a different one) before I was planning to ttc and, without knowing too much about it, I specifically asked for a blood test to test rubella immunity and to check for HIV and STDs (just to be sure!).... and I was bluntly refused! He even said that they can give you the rubella vaccine while pregnant. I thought it was off, but didn't feel confident enough to challenge it. Now, after hanging around on MN, I know the GP was totally wrong - I should have had those tests if I wanted them and it is not possible to be vaccinated when pg!

So this time I want to be totally prepared and make sure I get the right advice and everything I am entitled to! All suggestions welcome!

Thanks x

IME doc will ask if you have tested, tell you to take folic acid & book a midwife appointment (my first MW appt was at 10 wks)

Not a lot frankly! He'll prob. ask a couple of questions and get you in system for appts later on...

But you should obviously raise any concerns you have. The pregnancy support proper (if this pregnancy goes smoothly and you have no underlying health conditions) doesn't really kick in for a few more weeks, and even then can seem pretty low-key with your 1st pregnancy. You can always ask for additional appts. with mw etc if you have concerns though.

Firstly, congrats My GP didn't do anything except refer me to the hospital for booking in. I thought she'd at least do another pg test, but she didn't think it was necessary.
The midwife will take lots of blood at your booking in appt to test for blood group, Rhesus status, syphilis, HIV, iron levels, rubella immunity, hep B and C. Also sickle cell I think.

Oh meant to say I had cramps with all 3 of mine - if relatively minor try not to worry, check with doc but is prob. just ligaments stretching or something!

congratulations! Don't expect too much! Like folk have said its likely that the extent of GPs actions will be to congratulate you and make a referral to midwifery services.

My GP said congratulations, muttered something about folic acid and suggested I book a MW appointment.

Didn't bother seeing the GP with 2nd pregnancy and just went straight to the midwife.

Am at comment about rubella immunity - my GP suggested it when I said I was coming off the pill to TTC (I hadn't even thought of it). They will check rubella immunity when you book in with GP but not sure what they can do about it if you are not immune (chances are you are if you had the vaccine).

Don't expect much, but they will ask which hospital you want to go to, so make sure you know... although you can change later. If you take any regular medications worth discussing... also if any medical issues that you have had in past or in family that might affect pregnancy eg anemia, diabetes, thyroid probs, worth mentioning it.

It varies from doctor to doctor but I just went to my GP this week to tell her I'm pregnant.

She asked for the dates of my last period

As I was hazy over dates she gave me an internal exam which enabled her to tell me my due date.

She recommended a hospital to give birth in

She took my mobile number and said a midwife to be in touch

I had to sign a document saying I am pregnant and she will post me a certificate entitling me to free prescriptions and dental care for the duration

I asked her questions about which medication is still allowed

She asked if I was smoking, whether I knew about the right foods to eat, whether I was taking folic acid and to delegate the cat litter tray.

Thanks for suggesting this. I'm going to the doctor's this PM, tested positive on Monday, and although is a sought after baby and I really want a family, I'm going through all the emotions (this will be our first baby). I too have concerns about medication, travelling (due on a long haul hols in six weeks)and trying not to look too much like an elephant.
Wish you all healthy and happy pregnancies!

Thanks all.

I had the GP appointment today.... pretty much EXACTLY as skatergrrrl said.

He asked me when my last period was and what my normal cycle length is (and then gave me a EDD... 29 Sept ).

He also explained about folic acid, no alcohol and asked if I had looked at the other eating guidelines and confirmed that I should stick to them.

He talked about my thyroid issues (I have had hyperthyroidism) and said it would be passed on to the midwives.

He also took my blood pressure, helped me choose my hospital and filled out forms to send to the midwives who will contact me in a couple of weeks.

And... I complained to him about the other doctor (same surgery though) telling me nonsense about rubella!

I also shared my many irrational fears (ectopic pg, being unknowingly HIV positive, growing a deformed bean in there... etc) and he basically said I can call any time but DON'T WORRY!

I went yesterday, GP gave me details for midwife, had a chat about what to eat and not to eat, exercise, medications, etc. Gave me a due date and congratulated me several times. GP was very reassuring.
I'm 5 weeks now and excited, but this will take a long time to sink in!!

Don't expect anything. I was in there for about 3 minutes, asked her a couple of questions to which she said "I don't know anything really about pregnancy, you'll have to ask the midwife".
If it's anything like my GPs all you'll get is a referral to the midwife and sent on your way.