When should i go to doctor to confirm pregnancy

You’ve just taken a pregnancy test – and it’s positive. You’re pregnant. Congratulations! You’ll have many questions going through your mind right now – and you’re probably wondering how quickly you need to make an appointment to see your doctor.

You have a positive pregnancy test, now what?

As soon as you know you’re pregnant, call your doctor and schedule in your first prenatal (or antenatal) appointment.

Most women like to make an appointment fairly soon after they find out they’re pregnant. If this is your first pregnancy, it’s likely you’ll want to see a doctor straight away.

Most doctors recommend that, as soon as you’re ready, booking in to see a GP should be one of the first steps you take when you find out you’re pregnant. You can make an appointment online right now by finding your preferred practice here.

If, like most other women, you have a long list of questions you want answered immediately, don’t hesitate to phone the practice. The staff will be happy to talk through any concerns that you may have about your pregnancy before your appointment.

When to visit the doctor immediately about your pregnancy?

You should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Excessive headaches and nausea
• High fever
• Itching all over your body
• Pain during urination
• Sudden swelling of face, hands or feet
• Have a chronic health condition

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What will the doctor do at your first appointment?

At your first prenatal GP appointment, your doctor will ask you to take another pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy and may also request blood tests as well. Your doctor will discuss your prenatal care options and considerations, including whether you will choose public or private healthcare, and which hospital you’d like to have your baby at.

You’ll be given plenty of information and resources as well as pamphlets and leaflets to help you decide on your care options and research your pregnancy health in detail. Your doctor will also discuss your prenatal health management and what you should avoid, including dietary considerations.

If you decide to have your baby as a private patient, your doctor will be able to give you a referral to the obstetrician of your choice. If you don’t have private health insurance or choose to have your baby in the public system, you’ll be informed of your options, which include shared care, midwifery teams and GP care.

What if your family doctor isn’t available?

Some doctors, particularly those who are in high demand or who are only working part-time, can be booked out up to one week in advance. If your family doctor isn’t available immediately and you don’t want to wait, consider making an appointment with another local doctor. He or she will be able to confirm your positive pregnancy test and help to answer any initial questions or concerns that you may have.

Next steps

If you have recently taken a pregnancy test and received a positive result, it’s time to make an appointment with your GP. HealthEngine can help you find and book a convenient appointment with your local family doctor or another family-friendly GP at a practice near you.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.

All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.

If you have a health condition, for example diabetes or asthma, these can affect your pregnancy. Pregnancy can also affect any conditions you have.

Do not stop taking your medicine until you've talked with your doctor.

Missing a period or developing odd symptoms when you’re not ill can quickly lead to questions about whether or not you’re pregnant. Your first thought may be to rush and take a pregnancy test, especially if you’ve been experiencing nausea, vomiting, fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, or food and smell aversions. There’s nothing wrong with doing so. Peace of mind is important.

However, you should still see a doctor if these symptoms occur around the time of a missed period or after a store-bought pregnancy test confirms your suspicions. The sooner you know that your symptoms are pregnancy-related, the earlier you can start taking measures to give your baby the best start in life.

What to Expect at Your First Doctor’s Visit to Confirm Pregnancy

The first prenatal appointment is important. In most cases, it takes place at least 6 to 12 weeks after a missed period. There are some situations where the first doctor’s visit to confirm pregnancy may take place a bit sooner or later. Every woman’s body and pregnancy is different. Much of what happens at the first appointment and afterward, is dependent on your choice of provider.

To prepare for the first appointment, write down any concerns you may have about your situation so you can bring them up when you talk to the doctor. Upon your arrival, you’ll need to complete patient paperwork and provide insurance information if applicable.

Prior to seeing the doctor, a medical assistant or obstetric nurse will take your vitals and weight and review your medical history. Depending on your situation, a urine or blood test and additional lab tests may be necessary to determine if you are pregnant and how far along you may be. If there are any special concerns about your possible condition, an ultrasound may also take place during that time as well.

The first appointment is a great opportunity for you to get to know your doctor or OB/GYN and discuss any concerns you may have about your condition. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other medical issues, your physician will inform you of special considerations that you may need to take. No matter how far along you may be by the date of your first appointment, prenatal care is beneficial.

Why Is Prenatal Care Important?

It is important not to overlook the importance of prenatal care. Pregnancy is a wonderful thing. However, it’s also a delicate and risky time for both mom and baby. According to the Office on Women’s Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, low birth weight and high infant mortality rates are 30 to 50 percent higher in women who forgo prenatal care during their pregnancies. Medical care during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to minimize complications and adverse outcomes.

As exciting as the thought of having a healthy baby is, prenatal care is a critical part of the journey to ensure both mom and baby are healthy. Pregnancy causes many expected and unexpected changes to the body. It is also a time of rapid growth development for the unborn child and new mother.

The benefits of prenatal care include:

• Guidance and clarity on how to care for self and the growing unborn baby
• Peace of mind and anxiety relief against the uncertainties
• Increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy
• Fewer complications risks during labor and delivery

Prenatal care is necessary to help catch and treat potential issues early. It’s also crucial, so preventative measures can be taken when needed as well. Seeing a doctor all throughout pregnancy is essential for the best outcome.

Prenatal appointments are scheduled in intervals all throughout pregnancy so the doctor can routinely assess the health, growth, and progress of the mother and baby. Appointments are usually initially scheduled at least four weeks apart. However, expectant mothers with certain conditions or who are considered high risk often end up seeing their OB/GYN care team more often. Also, appointments become more frequent during the later stages of pregnancy.

What Is Preconception Care?

If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant and growing your family, you should start by seeing your doctor for a preconception visit, in other words, a doctor’s visit before you even get pregnant. An OB/GYN can help guide you throughout this process by performing tests to determine any preexisting conditions or issues that may impact your ability to get pregnant and carry your child safely to term.

Benefits of preconception care include:

• Preventing nutritional deficiencies
• Detection of potential genetic risk factors
• Update immunizations
• Weight and dietary guidance
• Smoking, alcohol, and recreational drug cessation support

Getting proactive about pregnancy before it occurs is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. It’s never too early for you to start taking measures to ensure your health to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

In addition to seeing a specialist about preconception care, here are some actions you can take to prepare.

Lose excess weight. Pregnancy is a time of rapid weight gain for expecting women. Being overweight before pregnancy significantly increases the likelihood of obesity, diabetes, low birth weight, and other complications during and after pregnancy.

Take a prenatal vitamin. The body works much harder during pregnancy. Therefore it requires more vitamins and nutrients. If these levels are low prior to and during pregnancy, there’s an elevated risk of birth defects and developmental problems for the developing baby.

Exercise to stay active. Pregnancy can be tiring, and hormone surges can lead to food cravings and fatigue, which also contribute to maternal weight changes. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight during and after pregnancy. It helps to counteract poor moods as well.

Learn More About the East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital Family Birthplace

East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital Family Birthplace is committed to providing families with the exceptional and compassionate care they need before, during and after pregnancy. Our services include special bonding time exclusively for new parents and their newborns, breastfeeding support, narcotic and pharmacology-free pain relief options and more. Our experienced obstetricians and staff are here to help ensure positive outcomes for all.

Whether you’re thinking about getting pregnant, suspect that you might be, or are in need of a birthplace, look no further than East Los Angeles Hospital Family Birthplace.