If you have any idea that you think you may be pregnant, the first few weeks may be the most nerve racking. Although you have taken a home pregnancy test that came back positive, it is important to confirm those same results with your doctor. Since your doctor may not be able to get you in immediately, waiting can often be the hardest thing. However, once you go to the doctor, they should be able to confirm pretty quickly whether you are or are not pregnant.
Once your doctor confirms that you are indeed pregnant, you must now make an appointment to see your Ob-gyn and/or midwife. At your first initial appointment, the Ob-gyn will want to confirm all of your previous medical history and even your immediate family’s medical history to ensure proper screening for dangerous pregnancy related diseases such as Preeclampsia, toxemia, and diabetes. Going into the doctor prepared with this information will make the appointment go more smoothly.
It is also important to go over any types of medications that you may be taking. Certain medications, such as blood pressure pills, may need to have a dosage adjustment or even switch to a different, safer kind. You will also begin to take prenatal vitamins, which are very important throughout your entire pregnancy. You may need to experiment with different dosages or types of vitamins before you find one that doesn’t make you sick.
Also during this first doctor’s visit, you will be sent home with a lot of brochures and information. It would be to your benefit to take the time to read all of the information. It can help put to rest a lot of the questions and concerns you may have. There may also be valuable coupons and discounts on the necessities such as infant formula and diapers. If you still have questions or concerns, there are many good books available, such as “What to expect when you are expecting.” You may also look to your Ob-gyn for answers.
At around 20 weeks, you will return to the doctor for your first ultrasound. You will be able to see your baby, hear his/her heartbeat, and possibly have the gender confirmed. Some women may have an ultrasound done earlier in their pregnancy to ensure that everything is okay with the baby. Some doctors like to check that the baby is in the right location and all is well earlier in the pregnancy.
At a later date, you will return to the doctor to be checked for gestational diabetes. You will have to wait up to three hours after drinking an orange liquid. You will then have blood taken, which will be sent to a laboratory to check for the disease.
One thing that you can be sure of is that throughout your nine months, you will be visiting the doctor often. Throughout the first few months, you will probably have an appointment once a month. Once you hit the 36 week mark, you will begin to see the doctor every week or so. Some doctors start the weekly appointments even earlier depending on how your pregnancy is going.
After nine months of doctor’s appointments, tests, ultrasounds, and even the morning sickness, you should be well prepared for your new baby to arrive. Throughout the entire time, having close contact with your doctor is recommended. By following your Ob-gyn and/or midwife’s orders and advice, you can help the pregnancy go more smoothly.
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