time from preggy test to first ob appt?

[genie323]

I was pregnant for the first time this spring.  My last period for the pregnancy began 4/23.  I had positive home preggy tests, and went in about a week later for a blood test to check levels and be sure (at my request).  When i got there they had me consult with a nurse about preggy info, and she talked me out of the blood test and had me do a dipstick.  I feel this was a mistake now, but at the moment, I wasn't really arguing with the lady, if you know what I mean.  However, at the hospital that my doctor is practicing at, they schedule your first prenatal visit for 8-12 weeks into the pregnancy.  That's great if you aren't worried or nervous, or if they give you an 8 week appt.  However, I was given a 12 week appt.  I called weekly and protested to the schedulers, who blew me off every time and told me I was being put on a cancellation list.  Each week I called and checked, wasn't on the list, complained and they told me I was on, and so on.  Stupid as I am I should have tried harder to speak directly to my Dr, and explained that I was SOOO uncomfortable, as when she finally did see me, she was upset that they hadn't scheduled me when I wanted.  Especially since I m/c at 10w3d and didn't get to know anything at all about the twins I was carrying until they were in my hands in the bathroom.  What is the normal time for a first appt?  Was I wrong to insist that I wanted to see my dr sooner than 12 weeks?  My dr is great, and when I am in direct communication with her things go fine, but if i have to go through the hospital people, their policy is more important...

[Harley-girl]

If you have a hx of problems such as miscarriage they usually get you in pretty quickly to do a blood HCG. If no hx of problems and you have no complaints they get you in at 8 weeks. Why did you not try and find another doctor in your area if you felt you were being blown off?

[girlybuff]

I would find another doctor.

[sparky168]

My doctors scheduled me for a first visit at 12 weeks and they told me that was normal so I just went with what they said.  I should have been more attentive because I miscarried as well.  Now that I have a history of mc I get to be monitored from the beginning with blood tests and ultrasounds.  This time at least I can have some peace of mind.  Good luck!

[AndiJ78]

It stinks, it really does. But many docs won't see you until then because if something should happen, there is nothing they can do to stop it anyway. I have always managed to find docs who are willing to see me early, most likely due to my hx of loss.

Given you loss, that may angle you into early appts the next time you get pg. I know this offer little or no consolation right now ; (

I guess what I am trying to say is that it isn't unusual for docs to wait, I think someone said in Canada they won't see you until 14 weeks. Again, there is little to nothing to be done to prevent a first trimester loss, it is generally something chromosonal, sort of natural selection preventing a child from entering the world who wouldn't survive anyway.

I am very sorry for you loss, I hope in time you will find some sort of peace and comfort.

Andi

[genie323]

I really like my dr. so I dont want to find a new one, just want the hospital she works in to value their patients.  :)

But honestly, in the area of NY that I live in, there are no private Drs, they work for one of two hospitals.  The one hospital is so bad that Albany Med tells people not to go there.  The one I go to has good doctors, they're just crappy on paperwork and policy.  In order to go to a private person, I either have to drive 1 1/2 hours one way, or go to a midwife practice that does all their hospital necessary births (which they're saying my next pregnancy would be, as I've had a m/c) at the 'bad' hospital...

Isn't there any way to reform the policies of the place where my dr works so that i don't have to move away to have my children?

[Crritter]

I'm sorry to hear about your m/c.  I always call and speak with my Dr.'s nurse and have her schedule my appt's and call her with concerns.  I don't waste my time with the scheduling desk because they can't really squeeze me in the way the nurse can.  Is it possible for you to do that too?  My Dr. is not at a hospital though so I'm sure the procedures may be different.  My Dr. will not see you until 12 weeks either, although they are really good about getting you in if you have any concerns or problems.  With my son I started to bleed a lot at 6 weeks and they got me in right away for an u/s.  With my last pregnancy I started to bleed and cramp and 11 weeks and they had me in within the hour, I did m/c that one due to a blighted ovum though.  This time around they are getting me in just before 10 weeks.  The theorty behind it is that they don't want you to come in too soon and not be able to see anything and worry you more than needed, since you can be off a little on the time frame.  They also figure that by the time you hit 12 weeks you are pretty much okay.  Plus they can't do anything to stop a m/c.  It's hard to wait, but that's why mine does it, and most Dr.'s here are the same way.  Plus you could see a hb at 6 weeks and lose it a few days later if something is wrong.  Sorry this is so long.  I would just keep in touch with your Dr. and call them for anything you need, don't bother with the front desk, they can't help you as much.

[genie323]

thanks for your encouraging words.  I wasn't thinking about this in the light that now I've had a m/c, they'll pay more attention to my needs, but you're right, and that makes me feel more comfortable.  I think a big part of the problem is that the medical profession in general looks at miscarriage as something they can't do anything about, and that women have to 'get over'.  But it's not.  Now granted, they can't do anything about it, but they can help women bond with their babies/embryos in the womb, and provide counseling and support when it happens.  Hopefully someday we see this kind of action more widespread in the general profession, insead of miscarriage being such a private thing.  Along the same lines, has anyone read a book called Unattended Sorrow?  It deals with death in general, and while some parts of it are a little out there for my taste, I found some of it very enlightening and comforting.

[Berko]

i'm so sorry for your loss. i don't know if this will apply as it seems that in the future they'll take you earlier now that you've had a loss, but if your dr. really is so nice and caring would it be possible for you to get through to him the next time directly and maybe he can squeeze you in. even just to leave a message and have him call you back - would he do that? just a suggestion, but i really hope that the next time around eveything goes smoothly and easily and you have a very healthy pregnancy. thinking of you.