Weird Firs OB appt... Help

[justice6920]

Hi Ladies.... So I had my first OB appt this afternoon..... I told them what I think my last period was and it was between the 18-28th (big gap I know) and they came up with a due date (by picking a date in between the dates) of 02/24/12 - so I am around 8 weeks they think.... The Dr did the exam and said by the feel of it I am 10-12 weeks pregnant - Is this an accurate way to to tell how far along I am? This is my 3rd baby and I am thinking that my uterus just might be a bit larger due to this being my 3rd pregnancy, is that possible? Also they are sending me to a specialist bc I had preterm labor with my first she is 12 yrs old now, I also have a little boy who is 2 1/2 and did not have preterm labor with him. My last OB did not even mention that my last pregnancy was high risk... is it normal for them to send me to a specialist for this pregnancy even tho I carried my son to full term almost 3 yrs ago? They did say the specialist will do an ultrasound to determine exatly how far along I am... Do you think it could be twins as well bc my uterus is larger than normal (or larger than what I thought it would be for me being around 7 weeks) sorry so long but I am little confused by the whole appt and guess in the end I do have to wait until the ultrasound to see whats going on but would just like some opinions.

[justice6920]

Twins do run in the family,but there is only one this time! I was able to actually get in today for a scan and they said I am 6 weeks and 5 days which is exactly what I thought, and they found the heartbeat thank god! I really am not sure though why they said I felt 10-12 weeks pregnant on my vaginal exam..... should I be concerned?

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Yes it would.  Do twins run in your family?  I've had that "nagging feeling" with my last two pregnancies, but they were both singletons.  

[justice6920]

Thanks ladies.... makes me feel alot better! It definitely couldnt hurt to see the specialist! and I would LOVE to be further along that originally thought - would make the first trimester almost over WOO HOO! I cant help but have this niggling feeling about twins tho...I am assuming that would make me larger than normal as well if there was 2 babies insead of 1?

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Some doctors would rather err on the side of caution.  This is why you are being referred to a specialist. You would most likely be seen more often and get more ultasounds/monitoring.  It sounds very normal.

I have been pregnant 8 times, 2 were first trimester miscarriages, the other 6 were full term pregnancies.  I have NEVER had an issue with my uterus feeling or appearing larger with subsequent pregnancies, nor have I ever heard of that.   The doctors I have seen have been pretty accurate using palpatation to determine size. But that doesn't mean that all doctors are.  An ultrasound is the best way to determine how far along you are since you aren't sure of your lmp.  

As Joy said, it's up to YOU as to whether or not you want to see the specialist.  They do typically have better, more up-to-date equipment.  

As Michelle said, it's highly likely you are further along that the original "guess".  Again, only an ultrasound is going to tell you for sure though.

[Michele, Katy, TX]

To me, it sounds like your doctor is just being cautious and thorough.  I think that is better than the other way around.  This plan of action does not sound out of the ordinary to me.  

As far as your question about the uterus.  Your theory sounds plausible, but I am no doctor so I don't know for certain.  All they can do is guess about your exact due date right now, but I am sure you will have more answers once you see the other doctor.  Once you have an u/s, you will def have a better idea of when you are due exactly.  Oh, since they are putting your due date right between the dates you gave them, you could def be further along than the 8 weeks.  But again, I am sure you will have a lot more answers once you see the other doctor.  Good luck and congrats!!!

[JoyRenee]

It is really up to you if you want to go to the high risk specialist. Each pregnancy is SO different. Your pre-term birth was over a decade ago so if you don't feel it is necessary *at this time* then don't feel pressured to go to a specialist.

But getting a sonogram to date your pregnancy is a GREAT idea and it sounds like it will ease your mind. Usually the specialists have really, really good sonography equipment. So it truly is up to you if you want to go to the specialist or a regular sonographer.