pregnancy test

[magnolia55]

Hi, Most people on his site seem to have a blood test done by a doctor really early on in their pregnancy. When I was pregnant I couldn't even get a first appointment for 2 months and I'm a known high risk. Where are you going to get these test?

[YvetteY]

I had blood test early because I have a history of miscarriages and primarily the baby that I'm pregnant with right now is result of infertility tx.  I was being seeing by a  specialist and it's routine for them to do the blood test on the day you are suppose to get your period.  

[oceanv]

Yikes, I'm in BC and I didn't realize that it was that bad in QC.

My girlfriend kept going into the Doctors (on the last pregnancy) and saying she was sure she was pregnant, she had two neg urine tests at the docs, went in a third time refused to leave until they did another urine test or figured out she was preg another way, anyway this time urine test showed positive - She still wasn't offered a blood test. The whole mind set that I've encountered though is that they really don't want to do anything with you until the 10-12wks unless you have spotting or something or don't know LMP.

joanne

[magda_s]

We have a pretty bad doctor shortage in Toronto too but you can still get a pregnancy test!!  I don't understand the language thing actually... most people in Quebec do speak French... are they just not keen on becoming doctors???
However... granted, from what you said, the wait might be excruciating but like adgal said... can't you take a good book and go to a walk in clinic to get a referral or whatever it's called to go to a lab and do a test.  I mean, that's all you need.
And maybe this is a daft suggestion as I'm sure you've already thought of it and are probably looking for something more specific, but how about a HPT??

Oh and I have to agree with adgal... Montreal is marvelous!!!

[adgal]

Wow.  I knew there was a cross country Dr. shortage, but had no idea it was so bad there.  That must be incredibly frustrating.  It makes sense with the language laws though that it would be tougher there. I just hadn't thought of that.  I thought our waiting times in ER were terrible, yours must be an absolute nightmare!!  Still, Montreal is one of my favorite cities!!

[magnolia55]

I'm from Montreal. We have a severe doctor shortage here. I know people who cannot even find a pediatrician which is a really scary situation. An average wait at a clinic is three to four hours. I was induced with my daughter to make sure there were actually doctors available when she was born. To get an appointment for a pap test, I had to wait three months just to be allowed to call to make an appointment...in three months from the date of my phone call. For any non-Canadian readers, it is because of our language issues here. All of our doctor's must speak French, so it reduces the number of applicants.

[adgal]

I am from Alberta, and we have family Dr.'s.  I didn't realize Quebec was so different. How about a walk in clinic or something?  Do you contact an OB directly?  We need a referal here, and I assumed it was similar throughout Canada.  What part of Quebec are you in?  My family on my dad's side is in Sherbrooke. It's so pretty there, I just love it!!

[SoCalTricia]

I know things are done differently in Canada...but it seems odd that an MD wouldn't want to confirm a pregnancy with a blood test. Every time I've been pregnant, I've made an appt. with my family physician after I got a positive home test. They confirmed with a blood test, then referred me to an OB. The OB usually waited until 8 weeks to see me.

Tricia

[magnolia55]

Unfortunately I'm from Quebec...we don't have family doctors. I definitely understand you wanting to keep up with your results considering your m/c history.

[adgal]

That doesn't sound right to me at all, especially if you are high risk.  I know many OB's dont' do a whole lot the first few months, the belief system being if it's not going to work out, it's not going to work out.  In all honesty, I would probably find another Dr.  If you are high risk (heck, even if you aren't), this whole first trimester can be a bit worrisome.  Seeing those HCG levels rise is very comforting, and does help remove some of the stress.  Also, if you are anything like me, you like to know what's going on.  If I am going to miscarry, I want to know and be prepared (as much as you can be).  If my HCG levels aren't rising, or are dropping, I find it easier to deal with when things start to happen.  Even your regular family Dr. can give you a scrip for bloodwork.  Ask for 2, and have them done 48 hours apart.  Good luck to you!!

[PamelaBee]

Most doctors would prefer and recommend that you wait until a missed period before taking a blood test. But if you request one, they should give it to you.  They would write a script for you to take to a lab.