Typically, an initial prenatal appointment happens between the sixth and 12th week of pregnancy. If you just recently took a positive pregnancy test, try to schedule an appointment with your provider for at least a few weeks
away. If you don’t already have an OB-GYN, begin to research your options and nearby providers. Social media and Google reviews are a great resource for finding a doctor who suits your personality and needs. And, friends or family in your area may have a great OB-GYN to refer you to, as well. Don’t forget, too, that you can visit a variety of OB-GYNs before deciding on one. Many women’s health clinics have robust websites featuring photos and
biographies of their doctors, helping you get to know them before you walk through the door. Advanced Women’s Healthcare, located in Dallas, Texas, features their providers on their website, as well as a variety of prenatal resources on their blog. Learn more about AWH Dallas.
by Diane Rai | Medically reviewed by Dr Ashwini Nabar, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician | June 2022 | Congratulations on your pregnancy! You may feel delighted and overwhelmed by the good news when you first get it, but one of the first things you need to do when you find out you're pregnant, is book an appointment with your doctor. It's important for your and your growing baby's health to be followed by a doctor as early on in your pregnancy as possible. Even if you were pregnant before, each pregnancy is different and so it's important to see a doctor as soon as you know you're expecting. Don't wait too long after a missed period to test for pregnancy. Most pregnancy tests will be able to detect the pregnancy hormone hCG by the time you have a missed period. If you have an irregular cycle, you might not notice that your period is late since it comes at different times. In this case watch out for other pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, painful breasts, frequent urination or changes to your sense of taste and smell. If you have some of the common pregnancy symptoms, take a home pregnancy test. It's best to visit your doctor for the first time before you're 8 weeks pregnant. By the time you have a missed period, if your cycle is a regular 28-day cycle, you are already considered to be in your 5th week of pregnancy. This is because your pregnancy week is counted from the first day of your last period. So the week of your last menstrual period (lmp) is week 1. By the time your next period is due, four weeks are completed. Pregnancy is counted from your last menstrual period (lmp) because it's impossible to know exactly when conception happens. Why do I need to visit a doctor soon after a pregnancy test?When you see your doctor after your home pregnancy test shows a positive result, your doctor will:
What doctor should I consult during pregnancy?Doctors that look after the health of pregnant women are called obstetricians (ob). A gynaecologist (gyn) is a doctor that looks after the general reproductive and sexual health of a woman. An obstetrician specialises in pregnancy health and giving birth. Most obstetricians will have the qualifications (ob, gyn) next to their name to show that they are both a gynaecologist and obstetrician. If you consult a doctor who is only a gynaecologist, you will need to change doctors when you become pregnant to one that is also an obstetrician. Know more about how to choose your doctor. यह लेख हिंदी में पढ़ें! Read more on:
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