First appointment...too late?

Question

I found out I was pregnant last Sunday after doing an HPT. I went to a walk-in clinic on Friday to verify it, and sure enough, I am pregnant. I do not have a regular family doctor (which is why I went to the walk-in) and the walk-in doctor told me he would get me a consult with their gynecologist at the clinic. I just got a phone call from them saying I could meet with their gynecologist on October 8th! That's over a month away...I will be almost 12 weeks then! Is this an excessive amount of time to wait, or is it normal to not have a first appointment until then? I'm kind of worried that this is too far into pregnancy for the first appointment. Should I look for another ob/gyn and try to get a sooner appointment, or is this normal? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Honestly, from my experience, the only thing the ob does at the first trimester appointment is give you a prescription for prenatal pills (over-the-counter ones are just as good, by the way) and tell you to eat right while handing you some info about pregnancy (which you can learn for yourself). And yes, it is quite normal to wait until that long for the first appointment, unless you are at risk for some reason (advanced maternal age, chronic health problem, unexplained bleeding, etc...)

Answer 2

well try to look for something else and u might want to call and tell them where can u get ur prenatal vitamins and ur iron u should take that asap congrats its a great experience but ya dont worry if they see u that late but if u really want to do it right away call  

Answer 3

I didn't see a doctor until I was 20 weeks. No biggie. It really isn't going to change the outcome of your child. Unless you think there is something wrong, you don't really need to worry. Stress is no good for the baby.

Answer 4

That sounds pretty normal. With my first pregnancy I wasn't seen until 12-13 weeks. This time I was seen at 8.5 weeks because I'm high risk.  

Answer 5

At my six week appt, I didn't do much of anything except an exam.  They didn't start to do much until 12 weeks.

You could call another clinic. Or, try Planned Parenthood, they have good OB services, too.  

Answer 6

My ob doesn't see patients until 12 weeks or after... Totally normal.

Answer 7

When I set up my first appt it was about a month to a month and a half before they saw me.

Answer 8

My first appointments were at about 9 weeks.  Yours might be later because it's a walk in clinic and there are a lot of patients to see.  I'm sure you would be fine finding another obgyn that your insurance would cover.  Good Luck and Congratulations!

Answer 9

most doctors wont even see you until your past 10 weeks along. a few weeks in your pregnancy isnt a big deal.

Answer 10

I didn't see an ob/gyn until I was five months pregnant.  That happened with both my first and second pregnancies and they both turned out fine.  Just try to eat right and take good care of yourself in the meantime.

Answer 11

It's really rude to answer someone's question with, "I'm not in the mood to pay for your mistakes." All the girl was asking was if her symptoms were related to pregnancy and you had to answer it like a complete bit**. Why would you even waste your time doing that? Don't even bother answering people if that is what you are going to say. Her having unprotected s*x is NONE of your business and since you don't know her, I'd say it's pretty unfair to judge her. And yes, it's nrmal to wait that long for your first appointment.

Answer 12

Hi - some doctor have their preferences...  my doctor for example, does not see pregnant women until they are at least 7 weeks pregnant.  If you like - you should ask your friends for a gynecologist recommendation and see if the timeline suits you better?

Answer 13

I would recommend finding a regular ob/gyn.  You should have one not only for the pregnancy but for regular check ups too.  I think it would be to far out.  You need a check up before your second trimester.  Plus, it is always nice to know you have a doctor in case of questions (and first time mommy's always have a ton of them!).  Good luck and congratulations!!