[MrsPatterson726]

Okay, so I read what to expect when you're expecting (a long time ago), and have read stuff online. But I wanted advice from you guys first. (I'm new here!)

Just found out I was pregnant. I don't have insurance at the moment (will have it next month, don't worry, I don't need any lectures on how I'm irresponsible). So I just went to my normal family practice Dr. and had blood drawn to confirm pregnancy. So now what do I need to do?
I have already found Ob/Gyn's who will be on my insurance plan, and they have good reputations. But when do I need to schedule an appt.? And what will they do at that appt.?
I am having fears that I will have I guess what people call a "chemical pregnancy" or a miscarriage or whatever. I know it's probably normal to feel weird when you can't feel or see the baby. I guess I just want to know when I should go to the Ob/Gyn, and when/if he can tell me how far along I am. I have all my dates of my recent periods and days we had intercourse, but I am honestly not sure how they figure out how far along you are. Is it through an ultrasound? I've heard the hormone levels can't always be an accurate measure.
I guess I just can't wait to be sure exactly how far along I am (someone advised me my last period may not have been a true period because it was wacky and she thought I am already having symptoms of someone 5 weeks or more preggo). I thought I was only 2-2 1/2 weeks along, but with a weird last period, it could be possible I am much further.
I'd just love to have an idea and a guesstimate at a due date!!

I know I ramble, sorry, I just don't know where to go from here!!

Thanks!

~Tiffany

[HMK]

Hey Hun! It's Heather from the AIP Board. Anyways, I wanted to come over here and share this link with you. If you put in the first day of you last AF (Oct.12th) it says your approx. due date is July 19th 2009. ANyways, just thought I'd share.


http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/923526833.html

[Niki.]

These are all normal fears, that don't go away after the first child. I'm pregnant with my second child and I still have those fears. When I finally went to the Dr. with my first, I was about 4-5 months along, so they ended up checking the baby's heartbeat, vital signs, my blood pressure, and they measured my belly. But along with that visit, they tested my blood and found out that my blood type was AB+ or -, I don't remember... so they gave me a shot since they had no idea what blood type the daddy was. I believe that was all they did. Once you go for your first prenatal visit, you'll be more at ease because they'll give you a chance to voice all of your concerns and ask any questions that you might have. But you know, I really don't remember if they did an ultrasound on the first visit or the second one. The lady who does the ultrasound is only there certain times out of the week. Anyway, as hard as it is to do this, try not to worry too much. Stay calm and don't stress out too much, because that could lead to a miscarriage. But that's if you stress out A LOT. Anyway, congratulations and I hope you have a happy and healthy 9 months.

[MrsPatterson726]

Thanks so much guys!

[uvagal4]

Thanks so much guys![/b]

Congrats!

[AmandaEliz]

Popping in from the Sept 08 PR. I lost 4 pregnancies before my DS (2 were the chemical pregs you mentioned), so I've had lots of 1st appts, BW & U/Ss. With your first pregnancy, they'll probably want to see you at about 8 weeks (8 weeks from the 1st day of your last period). My Drs office did an US at that appt to see the heartbeat, but not all OBs do. They'll definitely do BW, depending on your OB, it will at least be a hCG and progesterone level & possibly a complete panel (looking at your white & red counts, etc). If they do an US they should be able to give you a good idea (w/in about a week) of your EDD.
Make sure with your new insurance you call and ask about pre-existing conditions. Some insurances won't cover you if you knew you were pregnant before the insurance kicked in. I'd double check so that you don't get surprise bills.
Congrats & good luck!

[mama2aredhead2]

Congrats! Call your doc and see when they want you in. All places are different, some say 5 weeks some say 8-10 weeks.

[drewbears]

First off congrats!

As for the appointment I have found that all docs are different. I have had docs that will not see you till 12 weeks, and others that will see you at 8.

Either way its usually the same thing, pap, blood work, some may do an u/s, they may check for the heartbeat, and go over medical history with you.

Good luck!