Q: I’m pregnant! How long does it take to find a OB/GYN or midwife if I do not already have one?
A: It depends on how much research you want to do. I would start with referrals from friends, and then I would call and talk to the nurses to ask their opinions. I found my OB/GYN through the recommendation from a nurse at his clinic (where there were multiples doctor’s practicing) who said he had great bedside manner. She was right! I researched and called around for a few hours over the course of two days before I found him. Sometimes the difficulty is in finding someone that is taking new patients. If you have a primary care doctor that you like, you might consider asking him or her for advice on who you should visit for your prenatal care.
Q: Is it necessary to schedule an appointment the minute you find out you are pregnant?
A: Not necessarily. It depends on how far along you think you are when you get your positive test result. Typically your doctor will want to see you for the first time around eight weeks. This means you will probably want to call right away if you have a busy office and there is a waiting period to get an appointment, since most women find out they are expecting around 4-6 weeks if they are trying to conceive and are testing regularly. Otherwise, wait a few weeks and then schedule an appointment.
Q: Is there an exception? When is it necessary to get in right away?
A: As long as you are not experiencing complications such as bleeding or cramps, it is okay if you cannot get into the doctor until later in your first trimester. You should not wait any longer than that, however, if you are interested in having certain tests done, such as the first trimester screening, which identifies risk for specific chromosomal abnormalities, including Down’s Syndrome, Trisomy-21 and Trisomy-18, as well as certain cardiac disorders. If you are not sure when your specific doctor wants to see you, simply call their office and ask.
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