Forum 1st trimester

When to see the GP?

7 replies

moonsky
Hi! I took a pregnancy test yesterday and today, and both were positive. I'm only one day late today, so the lines are still faint. But with the second test, I'm already feeling a bit more sure, so I wanted to book an appointment with my GP right away. However, I can't go sooner than in 8 days because the GP is on vacation. I already know I'll have to get through 8 nervous days while waiting. What do you think? Should I just wait for that appointment (April 29th) or take other steps sooner?

Replies

  1. Anonymous Guest #2

    Why go to the GP? In the Netherlands, you call your midwife when you get a positive test. Your first appointment is between 6-11 weeks, and the first ultrasound is around 8-11 weeks. Take a deep breath in and out and enjoy.

  2. moonsky started this #3

    In Belgium, that's the custom. They take your blood to check your levels, confirm the pregnancy, and give an estimate of how far along you are...

  3. proud_mommy #4

    Moonsky, congratulations on your pregnancy. Enjoy it.
    If you live in Belgium, I’d definitely make an appointment as soon as possible. And if you live in the Netherlands, just book an appointment with the midwife right away.

  4. moonsky started this #5

    And thank you for the positive tip! I'm trying to enjoy it, but I still can't quite believe it. I keep thinking there's such a high chance it could still go wrong.

  5. proud_mommy #6

    I also kept checking for blood every time I went to the toilet. But don't drive yourself crazy. Just try to enjoy yourself. Once the little one is here, you'll probably miss the pregnancy a bit, hahaha.

  6. Saar #7

    When you go to the GP, it doesn't really matter. Just make an appointment with the gynecologist in advance; you'll most likely be able to go around week 8 of the pregnancy. Drawing blood isn't just for hCG (since the pregnancy tests are clear anyway), but mainly to test you for vitamin deficiencies, immunity to CMV, rubella, hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, etc. These results will then be sent to the gynecologist so they don't have to draw blood again, and you'll already know what to watch out for. So there's no rush; just be careful with what you eat, etc. Enjoy that little miracle.

  7. Saar #8

    Then you already know quite a bit based on your previous check-up, and I’d just wait and see, as you said. In Belgium, they usually cover three ultrasounds around 12 weeks, 20 weeks, and 34 weeks. You’re not required to have the others, but they can provide peace of mind. I had one ultrasound at 8 weeks and saw my little bean at 2 cm with a heartbeat, and even legs, arms, torso, and head. At 12 weeks, the ultrasound showed a real baby at about 6 cm, and then they did the NT scan. At 16 weeks, I saw the midwife and only listened to the heartbeat with a Doppler. At 21 weeks, I had a structural ultrasound to thoroughly check everything. At 26 weeks, there was a growth ultrasound and a sugar test. At 30 weeks, I had another appointment with the midwife for a Doppler check on the heart and to prepare the hospital file. At 34 weeks, there was a growth/position ultrasound. The next ultrasound is scheduled for 37 weeks. It depends a bit on your preference and how your gynecologist operates, on which weeks and how often you need to come in for check-ups, and what tests they do.

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