While learning you are pregnant is an exciting moment, it also raises a lot of questions, one of which is when to consult a gynecologist. Even though a positive test is a significant first step, you and your child should both focus on the following stage of care.
A lot of women are unsure about when to schedule their first appointment. Although timing can vary based on personal health factors, you can make an informed decision by following some general guidelines.
Early prenatal visits to the gynecologist guarantee that everything is progressing as planned and allow you to voice any worries you may have. It’s an important first step in beginning prenatal care, which is essential to a successful pregnancy.
- What is important for a doctor?
- The correct timing of the examination
- Is the inspection dangerous?
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What is important for a doctor?
Let"s say you are absolutely sure that you are pregnant, you feel nauseous, your tastes and smells have changed, and to top it all off, the test showed a positive result. You can trust the test. It determines the presence of the hormone hCG in the urine, which begins to be produced approximately a week after conception by the chorionic villi, with which the embryo is attached to the wall of the uterus. Thus, a positive test is the presence of hCG, and you can congratulate yourself. But is it time to go to the doctor? No. Nothing will be visible either during a standard gynecological examination or during an ultrasound in the first days of a missed period.
At this point, your baby is so small that not even the most advanced, sensitive ultrasound scanner can find it inside the female reproductive organ’s cavity. The uterus is not getting bigger, and the cervix is not changing. Thus, take your time telling the doctors how happy you are.
- the presence of ultrasound confirmation;
- the presence of objective obstetric signs.
Both will be documented, but not too soon.
It’s critical to make an appointment with the gynecologist within the first 6–8 weeks of pregnancy following a positive pregnancy test result. This first appointment serves to confirm the pregnancy, monitor the progress of the pregnancy, and look for any early indications of complications. It also provides an opportunity for you to start making plans for a healthy pregnancy journey and ask questions.
The correct timing of the examination
Only from the fifth week of pregnancy onwards can the fertilized egg, if it is located correctly inside the uterus, be identified for the first time during an ultrasound examination. This is the third week following the anticipated conception, or the fifth obstetric week. Do you recall when your last menstrual cycle started? When that exact five weeks have passed, schedule a visit with an ultrasound diagnostic specialist.
Not only can you find out if you are pregnant during the examination, but you can also find out if your pregnancy is normal, ectopic, or frozen.
Since the physiological changes that signal the beginning of a "interesting" situation take time to manifest, you should see a gynecologist even later.
As soon as the next menstrual cycle starts to be delayed, you should put off going to the doctor for up to two or three weeks.
You will undergo a standard gynecological examination in the chair at the office. A few weeks after the start of the delay, if you are pregnant, the doctor can ascertain:
- a slight increase in the size of the uterus and a change in its shape;
- moderate swelling of the labia and a change in their color to bluish due to increased blood supply.
The changes that eventually become noticeable are started immediately after implantation, but they take time for the doctor to notice them. Which signs are we referring to here? Using a gynecological mirror, the cervix is inspected after the outer labia’s appearance is evaluated. Its center is displaced and it is mildly edematous if a pregnancy is present.
When the uterus is examined with both hands, a rather characteristic image emerges: the uterine walls are softer than in women who are not pregnant. When there is no pregnancy, the uterus resembles a pear in shape, but during pregnancy it becomes more shaped like a ball.
Obstetricians also trust the so-called Rusin obstetric sign, which is increased cervix mobility when palpated. The progesterone is exposed, which causes the isthmus to soften. And the Guddla sign refers to the neck’s greatest softness. Following seven weeks of pregnancy, a slight uterine asymmetry is identified; the angle at which the fetus was attached starts to protrude. This is a Piskachek omen.
The doctor notifies you that you are pregnant if any of these symptoms show up.
Is the inspection dangerous?
It’s hard to pinpoint the origin of the myth about the risk of a gynecological exam too early in pregnancy, but for some reason, a lot of women take him at his word and attempt to put off his medical appointment for as long as they can. Although it seems imaginary, the threat is real. During the instrumental and two-handed study, the doctor takes no action that could result in a miscarriage or other unfavorable outcomes.
You may ask, but what about discharge that appears pink, bloody, or abnormal after examination? All that happens is that the progesterone-induced vaginal mucosa becomes more supple and more blood-supplied as pregnancy progresses. Consequently, upon closer inspection, their appearance is simply due to microtrauma of the mucous membrane vessels. This illness is not harmful, does not increase the risk of miscarriage, and has no effect on the frequency of pregnancy-related problems.
A doctor’s appointment shouldn’t be put off for too long. Early on, there are a lot of valuable and informative tests and examinations.
In addition, early registration in Russia carries a one-time benefit. You will get your maternity benefits from the Social Insurance Fund, but first you must present a certificate proving your registration before the 12-week mark.
| Event | Recommended Time |
| After a positive pregnancy test | Within 6-8 weeks of your last period |
| First ultrasound | Typically between 8-12 weeks |
| Ongoing prenatal visits | Every 4 weeks in the first trimester |
A crucial first step in guaranteeing a healthy pregnancy is making an appointment with the gynecologist following a positive pregnancy test. Although it is usually advised to visit a doctor during the first 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, specific circumstances may dictate a different time frame.
Early visits aid in establishing a care plan, confirming the pregnancy, and evaluating your health. Your doctor can answer any worries you may have and offer advice on what to anticipate in the upcoming months.
Getting prenatal care on time is important for you and your unborn child. Make an appointment right away to get started on this thrilling journey with expert assistance.
