Ask the Midwife Kathleen McClelland has been a midwife since 1990. Prior to that she was a Family Nurse Practitioner, with an emphasis on Women's Health Care, working mainly with the Deaf and Native American populations. As a midwife she has worked in large and small health care settings, from a a large health maintenance organization to a small private practice in a rural community to a medium size hospital caring for indigent women. She has attended one home birth, as the birth assistant to the midwife, of a very dear friend. The birth of her son was at a free-standing birth center in Alexandria, Virginia, attended by two of her midwifery classmates as well as her husband, sister, and father.		Midwife Kathleen McNellis Ask Kathleen a question

Question submitted May 24, 2002.

How soon should I be seen by my ob-gyn doctor? The reason that I am asking is that I found out I was pregnant by taking 2 home tests. They both showed up positive. I called my doctor's office and I was told that I do not need to come in until I am 8 to 10 weeks. This is my first pregnancy and I am not taking any vitamins and have so many questions. Is it normal to wait that long to see my doctor?

Congratulations on your pregnancy!! You must have lots of questions!! The first visit is usually the longest one of all the prenatal visits. A complete physical exam is done, with pap smear and other lab tests, as well as nutrition counseling and other counseling about a having a healthy pregnancy. It is customary for this exam to be done at about 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, as by this time miscarriage is unlikely.

However, you may be having trouble with nausea and vomiting or have questions about whether you can take a tylenol for a headache. And, yes, you should start prenatal vitamins (with sufficient folic acid) as soon as possible once you are pregnant, if you are not already taking vitamins. Your doctor or midwife should be available to you by phone to answer your questions or to advise you of which vitamin to take. And to see you with a problem before your first prenatal appointment. If they aren't available to you now, by all means consider finding a new provider.

Good luck!!

Kathleen McClelland, CNM

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Read a transcript of a chat with Kathleen McClelland and Pam Cass about Midwives and Doulas: How They Support the Birthing Woman.

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