Pregnancy Specialist

When should you start seeing a doctor during your pregnancy?

Call Logan OB/GYN to schedule your first appointment as soon as you have a positive home pregnancy test, which typically occurs around eight weeks into the pregnancy. If you have certain medical conditions or have ever had a complicated pregnancy, Dr. Ahlstrom and Marybeth may want you to come in sooner.

They may also want to see you sooner if you’re experiencing certain symptoms. These can include:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Severe nausea
• Vomiting

If you’re taking medications, be sure to mention it when you schedule your appointment. The team at Logan OB/GYN may recommend you stop taking certain ones.

What should you expect during your first pregnancy appointment?

When you see Dr. Ahlstrom for your first pregnancy appointment, a variety of things may happen. He reviews your gynecological history and asks you a variety of questions, including the date of your last period and if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

He also does a thorough review of your medical history, discussing any chronic conditions you may have and medications you take. He asks about drug allergies, past surgeries, hospitalizations, and psychiatric problems. He discusses lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking, and drug use, and the impacts these have on your pregnancy.

Dr. Ahlstrom reviews your family medical history as well, asking about chronic, genetic, or chromosomal disorders, as well as developmental delays or congenital disabilities.

Dr. Ahlstrom also completes a physical and pelvic exam, including a Pap smear. He may do an ultrasound to get a more accurate due date. He requests lab work and may test both your urine and blood. If it’s flu season, he may even recommend that you get a flu shot.

Throughout the appointment, Dr. Ahlstrom counsels you on what to expect throughout your pregnancy. He may discuss things like diet, weight gain, and prenatal vitamins. He also informs you of typical pregnancy symptoms and when you should seek emergency medical care.

What is pre-pregnancy counseling?

If you want to get pregnant in the near future, see Dr. Ahlstrom or Marybeth for pre-pregnancy counseling. They can check for issues that may cause pregnancy complications, and help you prepare your body for pregnancy.

The counseling session includes checking your medications and counseling you on how to have the best pregnancy experience possible. The team at Logan OB/GYN also recommends:

• Achieving a healthy weight
• Starting a moderate exercise program
• Improving your diet
• Starting a prenatal vitamin with folic acid
• Stopping drinking and smoking

If you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, chose an OB/GYN you can trust. Contact Logan OB/GYN today. Call the office to schedule your appointment or book it easily online.