At What Stage of Pregnancy to Consult a Gynecologist: Reasons for Early Visits

When to visit a gynecologist during pregnancy is one of the main questions that worries a woman who sees the two cherished lines on a test. And this is natural and absolutely understandable, as qualified medical supervision is largely the key to a successful pregnancy. That is why the first thing a woman should do upon learning that she will soon become a mother is to register at a women’s clinic. 

In addition to the purely physiological reasons related to maintaining the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, for which it is unwise to postpone a visit to the doctor, there are others related to the possibility of receiving additional benefits after the child is born. For example, visiting a gynecologist during pregnancy and registering within the first 12 weeks will ensure such a benefit for working women.

When should you first visit the doctor during pregnancy?

Experts with many years of experience in the field of obstetrics and gynecology cite several reasons in favor of early consultation with a gynecologist during pregnancy. Firstly, they consider it necessary for confirming the very fact of pregnancy, which can only be unequivocally confirmed through a comprehensive examination, HCG test results, and ultrasound. 

Most gynecologists advise visiting an obstetrician 2-3 weeks after a missed period when pregnant. Secondly, once conception is confirmed, the doctor can rule out an ectopic pregnancy by ensuring the proper placement of the gestational sac. The specialist will conduct an examination, determine the first day of the last menstrual period, the possible date of conception, or the date of ovulation, if known. This will allow for a more accurate determination of the pregnancy term and the expected due date.

What else generally accompanies the first visit to the doctor

The initial visit to the gynecologist during the first pregnancy, even at a very early stage, is usually accompanied by numerous guidelines for proper prenatal care. The doctor and the patient discuss the specifics of daily routine and nutrition, and determine the optimal daily fluid intake. Additionally, the specialist develops a personalized schedule for the intake of micronutrients and vitamins. This particularly involves the mandatory intake of folic acid, which prevents the risk of congenital developmental defects in the fetus. 

This vitamin is prescribed if the woman did not take it during the planning and preparation period for pregnancy. During the first visit to the gynecologist while pregnant, the expectant mother and the specialist who will be guiding her until the baby is born, agree on acceptable physical activities, the possibility of flights, relocations, and determine a plan for doctor visits, tests, and screenings.

Examination and history taking by a gynecologist

Once the question of when to visit a gynecologist during pregnancy is resolved and the woman is in the obstetrician-gynecologist’s office, besides discussions on pregnancy planning and test appointments, she will undergo a general examination, as well as:

• study of body build, skin color;
• palpation of the mammary and thyroid glands;
• measurement of body weight, blood pressure, pelvic dimensions;
• conducting a gynecological examination.

During the first visit to the gynecologist during pregnancy, a personal card for the pregnant and postpartum woman is created. This important document contains anamnesis data, including general and gynecological diseases experienced by the future mother during childhood and adulthood, as well as information about serious illnesses of her close relatives and the father’s relatives.

What requires close attention

Family medical history is extremely important, with particular attention to diseases such as tuberculosis, mental disorders, diabetes, and hypertension diagnosed in close relatives. During the initial visit to the gynecologist during pregnancy, the doctor aims to gather comprehensive information on previously contracted infectious diseases, including herpes, toxoplasmosis, rubella, kidney and liver diseases, and CMV. 

The obstetric-gynecological history typically includes information on past abortions, use and types of contraceptives, number of pregnancies and their outcomes, characteristics of menstrual function, and any complications during childbirth and postpartum.

Required Tests and Examinations

The initial visit to the clinic during pregnancy involves a wide range of examinations, which includes comprehensive laboratory tests, including:

• determination of Rh factor and blood type;
• hormone tests;
• blood tests – general, biochemical, for syphilis, HIV, glucose, herpes, ferritin, hepatitis B and C, TORCH, TT;
• urine and smear examination.

In addition, the expectant mother is referred to specialized doctors for examination, including an ENT doctor, therapist, dentist, and ophthalmologist. If necessary, consultations with specialists such as a cardiologist, urologist, or endocrinologist are provided. Once the pregnant woman has undergone a full examination, her affiliation with one of the existing dynamic observation groups – low, medium, or high – is determined. Based on the completeness of the information and the results of objective studies, the doctor creates a pregnancy management plan.

What to bring to your first appointment

When planning to visit the clinic for the first time, a woman should bring a set of specific documents and be properly prepared for her visit to the obstetrician for her pregnancy. Among the mandatory documents, the following and their copies in two copies are required – passport (first page and residence registration), SNILS, and health insurance policy.

Relevant documents concerning the health of the woman and her family members (also in 2 copies) will be appropriate:

• blood test results of the child’s father for HIV and syphilis;
• fluorography results of the father and family members over 15 years old living with the pregnant woman;
• if available – the woman’s fluorography results before pregnancy.

It’s correct to have medical reports on previously diagnosed pathologies, if any were identified. This will make the planning of subsequent pregnancy management more rational and successful. For the gynecological examination, you’ll need socks and shoe covers.

Appropriate examination timings

However, the first visit to the gynecologist during pregnancy and taking preliminary tests does not mean you won’t need to visit the clinic again, and that examinations are complete until the baby is born. There are strictly defined timelines in which tests are conducted to monitor the health of the expectant mother and the developing fetus.

They depend on the current trimester and week of pregnancy. After registration at 7-8 weeks and complete clinical and laboratory examination, the schedule for the right examinations is as follows – in the 1st trimester at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy, the first screening is conducted, which includes an ultrasound and biochemical blood test to detect chromosomal disorders in the fetus.

Examinations in the 2nd-3rd trimesters

During the first visit to the gynecologist during pregnancy, the doctor usually creates a schedule of examinations for the entire term of pregnancy. The schedule includes appointments with the doctor overseeing the pregnancy, for conducting:

• the second screening – at 19-21 weeks;
• the glucose tolerance test to detect hidden diabetes – at 23-24 weeks;
• the repeat comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination and repeat consultation with a therapist and ophthalmologist, the third screening (Doppler blood flow study and fetal ultrasound) – at 30 weeks;
• the cardiotocographic examination of the fetal condition – at 32 and 38 weeks of pregnancy;
• the bacteriological culture of cervical canal discharge – at 36 weeks.

Therefore, it is clear that the first meeting with the doctor after pregnancy occurs is the beginning of a long and responsible journey lasting 9 months, which must be started on time.