No idea what i'm doing!

Hi there, I'm newly pregnant (and newly joined here!) and I feel like everyone knows what to do but me!

I feel kind of silly needing to ask, but have no idea who I am supposed to see or what I need to do now that I'm pregnant. Do I go to my normal doctor to confirm the pregnancy, or just assume that I know I am without needing further confirmation that everything is fine this early on? And my first appointment - do I see my doctor, or a hospital, or my gyno... I'm at a loss!

The reason I think I'm even more confused is that my doctor is an older man that I wouldn't really feel comfortable doing any examinations etc, he doesn't have an ultrasound, but I really like him for my usual doctor type complaints.

Any help you could give me, or point me in the right direction, would be much appreciated! Thanks

Hi Zelda - welcome to BB and congrats on your pregnancy!!
Don't worry, I don't think anyone really knows what theyre doing first up :)
I would say go to your normal GP and he should be able to refer you to where you need to go! And don't worry, you shouldn't need to be examined or anything yet - he might just refer you for some blood tests or get you to pee in a cup :)
All the best darl!

Well the most they'd do at a GP appointment to confirm the pregnancy is a test, usually a pee test and sometimes they'll send you for a blood test. They won't be looking at any down there bits, unless you're due for a pap smear I think? GPs generally don't do ultrasounds either.

If you don't really feel you need to see your GP, you can contact the hospital you are going to use, or if you're going private then you can start contating Obs (do it early as they book out apparently), and see if you need a referral and then just take it from there.

Generally the hospital and Obs wont see you until you're 12 weeks though, so keep that in mind if you want the 12 week scan as you may just nneed to go to the GP for a referral as usually you have to book a few weeks earlier for the scan depending on where you live.

THanks sneakysparkle & Leasha, already I feel more at ease.

You should go to your gp before 12 weeks. At least once in the first 12 weeks is important.
Your gp will discuss obstetritions, ante natal clinics etc with you. Discuss which would be the way you want to go.
Maybe do a pee test. Maybe a blood test. Not deffinetely though.
They should send you for a dating ultra sound which is best done before 12 weeks.
He/she might do blood pressure & weight checks or they might leave the weight for the ob. I only got weighed once my last pregnancy when I booked in at the hospital.
There aren't usually internals done, it's more ultrasound these days.

Zelda,
Congratulations! Mate don't worry I was the same as you and still am. Thats why I love BB. I am sure you will too!
I went to normal GP and he sent me for blood tests. He did a pregnancy confirmation, Toxoplasmis test, Cystic Fibrosis, HIV, Hep and a couple more I cant remember. The Cystic Fibrosis was the only one that I ended up paying for and it took a while for the results. After that I didn't need to worry about another Dr appointment till 12 weeks. I did a bit of research of the local hospitals and decided on the one I wanted to go to. I then called them and asked them to send me a list of their approved OB Dr. From that list I chose a DR and booked my 12 week appointment the day after my NT ultrasound. Your normal DR should give you a referal to the 12 week scan if you decide to get it done that is. And if you have picked a OB dr ask your GP to give you a referal to that Dr as well. And sit back and relax. Once you see your OB Dr (if you go with that kind of care) everything else will just fall into place.
First get the bloods done by your GP and take one step at a time!

Oh yeah :doh: Its probably a good idea to get those blood tests done so you know if you are low in something like iron, or if there are certain medical issues that need to be dealt with specially in those first 12 weeks. I completely forgot about those! Probably best to get those out of the way, and then you also have it as a reference in case something changes during the pregnancy. Gee I feel a bit like a knob forgetting that! Early pregnancy seems so far away right now........

Oh, and one more thing. I haven't had one internal this whole pregnancy (well, not counting when I had the bleed and labour scare). I haven't had an internal at a checkup, only in an emergency situation.

Welcome to BB and congrats on the pregnancy!
As others have said, it is totally understandable not knowing what to do... Get used to that feeling ;) LOL!
In the first 8-10 weeks, you'll likely need to choose what method of care you'd like to receive. This can be a really tough choice, but make it according to what YOU feel comfortable with, not what anyone else tells you to do. If you've got friends or family who've had babies, it can help to talk to them about what they chose and why and whether they were happy with their treatment. Ignore people who tell you that birth is always painful, dangerous and/or traumatic. Don't let people scare you - your pregnancy and birth will be likely be different to theirs in so many ways. It is a really special, unique time for you (and your partner if 'applicable' :) ).
Types of care:
Private - OB (you'll need a referral)
Private midwife (particularly if you'd like a homebirth)
Public: Hospitals have different care available. Mine had a midwife 'team' (that's the option I went with), a midwife clinic (the same midwife for every visit, but a different one for the actual birth) or for high-risk categories the resident OBGyn (you won't get to choose who they are, they will be assigned to you if you need them)
Shared care: Where you see your GP as well as the midwives at the hospital (I don't know if all hospitals offer this? But I think most public ones will.)
You might also want to think about having a doula, a professional birth attendant. They will be additional support for you through your pg and the birth.
This is pretty much the first big decision you will have to make. Take your time, and make sure you're happy with your choice. Don't think that you can't change your mind either - nothing is set in stone, and you are in charge of your own pregnancy and birth experience.
I wish you all the very best and look forward to seeing you around the forum!!!

Dont worry we are all in the same boat,Belly Belly has been my biggest educational tool,if your not sure go and get yourself some books like what to expect when your expecting,ask plenty of question,everyone here has been a great source of info,join up below in the forums when your due month is and swap stories.Also ask your gp and obstetrician if your unsure of medical issues,tests,scan etc..You will be right,we were all like Deer in the headlights at 1st..Good Luck you be fine!!