Overcoming the Fear of Visiting the Ob/Gyn.

The first time you visit the Ob/Gyn, you may be wondering what to expect. These doctors specialize in treating women with problems and conditions surrounding the reproductive system, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Teens

If you are a teenager visiting the Ob/Gyn for the first time, your experience will be a little different than the experience of visiting your traditional doctor. Your doctor will ask a lot of questions about your health, including questions about your menstrual period that you might find a bit uncomfortable to answer. Remember, these medical professionals deal with women and their needs every day, so you do not need to feel uncomfortable.
If you are having problems with your period or reproductive system, your doctor will do a pelvic exam. This will require you to undress, maybe just from the waist down. Your doctor will then insert a small tool into your vaginal opening so he or she can see inside your body. If you need to have a pap test, the Ob/Gyn will place a cotton swab into your vagina to collect a small sample of cells to test for cancerous cells and other problems.

Pregnant Women

Many women do not visit the Ob/Gyn until they become pregnant, because they visit their family doctor for any health needs they experience up until that point. If your first visit to this doctor happens when you are pregnant, you can expect the doctor to ask questions about your period to determine when you got pregnant and when your baby should be due. If possible, know what the date of your last menstrual cycle was.

If you are due for a pap test, the doctor will request one. Your doctor will also want to test for viability of the baby. Depending on how far into your pregnancy you are, the doctor will either use a Doppler to search for the baby’s heartbeat or will order an ultrasound. This not only determines whether or not you have a viable pregnancy, but it also rules out the possibility that you are having more than one baby.

Your Ob/Gyn will also explain the options you have when it comes to your pregnancy. You may be given the option to work with a midwife instead of the medical doctor during your pregnancy. You may also be told about the tests that are considered optional.

This is also the time that you will be given a genetic screening. This is an attempt to rule out the likelihood that your baby will have genetic defects. It involves a series of questions about family history for genetic conditions. You will also be given the opportunity to have genetic testing done.

Finally, your initial visit gives you the opportunity to discuss your pregnancy and what to expect from the doctor’s visits throughout your pregnancy. You will be told the dos and don’ts of pregnancy, such as what foods to eat and avoid. Finally, expect to be given a list about situations that require a call to the doctor. With this information in hand, you will be ready to face the long months of pregnancy until you welcome your new baby to your family.