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I am pregnant! When should I go to the doctor?
Article

I am pregnant! When should I go to the doctor?

2 min readWeek 8
Key takeaways
2 min
  • Schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test or suspect pregnancy.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy.
  • Prepare for initial health screenings including weight, hemoglobin, and blood sugar measurements at your first visit.
  • Plan for chromosomal screening tests that typically occur between weeks 11-14 of pregnancy.
  • Establish early prenatal care to receive proper nutrition guidance and lifestyle recommendations.

You should see your doctor as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test or suspect pregnancy. Early prenatal care allows your doctor to establish baseline health measurements, provide nutrition guidance, and schedule important screenings between weeks 11-14.

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As soon as you know or even suspect you might be pregnant, you should see your doctor [1]. 

Why do I need to see a doctor right away?

There’s a lot to know about health during pregnancy. So, the sooner you get your doctor's advice on nutrition and any necessary lifestyle changes, the better.

At your first doctor's visit, you will learn your weight, hemoglobin, blood sugar levels, and other markers of health. The sooner your doctor gets to know you, the more aware they will be of any changes that may occur throughout your pregnancy [2].

Another important thing that happens during your initial visits is that your doctor will carry out non-invasive screenings for the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, these usually take place between weeks 11 and 14, so it’s great to get to know your doctor, and get the appropriate appointments scheduled as soon as possible [2]. 

If my pregnancy test is positive, but I am spotting, what should I do?

Contact your ob-gyn if you have any bleeding at any time during pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to tell you what is happening. It could simply be spotting from implantation, but they will want to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and any other possible problems [3].

Frequently asked questions

You should contact your doctor as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test or suspect you might be pregnant. Early prenatal care is crucial for establishing baseline health markers and receiving proper guidance for a healthy pregnancy.

Your first prenatal visit will include measuring your weight, checking hemoglobin and blood sugar levels, and other health assessments. Your doctor will also provide nutrition advice and discuss necessary lifestyle changes for pregnancy.

Light spotting can be normal due to implantation, but you should always contact your doctor about any bleeding during pregnancy. They need to rule out complications like ectopic pregnancy or other potential problems.

Non-invasive screenings for chromosomal abnormalities typically occur between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. Starting prenatal care early helps ensure these important tests are scheduled at the right time.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated March 25, 2025

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

  1. Pregnancy week by week. Mayo Clinic, 06.08.2022.
  2. Bleeding During Pregnancy. ACOG, 2021.

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