When should the first antenatal doctor's visit be?

[ladypilot]

I called Queen Mary Hospital to make an appointment for registration today. After the lady took down some general info, she gave me a date but it is around the 10th/11th week or so. Isn't this a bit late or is that normal for the public Hong Kong system?

If I choose to do some private antenatal visits at my own costs, which week of pregnancy should the first appointment be? Any advice or insight would be appreciated!! Thanks!

 

[ctrbabe1]

I believe that's normal for the public system. When I was first pregnant, I remember thinking that the first appointment was quite late, too. I think it was around the 11th week. If you go private, they will probably have you in earlier, because they can get more money out of you. But unless you are having concerns with bleeding or cramping or severe nausea that you need medication for or anything like that, it's not really too necessary to be seen before then anyway. Unless you just want peace of mind. Best of luck!

 

[annahk]

If you go privately, your first appointment is likely to be at about 7 weeks, which is usually when a heartbeat is visible by ultrasound.