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Dr. Ramy Agamy
Pregnancy and Childbirth Care

Your First Pregnancy Check-Up: When to See the Doctor, and Which Signs Are Worrying

When to have your first visit after a positive pregnancy test, normal and worrying pregnancy signs, and how to detect an ectopic pregnancy early.

Dr. Ramy Agamy

Two lines on the test? Do you have to see the doctor right away? Not always.

When should the first visit be?

When a urine or blood test comes back positive, you don't need to go the same day.

We wait 2 to 3 weeks so that we can see the pregnancy sac on the ultrasound.

But if there is severe cramping or bleeding... go right away.

Normal pregnancy signs

Nausea, tiredness, dizziness... these are normal signs of pregnancy.

Signs that need an urgent check

  • Continuous bleeding.
  • Severe pain on one side.
  • A high fever.

Every body is different, but some things shouldn't be ignored.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy means the embryo has implanted in a fallopian tube, or somewhere other than the uterus.

Its signs:

  • Severe pain on one side.
  • A late period.
  • An abnormal pregnancy test.

A transvaginal ultrasound confirms it quickly. It needs prompt treatment, because it is dangerous if delayed.

Your safety comes first... see your doctor as soon as you suspect something.