Positive pregnancy test: when should you see a gynaecologist and have the first ultrasound?

English version

Seeing a positive home pregnancy test can bring excitement as well as many questions. If you feel well and have no bleeding or significant pain, an emergency visit or immediate ultrasound is not usually required. Contact a gynaecologist or maternity-care provider early so that appropriate antenatal care can be planned.

How is pregnancy duration calculated?

Pregnancy is usually dated from the first day of your last menstrual period—not from the date of conception. Keep the following information ready:

• First day of your last period and usual cycle length.
• Date of the positive pregnancy test.
• Previous pregnancies, miscarriages or ectopic pregnancy.
• Fertility treatment, if applicable.
• Current medicines, supplements and medical conditions.
• Any pain, bleeding, vomiting or other symptoms.

If periods are irregular or the date is uncertain, ultrasound may help estimate the pregnancy duration later.

When should you arrange the first consultation?

Arrange an early consultation particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, epilepsy or another long-term condition; take regular prescription medicines; previously had an ectopic pregnancy, repeated miscarriages or significant pregnancy complications; conceived after fertility treatment; have irregular periods; or experience pain, bleeding or excessive vomiting.

Do not stop prescribed medicines suddenly without medical advice. Some medicines may need to be changed, but abruptly stopping essential treatment can also be harmful.

When is the first ultrasound performed?

The timing depends on symptoms, medical history and the purpose of the scan. An early ultrasound may confirm that the pregnancy is inside the uterus, estimate its duration, check the number of embryos, assess pain or bleeding, or monitor pregnancy after fertility treatment or a previous ectopic pregnancy.

If a scan is performed very early, it may not show enough information. A repeat scan or pregnancy-hormone blood tests may be needed. An inconclusive early scan does not automatically mean that something is wrong.

What should you do while waiting?

• Begin folic acid if you are not already taking it. Standard guidance commonly recommends 400 micrograms daily through the first 12 weeks; some women need a higher prescribed dose.
• Choose a pregnancy-appropriate supplement and avoid vitamin A as retinol.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs.
• Check prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines with a doctor or pharmacist.
• Eat a balanced diet and follow food-safety precautions.

What may happen at the first appointment?

The visit may include a review of menstrual and medical history, blood pressure, medicines and supplements; advice about antenatal care; blood-group, haemoglobin and other routine blood tests; urine testing; and planning of ultrasound and antenatal screening. Not every patient needs every test immediately.