How early should prenatal care begin?

A home test indicated I was pregnant, but I haven't yet been to a doctor. A couple of midwives in my area said that a prenatal exam wasn't necessary until 10 to 12 weeks. However, I know my family physician would see me right away, and I thought there were important tests to be done early on. I'm also concerned because this is my first pregnancy and I feel as though it hasn't been validated by anyone in the health profession.

I couldn't agree with you more. It is not so much the testing, but the education about what is good for babies and what is harmful, that mothers miss when they don't get the earliest possible care.

Folic acid should be begun as soon as possible. Diet is vitally important right from the beginning, as is education about about drugs, alcohol, smoking, infections, sexuality, family changes and much more. Paps, blood work, etc., could be done safely at 10 to 12 weeks, unless you have a history of complications or a family history of an inherited trait that should be screened for right away. However, it is important to verify dates as early in the pregnancy as possible.

I would look for another care provider who is more compatible with your preventive philosophy.