Pregnant and Waiting: Why Many Doctors Won't See You Until 9 Weeks

Pregnant women in the United States frequently encounter difficulties in securing a first prenatal appointment, with many providers refusing to schedule patients until eight or nine weeks of gestation. This delay can be particularly stressful for women who discover they are pregnant early, as was the case for a woman who recently contacted NPR with concerns about her own pregnancy. According to her period tracking app, she was approximately five weeks along, but was unable to secure an appointment with her doctor until nine weeks. According to Dr. Rebecca Troisi, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of California, San Francisco, "The reason for this delay is largely due to the fact that many prenatal providers are busy with established patients and may not have the capacity to take on new patients until later in their pregnancy." Dr. Troisi also noted that "some providers may also be hesitant to schedule patients too early, as the risk of miscarriage is higher during the first trimester, and they may not want to invest too much time and resources into a pregnancy that may not ultimately result in a live birth." However, Dr. Troisi emphasized that early pregnancy care is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. "Research has shown that early prenatal care can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies," she said. "It's essential that women have access to timely and comprehensive prenatal care, regardless of their gestational age." In some cases, women may be able to access early pregnancy care through alternative means, such as texting their obstetrician-gynecologist and asking them to perform an ultrasound between scheduled appointments, as one woman recently did. However, this workaround is not always available or feasible for everyone. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women receive their first prenatal appointment between 6-8 weeks of gestation. However, the organization also acknowledges that "delays in accessing prenatal care are common, and providers should strive to accommodate women's needs and schedules as much as possible." In light of these challenges, women who are experiencing difficulty securing a first prenatal appointment are advised to reach out to their healthcare provider and express their concerns. They may also want to consider seeking care at a different provider or clinic that offers earlier appointment times. By advocating for themselves and seeking out resources, women can ensure that they receive the timely and comprehensive prenatal care they need to have a healthy pregnancy.