First Appointment

As I mentioned before, we found out that I was expecting as early as week 5 but in Norway generally, first check-up is usually done between week 8-week 10. Some doctors will see you immediately so it really depends on your doctor. In Norway, any individual that is eligible under the National Insurance Scheme is entitled to a free personal general practitioner, pregnancy check-ups and delivery. Our doctor won't accept any pregnancy check-up below 10 week so my first check up was only done when I was at week 11.

During the first check-up the doctor will filled out every sort of forms. One is the Helsekort For Gravide which is equivalent to "buku pink" in Malaysia. The Helsekort For Gravide is to document all information taken during every check-ups and is a link between your doctor, midwives and hospitals, so that everyone will get the same information. The form is kept by us and is expected to bring to every check-ups.

The doctor then filled out a form for hospital registration for the delivery. We had our eyes on Ullevål Sykehus (Ullevål hospital) which is 10 minutes away from our apartment and has one of the best maternity wards in Oslo. Another hospital is Rikshospitalet which is the official hospital for the Norwegian Royal Family. Rikshospitalet is a bit far from where we live so we would just settle with Ullevål Sykehus.

My first check-up was breezy and simple. After filling out necessary informations, I then had my blood pressure measured & pulse and heart beat checked. After that, I was ushered to their lab to had my blood taken for test (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Rubella, blood group and rhesus, etc.) . Upon arriving at the clinic, I had to submit my urine for infection and protein test. I had no ultrasound scan whatsoever as the scan will only be done at week 17- week 20 at the hospital later.

The full result of the blood test will be released by the clinic only after 2 weeks but after 1 week, I received an SMS from my doctor stating that my vitamin D level was low. I was advised to take 20 microgram of vitamin D supplement for a month before having my blood checked again. I was not given any extra supplement because the daily multivitamin that I have been taking religiously pre-conceiving was enough. I was advised that if I wanted to, I can take Omega-3 supplement once I enter second trimester.

Edited: Based of the feedbacks that I got, Norwegian doctors and midwives tend to have relaxed approach when it comes to pregnancy. The doctor will not give you any advice unless you raised your concerns. Few mothers in Norway that I met online suggested that reading pregnancy books on your own will help you more than relying solely on your doctor and midwives.