First Trimester Appointment: When to Schedule & What to Expect

Question
I'm 31 years old and have 1 child who just turned 2.  The first day of my last period was December 27th.  My periods have been irregular over the past 5 months ranging from 34 to 41 days with an average of 37 days.  I took a pregnancy test on February 1st and it was positive.  When should I call the doctor for my 1st appointment?  Would it be 8 weeks from December 27th or longer since my cycles are longer.  Will my due date be longer than the standard 40 weeks since my cycles are longer than 28 days?  Also, I just had a pap smear done on January 20th so do you think they would give me another one at my first appointment?

Answer
You should see your doctor for your first obstetrical visit 8 weeks after the first day of your last period (around February 20). If a pregnancy test on February 1 was positive, you probably conceived at least 14 days prior to that (before January 18). We still will use the standard 40 weeks for your pregnancy. HOwever, if you do not go delivery by October 3,2006, your doctors will not worry because , with a 34-41 day cycle, you probably ovulate later and could have conceived later than cycle day #14. When you get your sonogram, you can pinpoint the exact gestational age of the baby.