A positive pregnancy test is the beginning of an exciting journey towards parenthood. Once you find out your are pregnant, you should immediately call your health care provider to schedule your first obstetric appointment, especially if your OB/GYN has a waiting list. If this is your first pregnancy, you may be wondering what will happen at your appointments. The following guidelines are based on a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will adjust your care to meet your individual needs.
How often will I visit my practitioner?
How In the beginning, you’ll visit your practitioner about once per month. Your first appointment will depend on your medical history, when you find out you are pregnant, and how busy your doctor is. Generally you will see your doctor by the end of the first trimester, if not much sooner. Past your 30th week, your doctor may ask to see you every two weeks. Beginning at 36 weeks, it’s likely you will have a check up every week. Depending on your particular case, you may see your doctor more often in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
What will happen at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, your physician will review your complete medical history. It’s important to find out whether you or your baby will be at risk for any particular diseases, disorders or defects that may be passed down. It’s also important to determine how any past illnesses or accidents will impact your pregnancy. When speaking with your doctor it is imperative that you are completely honest and disclose everything for the sake of the health of both you and your baby. You will also have a physical exam, which is similar to your annual gynecological exam. Finally you will have prenatal lab work done. This includes a variety of blood tests and a urine test. Tests typically screen for your blood type, unusual antibodies, anemia, rubella, syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV. Depending on your medical history, you may also be tested for diabetes and whether you are a carrier for Cystic Fibrosis.
What can I expect at subsequent appointments?
Typically you will always have to give a urine sample. This test can determine whether you are dehydrated or if you have a urinary tract infection. You will also be weighed and have your blood pressure checked. The doctor will measure the length between your pubic bone and the fundus (top of the uterus) to determine how well the baby is growing. Your doctor will ask you if you have any concerns or unusual symptoms. Always report any unusual discharge or bleeding. He or she may also check for swelling or cervical changes during the final weeks.
Will there be more tests after the first appointment?
Yes! Between 10-13 weeks, a voluntary screening test for Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18 is offered. Around 20 weeks, your doctor or ultrasound technician will do an ultrasound and check all the baby’s organs and look for any abnormalities. This is also when gender can usually be determined, if you choose to find out. Between 26-28 weeks, your doctor will probably run more blood work. This may include blood count, a diabetes screen and serology. If you are RH negative, you’ll receive a Rhogam injection. Around 35-36 weeks your practitioner will do a vaginal culture to check for Group B Strep. Your doctor may also choose to do additional ultrasounds to check for fetal growth, position, or amniotic fluid volume.
How long do prenatal appointments last?
Obviously this depends on how quickly your health care provider’s office runs. For most appointments, I was only in the office for 20-30 minutes total. My first appointment and the gender scan lasted about an hour.