Experts agree that regular prenatal care is important for the health of both you and your baby. It may help you to know what to expect during that first visit. This can vary depending on whether you are seeing an obstetrician or a midwife. It can even vary among practitioners in the same field.
Most women discover they are pregnant with a home pregnancy test. When you find you are pregnant, call and make your first appointment. Most doctors see patients around eight weeks after the last menstrual cycle. Some see patients sooner and some later. If you have had previous problems, such as miscarriages or infertility you may be seen sooner.
You will have a pelvic exam during this first visit. If you are due for a Pap Smear, this will also be done. Most doctors will take cultures to test for sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
You will have blood drawn during your first visit. The tests done can vary from practice to practice. Some of the common tests done include RH factor, hepatitis B, HIV and anemia. You may be given a rubella titer blood test. This will tell if you have immunity to German Measles, which can be dangerous for pregnant women.
A urine sample will be taken during this visit. Again, the test can vary. Sometimes you are tested for a urinary tract infection. Your urine may also be checked for sugar and protein levels. Urine tests are common at every prenatal visit, including the first one.
The doctor or midwife will spend time talking to you about taking care of yourself during pregnancy. You will discuss nutrition and exercise. Most will give you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. You may be given information on prenatal classes offered at the hospital. You will have a chance to ask questions. Write down any questions you have prior to the visit so you won’t forget them.
The doctor or midwife will take a health history at this visit. They will ask about your last menstrual period to help determine your due date. They will ask questions about your general health, any medications or chronic medical conditions. You will be asked about previous pregnancies, births or miscarriages. They will also ask questions about your lifestyle, such as drinking, smoking and drugs.
The doctor will also ask about your family history. You will be asked about genetic disorders, birth defects or chromosomal defects in the family. This information will be asked about your family and your partner’s. If you have a family history of any of these, you may be sent for genetic counseling or advised about additional testing.
You will be asked about your family health history. The doctor will ask about the health of your parents and siblings. Since some diseases are genetic, this information can be very valuable. In addition, you may be asked about exposure to toxins in the home or at work.
Be sure to answer all questions honestly. This will help your practitioner give you the best possible care during your pregnancy. Ask any questions you have about pregnancy or the practitioner’s philosophy of birth and prenatal care. This will give you a feel for the practitioner and help you determine if this person is a good fit.