What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Appointment

Your pregnancy test came back positive, and nothing, not even early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness or exhaustion, can dampen your spirits. However, it is natural to worry about what to do when you discover you are pregnant.

Take a moment to absorb the news before shouting it from the roof. After you've informed your spouse, it's time to speak with another crucial member of your team: your pregnancy doctor or licensed nurse-midwife. Now is the moment to kick off your first trimester by scheduling your first prenatal checkup.

When should I schedule my first pregnancy appointment?
The time of your first prenatal appointment varies depending on the facility. There is no such thing as a good or bad time. You'll usually be seen for your first appointment between 6 and 12 weeks of being pregnant. Yes, this appears to be a very long time to wait, especially with so many inquiries!

How to prepare for your first prenatal visit:
1. Review your medical history
We will inquire about your medical history, the medical history of your spouse, and your family history. This is to ensure that you and your baby have the greatest prenatal care plan possible. You should also bring a list of your current drugs. Include any supplements and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

2. Write down your questions
It’s hard to remember everything. So, it’s a good idea to write down your questions and bring them with you to your first appointment. 

3. Take a prenatal vitamin
There are numerous good over-the-counter prenatal vitamin choices. Look for one that contains at least 400mcg of folic acid and DHA, a vitamin that can aid with brain and eye development. DHA is also found in fish, so eating low-mercury seafood is good for you and your kid.

4. Take care of yourself
Maintain proper hydration, nutrition, and rest.

But what if I have pain or bleeding?
If you experience pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding throughout your pregnancy, contact your clinic right away. It may not always signal a problem with your pregnancy, but we must see you as soon as possible. If the clinic is closed, go to the nearest emergency room. It's difficult not to panic in these situations, but try to avoid stress as much as possible for the sake of your and your baby's overall health.

What’s usually done at the first prenatal visit?
A comprehensive physical exam, including breast and pelvic exams, as well as some basic blood and urine tests, may be included in your first visit. You will spend time with us discussing what to expect throughout your first trimester and your pregnancy. You will learn about the various prenatal checkups and tests you will undergo until your baby is born. There will also be plenty of time to go over your list of questions.

We understand that you want to see your baby as soon as possible. You may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat during this initial appointment; it can usually be heard when you're around 10 weeks pregnant.

Do I get an ultrasound at my first prenatal visit?
An ultrasound, during which you can see your baby, is normally arranged later in your first trimester. However, each clinic handles it differently. So, when you plan your initial appointment, feel free to inquire about precise ultrasound scheduling and information.

Who will I see during my first prenatal visit?
When it comes to who you should visit for prenatal care, you have numerous options. You can choose an OB-GYN for your pregnancy, a trained nurse-midwife for pregnancy care, or you may be able to see your primary care doctor, depending on your health and choices.

If your pregnancy is straightforward, some clinics may advise you to see as many different people as possible throughout your pregnancy, including OB-GYNs, certified nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners. Many clinics also allow you to see the same doctor on each visit. Now is the moment to assess your specific requirements so that you can select someone with whom you feel comfortable and who you can trust. They will, after all, be spending a lot of time with you over the following few months.

Is this the same person who will deliver my baby?
This is a critical question to ask during your initial visit. In some clinics, the same person who sees you for prenatal checkups will also deliver your baby. Most clinics, however, share on-call responsibilities with a group of OB-GYNs or certified nurse-midwives. This implies that "your" pregnancy doctor or midwife may not be the person on call to deliver your baby. Each situation has its own set of benefits. You might also use a birth plan template to help caregivers understand your birth desires, worries, and preferences.

What’s the rest of my prenatal appointment schedule going to look like?
Your pregnancy appointment schedule will be unique to you, but women with simple pregnancies typically have the following visits:
- Every four weeks until week 28
- Every two or three weeks from weeks 28 to 38
- Weekly from week 38 until birth

Many questions and worries arise during the first trimester, and it is normal for most pregnant women. This is why beginning routine prenatal treatment as soon as possible is critical.