Your first prenatal visit should take place with a healthcare provider about 8 weeks into your pregnancy. During this important appointment, you'll have a physical exam, answer questions about your medical history, and do several tests and screenings to assess your health and that of your baby. You can also expect your provider to cover several important pregnancy topics, including what to eat, symptoms to watch for, and the new do's and don'ts of your daily life. Don't be afraid to ask anything that's on your mind—you may even want to come with a list of questions for this, the first step in your new pregnancy journey. Show When should I schedule my first prenatal visit?Right after you receive a positive home pregnancy test, book an appointment with your obstetrician, family physician, or midwife. Depending on your practice, advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants may also handle your first prenatal visit. If you haven't yet chosen a healthcare provider to care for you during your pregnancy, it's still important to see someone now to start your prenatal care. You can always switch to another provider later. When will my first OB appointment be?Many healthcare providers will schedule your first visit for when you're about 8 weeks pregnant. Some will see you sooner, particularly if you have an existing health condition, had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having new or severe symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain. If you're taking any medications or think you may have been exposed to a hazardous substance, speak with your provider as soon as possible. What happens at the first prenatal visit?This will probably be the longest of your prenatal appointments unless you encounter problems with your pregnancy along the way. At this and all future visits, don't be afraid to raise any issues you've been wondering about. If questions come up between checkups, it may help to keep a running list. Here is what your provider will likely do during the first prenatal visit. Take your health history. Your provider will ask several questions about your gynecological health, personal medical history, and lifestyle habits. Topics commonly covered include:
Your healthcare provider will also ask about your family medical history. Many genetic issues and birth defects are at least partly hereditary, so learning about your family history helps your medical team keep an eye out for potential issues. Let your provider know whether a relative in either family has a chromosomal or genetic disorder, had developmental delays, or was born with a structural birth defect. Also important to mention: potential exposure to toxins, especially if you live or work near toxic materials. Check you out and run some tests. You can expect a number of standard exams and tests at your first prenatal visit. Some healthcare providers will do an ultrasound. But if you don't have any medical problems or concerns, it may not be part of the routine. Here's what's typical:
Your provider will also order blood tests to:
Discuss any high-risk pregnancy concerns: Many people are considered to have high-risk pregnancies. That means there is a higher-than-average chance of health issues during pregnancy, in labor, and at birth. High-risk groups include those who:
While many potential troubles are treatable or temporary, some can be dangerous to both parent and baby. As a result, high-risk pregnancies need extra care. Your provider can talk to you about the risks at your first visit and throughout your journey. Explain your options for prenatal genetic testing. Your provider will offer you various screening tests that can give you information about your baby's risk for birth defects and chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. You'll also be offered noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), also called cell-free fetal DNA testing. Performed at 9 weeks of pregnancy or later, it's used to examine the little bits of your baby's DNA present in your blood. Another test that will be offered is a first trimester screen, also called a first-trimester combined test. Typically done between weeks 11 and 13, it consists of a blood test and a type of ultrasound called a nuchal translucency. Finally, if you're high-risk, there is the option of invasive genetic diagnostic tests that can tell you for sure whether your baby has Down syndrome or certain other problems. These tests include chorionic villus sampling (CVS), generally performed at 10 to 13 weeks, and amniocentesis, usually done at 16 to 20 weeks. CVS and amniocentesis are invasive and may carry a small risk of miscarriage, so women who choose to have these procedures are usually those with a higher risk for genetic and chromosomal problems. Some moms-to-be choose to wait for the results of screening tests before deciding whether to have one of these diagnostic tests. You may also be given the option of a carrier screening if you haven't had one already. It's a simple blood or saliva test done to see whether your baby is at risk for any of 100 genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. For more information, your provider can refer you to a genetic counselor. Counsel you and let you know what's ahead. Your provider should advise you about eating well, foods to avoid, weight gain, and prenatal vitamins. You'll also hear about the common discomforts of early pregnancy and be warned about symptoms that require immediate attention. Your emotional health is very important. Your provider may screen you for signs of depression during pregnancy. But don't wait to be asked. If you're feeling depressed or anxious, let your provider know so you can be referred to someone who can help. The dangers of smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and taking certain medications will be a topic of discussion, as well. If you need help quitting smoking or any other substance, your provider can recommend a program or counselor. Other topics include the do's and don'ts of exercise, travel, and sex during pregnancy; environmental and occupational hazards that can affect your baby; and how to avoid certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis. Your doctor will also discuss recommended vaccinations, like the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. Is there anything I can do to prepare for my first pregnancy appointment?To help ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible, try taking the following steps. Review your medical history. Brush up on your health status so you can better answer questions. This includes information about your:
If possible, bring documentation along, such as immunization records or a list of your medications. You may even want to tote a baggie containing the medications themselves. Take your partner, a family member or friend. Another person can write down notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support during this information-dense first visit. Get there on time or a little early. This can be helpful for filling out forms and reviewing your insurance status. Make sure to bring your insurance information and cash or a credit card for any necessary co-pays. And of course, follow all office COVID-19 policies regarding your arrival, check-in, and clinic visit. What questions should I ask at the first prenatal visit?Just as your provider will ask you questions at your first prenatal visit, it's a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions for your provider. Ask anything—don't be shy. Again, try to keep a running list in the weeks before the appointment, so nothing important slips your mind. Here are some questions to consider if your provider doesn't bring up the topic first.
Last but not least, ask about your next visit and schedule the appointment before leaving the office. Until your 28th week of pregnancy, you will likely see someone every four weeks or so. You may also want to ask whether future visits will be in-person or virtual. Certain practices offer virtual visits for low-risk patients, those who's doctors aren't close in proximity, or even higher-risk patients that need to be evaluated more often. |