Sometime soon, you will have your first prenatal visit. This is a great time to bring your questions and concerns to the attention of your caregiver. Your caregiver will be using this as an opportunity to get to know you a little better, and they will be looking to identify any potential problems based on your previous medical and family history.
This appointment will take more time than future appointments and will include various questions about your history, medication, general health, and gynecological past. Your answers will help your doctor create your medical plan. This appointment is a good time to plan future visits and discuss any tests you may be interested in. It is crucial that you answer your doctor's questions honestly, even if you find the questions prying or the answers embarrassing. Your doctor needs to know as much information as possible to determine the best course for your pregnancy. Withholding important information or being less than truthful could lead to potential complications down the road.
In preparation for your first appointment, you'll want to make a list of any medications you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter supplements or pain relievers. You'll need to know the first day of your last period, your medical surgery history, infections, diseases, and your use of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
During this visit, your doctor will do a complete physical exam that includes taking your vital signs, a urinalysis (looking for glucose or protein), and a pelvic and breast exam. Depending on your individual circumstances and answers to your caregiver's questions, they may also want to do a dating ultrasound and/or a blood test to look for type and Rh factor, a blood count, rubella immunity, an STD screen, and autosomal recessive disorders you could potentially pass on to your baby.
Before you leave your appointment, be sure to address any concerns you have with your doctor. While there will be future visits, this one will set the tone and plans for your visits going forward.
Reference Sources
- American Pregnancy Association - Your First Prenatal Visit