more Pregnancy faq

What happens at a first prenatal visit?
Your first prenatal visit will be longer and more involved than subsequent visits. Your doctor or midwife will likely ask you questions about your personal and family medical history, your partner’s medical history, as well as any concerns you may have.

Questions may cover issues such as any medications you are taking, known allergies or health problems, your menstruation history (including the date of your last menstrual period, so your due date can be determined), previous pregnancies (or miscarriages), ethnic background of you and your partner, your diet, recent birth control methods and any current or past habits (such as alcohol and drug use, as well as smoking).

Many times you can expect a complete physical exam at your first visit, including a pelvic exam and pap smear, if you haven’t had one recently. Your blood pressure will be taken, your weight and height will be noted and you’ll be asked to give a urine sample to test for sugar, protein and bacteria. Usually, a variety of routine blood tests will be done to identify your blood type, Rh factor (positive or negative) and whether you’re deficient in iron, which can lead to anemia. Blood tests may include checks for STDs such as syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B, even if you are low-risk for these diseases.

You may be given tests for rubella (German measles) immunity and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well. All women should be offered HIV testing in pregnancy.

Occasionally, an ultrasound may be done routinely at the first visit, depending on the clinic you go to. Your first prenatal visit should be scheduled as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. Doctors and midwives usually want to see you before your 10th week, ideally between the 7th and 8th week of pregnancy. After your initial visit, you’ll go in once a month until your third trimester.

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First Prenatal Visit