Planning Your First Pregnancy Appointment? Here’s all You Need to Know
Congratulations! Your pregnancy test is positive. You might be excited or anxious about how your world will change. Now what? It’s time to loop in your OB/GYN and plan for your first prenatal appointment, usually between your sixth and eighth week into the pregnancy. It may be the most comprehensive and the longest visit you will make during pregnancy. Here is all you need to know about your prenatal appointment.
When to Schedule Your First Appointment
Once you confirm that you’re pregnant, book an appointment with your OB/GYN. If you haven’t decided on one yet, you can see a family physician, a midwife, or an obstetrician and later change to another practitioner. The first antenatal visit mostly takes place in your second month, around the sixth and eighth weeks of pregnancy.
Good prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, so despite when you have scheduled your first appointment, start taking care of yourself by observing a healthy diet and taking your prenatal vitamins. Though you may know the basics, consult your OB/GYN if you need a brush-up.
Most importantly, if you had previous miscarriages or a chronic condition, you may schedule an appointment immediately and confirm with your doctor if you can come in immediately.
How to Prepare Your First Prenatal Visit
The following tips are the best place to start to ensure that your first prenatal visit runs smoothly:
1. Prepare a medical history list, including the basics about your mental health, gynecological history, any potential disease risk, and obstetrical history.
2. Your doctor may need to know the names and dosages of any supplements and medication you take.
3. Learn about any illness that runs in you and your partner’s family
3. Make a list of the burning questions that keep you awake at night, and you may want your OB/GYN to address them.
4. You may request your partner to join you in your first antenatal visit because it may be a lot to take in for a first visit.
What Happens During Your First Pregnancy Appointment
Your first pregnancy appointment may be one of the most detailed visits unless you have a high-risk pregnancy. Though each practitioner has a to-do list, the following is what to expect during your first visit.
1. Checking your health history:Your doctor may ask questions about your lifestyle habits, medical history, family history, and gynecological health. Most common questions include the first day of your last period, the length of your menstrual cycle, and previous pregnancies.
2. Run some tests: Your first prenatal visit includes standard tests, including a physical examination, urine test, blood type, rhesus, HIV, STIs, and blood count.
3. Discuss any pregnancy concerns: If you have a high-risk pregnancy, such as multiple babies, a first-time mother at 35 or older, or pre-existing health conditions requiring extra care. Your doctor will take you through the risk and how to manage it.
4. Have an ultrasound: Depending on your doctor, you may have your first ultrasound during your visit, where you can see and hear your baby’s heartbeat. It’s also the accurate way to determine your due date.
In Closing
Knowing what to expect during your first pregnancy appointment makes it easy to plan and prepare. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor to know more about your first prenatal appointment.
Fiesta House Maternity will help you capture the priceless pregnant moments as you prepare to welcome your bundle of joy. Contact us today and book a photo session with us.
Planning Your First Pregnancy Appointment? Here’s all You Need to Know
