Inside: Nervous about your first prenatal appointment? Don’t be! Remember, it is important to go to the doctor to ensure the health of you and your new little one.
Getting butterflies in your stomach after seeing those 2 little pink lines is one of the best feelings in the world!
I’m a “fear of the unknown” type of person so after taking my pregnancy test, my mind started racing a million miles an hour. And if you’re anything like me, then you probably want to find out as much information as possible about what the next steps are.
One of the most important first things you do, after you find out you’re pregnant, is to schedule an appointment with your OBGYN (Obstetrician).
Side note: Some women choose to have midwives so don’t feel boxed into what others are doing if you feel you want to do something else.
For me, this was a very scary thing.
Let’s just say I’m not the best with doctors and being probed.
I knew that the health and safety of this precious baby in me was always going to be my first priority so I wanted to make sure the baby was growing healthily and to do that I needed to go to the doctor.
Remember, it is important to go to the doctor to ensure the health of you and your new little one.
Here are 10 things you can expect on your first prenatal appointment:
- Paperwork
- Company
- Blood work
- Urine sample
- physical exam
- Due date
- Scheduling
- Sonogram
- Encouragement
9 Things to Expect on Your First Prenatal Appointment
1. Paperwork
You will definitely be filling out paperwork at your first prenatal appointment. If you are a new patient or even a returning patient you will have to fill out some forms about your health history and personal information.
Remember to bring your insurance card, ID and to have the date on hand of your last menstrual cycle. Completing paperwork may take some time to try to arrive at your appointment at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Ask Your Medical History
Make sure to know your medical history details before you head to your first prenatal appointment. It is important to know your medical history and even the medical history of your immediate family.
Things to know about include, high blood pressure, allergies, medication allergies, birth control methods, and the last menstrual cycle.
My doctor also asked me if my mother, grandmother, or aunts received any uterine diagnosis’. Some forms will ask you about your mother, aunts, and grandmother’s pregnancy history as well.
2. A Physical Exam
The prenatal physical exam is pretty similar to a routine annual GYN exam. The only difference is the tool they will use to see the baby.
The baby is not large enough yet to be seen through an ultrasound from the outside of your belly. Sooo, they will need to insert an ultrasound device internally (vaginally) to see the baby.
Now DO NOT BE ALARMED- this will be fairly quick and pretty much painless. You might feel uncomfortable and to some women, some stretching, but it will all be worth it once you see that little nugget with a heartbeat.
What The Doctor will be looking for during the exam:
The doctor will be looking for the development of the fetus, the size, and health of the uterus and most of all the baby’s heartbeat. The doctor will ensure the pregnancy is taking place where it is supposed to, in the uterus, and that you do not have any pregnancy issues.
The doctor will measure your uterus and the baby. This will also be able to tell you how far along you are!
3. You Can Bring Your Husband (or Family Member)
You can totally bring your husband or a family member to you first prenatal appointment!
My husband refused me to go to my first appointment alone. Not only did he not want me to be alone but also really wanted to see the baby!
The doctors will be kind enough to accommodate you and your husband and allow him to go to the exam with you (if you feel comfortable). I was blessed because my husband was able to come with me to every appointment and I don’t think I would have been able to do it without him.
Throughout the pregnancy, you will undergo different exams and tests and since I’m such a chicken when it comes to needles and doctors he really was able to help me stay calm and focused. There were also a couple times that both my husband and mom were able to come with me to an ultrasound appointment.
4. Blood Work
You will have to have some blood drawn for specific tests. The doctor will inform you what the blood work is for and may give you options as to what you would like to be tested for. I was able to have a blood test tell me which immunizations I have that I passed down to my daughter.
It is also important for them to have your blood type on file.
5. Urine Sample
This one is a little obvious but relevant. You will definitely have to have a urine test before every appointment from here on out.
They will confirm your pregnancy through HCG levels and will be checking for infection or proteins in your urine- which is important. It will also help you track your hydration.
6. Expect to See Your Baby!
If you are far long enough (usually after 7 weeks or so) you will definitely be able to see your baby and its heartbeat.
The doctor will be able to give you your first sonogram picture for you to swoon over and stare at for hours on end! Yay!
7. Receive Your Due Date!
Based on the doctor’s exam, the last date of your menstrual, the size of the fetus, and how far along you are, the doctor will be able to give you an estimated due date!
The date may be adjusted as the baby grows but it will give you an idea of which dates your baby may be here!
8. Schedule your Next Appointment
At the beginning of pregnancy, you will see the doctor every month, then as you grow you will see the doctor every 2 weeks, and then as you get closer to your due date every week.
9. Be Encouraged!
Expect to be encouraged at your first prenatal appointment! Your doctor will give you a list of things to be aware of, which vitamins to take, and most of all how to take care of yourself so you can grow your baby healthily!
Make sure to get rest, stay stress-free, and enjoy this wonderful time!
Going to the doctor is so important, especially during pregnancy. It is imperative to keep yourself and your little one healthy.
Going to the doctor will not only make sure everything is going smoothly but if anything does happen you will always be aware of it.
Being a mom is life-changing and taking care of your baby will now always be first so be sure to make those appointments and take of yourself and your sweet, little baby!
Want to remember this? post “what to expect from your first prenatal appointment” to your favorite Pinterest board!
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