Your First Prenatal Visit
What to Expect from Your First Prenatal Visit.
At your first visit (which might be split into two appointments), expect a complete physical exam, along with blood work and other lab tests. You have the right to ask about recommended tests, why they're suggested, and to decline any you're not comfortable with. While blood tests are generally safe, sometimes the results can be confusing or lead to unnecessary anxiety or further testing. If test results won't change your care plan or decisions, you can choose to skip them.
Please bring the date of your last menstrual period and, if you know it, the date you think you conceived. This helps your provider calculate your estimated due date.
If your cycles are irregular or you can't recall your last period, an ultrasound might be used to estimate your due date. Remember, your due date is just an estimate! Instead of focusing on a single day, think of your "due month" as the two weeks before and two weeks after your due date.
Your first visit will likely be longer than subsequent appointments. If possible, bring your partner so you can both get to know your provider. Be ready to discuss your medical and family history. This helps your provider identify any health issues that might need special attention during your pregnancy. While your provider will ask many questions, you'll also have plenty of time to ask yours. Don't hesitate to ask anything, no matter how simple you think it might be – these are often the most common questions!
Questions to Consider Asking:
Who should I contact if I have a concern?
How can nutrition impact my pregnancy?
What can I expect throughout my prenatal care?
What tests do you recommend, and how do you help patients make informed choices about them?
What are your views on weight gain during pregnancy?
Will you be present at my birth, or who else will be on call?
Can I meet other providers who might be at my birth
If you have many questions, your provider may not be able to answer all of them in one visit, but they should all be addressed. Be wary of providers who only tell you what you want to hear or treat you impersonally. If something about your provider concerns you, discuss it. If the issue isn't resolved or you're uncomfortable with their approach, consider finding a different provider. The relationship with your care provider is crucial for your pregnancy, your journey to motherhood, and your baby's birth. Make it a positive one!
