It is exciting and important to have your first prenatal care visit. Your maternity care provider should be consulted monthly to make sure you and your baby are happy and healthy throughout your pregnancy. Prenatal visits are recommended for women who have fewer complications during pregnancy and labor. You’ll also gain valuable insights into your body and that of your baby month-to-month. Additionally, you will receive nutrition and lifestyle tips to improve your physical comfort and your overall health.
These prenatal visits are a great way to get to know the doctor who will be available when you’re ready to give birth.
A Prenatal Appointment is a Typical First Prenatal Visit.
Your doctor will first want to confirm that you are pregnant. Although home pregnancy tests can be very accurate, we still need our proof. Our urine and blood tests can rule out certain physiologic or hormonal conditions that could cause fake positives.
Pregnancy care visits are scheduled at eight weeks in most cases. However, pre-existing conditions might mean that we may schedule you sooner. Most cases are around the 8-week mark by the time you find out that you are pregnant.
Your visits will be continued if you feel 100% at ease with your OB/GYN. If you’re not comfortable with your OB/GYN or are looking for the right person for you during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery, these prenatal visits should be considered “interviews”. If natural labor and delivery are important to your health, you should look into the rates of interventions and C section rates at your healthcare provider to see if they have similar philosophies.
These are some things to expect when you visit for the first time.
Tests. A urine and blood sample will be required. We want to confirm your pregnancy and verify your health. These include:
- Blood counts
- Blood type and Rh factor
- Screens to display various diseases antigens and genetically related medical conditions
- Based on your medical history, You may need to have specific tests
Your medical history, vaccination records, and family history will all be important to your doctor. Your doctor may want to learn more about you and your family’s history, especially if this is your first child.
Physical exam. As your uterus grows, this part becomes more enjoyable. You can see the numbers and figures attached. The physical exam will be gentler. The doctor will gently palpate your abdomen and take some measurements to track fetal growth. If you haven’t had one in a while, she may perform a pap test. She may want to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea depending on your medical history and lifestyle.
Your doctor or midwife will speak to you and treat you as if you were a patient. This is a great indicator of the quality of care you’ll get when you give birth. You should feel that you are not getting the care you deserve now. It’s time for you to start looking for the right womens care NJ for your entire pregnancy and birth.
Information. You can share your feelings and get advice from your doctor.
She will teach you about nutrition and pregnancy, as well as what foods to avoid. You may be recommended or prescribed prenatal supplements. A warning may be given about miscarriages and the causes. You will also be given information on what to do if you notice something amiss. She will discuss your exercise routine and make suggestions if necessary. This is especially important as you get closer to the end of your pregnancy.
