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Once you have missed a period, you should schedule your first prenatal visit. If you do not have an OB/GYN practitioner, your family doctor can make a referral for you.
Prenatal care requires regular visits to our doctors and nurses. Your checkups are very important. Our doctors and nurses may be able to find problems that you could not even feel. The earlier any problems with your pregnancy are found, the better it is for you and your baby.
During this first visit, the history of your pregnancy and previous reproductive health will be reviewed and you will have a pelvic exam. Blood and urine tests will be ordered to make sure you are off to a healthy start.
Your health care provider will discuss your prenatal health care needs with you and help you plan to meet them. You may be started on prenatal vitamins. Your current medications will be reviewed to make sure they are safe for you to take during your pregnancy.
Any current medical problems and changes in your medications will be discussed between your OB/GYN provider and the health care provider who prescribed them so that they can work together to ensure that you stay healthy during your pregnancy.
At your first prenatal visit, your health care provider will perform a pregnancy test, if one hasn't been done already. Urine tests are most commonly used, but your health care provider will most likely order a blood test, which is more accurate, and can detect an ectopic pregnancy.
In addition, the blood test will check your:
These tests provide information about your current health, including any signs of infection or anemia. They also alert your physician to any conditions that could require special attention later on in your pregnancy.
Your doctor may talk about screening tests that check for certain genetic conditions, usually ones that are associated with birth defects. If you have any particular concerns, related to your personal or family history, these will be discussed at your prenatal visit. Future prenatal visits will probably be much shorter.
Be sure to tell our doctors and nurses everything about your medical history. They will ask you standard questions. Every pregnant woman is asked the same questions. Our doctors and nurses want to give your baby the best care possible. Tell them everything. Even little things that do not seem important can help them. The more they know, the better it will be for you and your baby.
A general physical exam will be done as well, and generally includes:
Your doctors/midwives and nurses will answer your questions and make recommendations regarding nutrition and vitamins, exercise, medication, sexual activity, and any lifestyle changes they believe advisable.
Reprinted with permission from Her HealthCare.
