Most women go in for their first prenatal checkup at about the eighth or tenth week of pregnancy. It is the most comprehensive visit, including everything from a full physical to the standard battery of prenatal tests. In cases of easy pregnancies, subsequent prenatal visits may take as little as 15 minutes. During these visits, you should ask your provider any questions, but you shouldn’t panic if they seem to go by quickly. It is typically an indication that your pregnancy is developing correctly. Your physician will review your health records to develop a prenatal care Midtown strategy with you.
Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your first prenatal appointment.
Expect to be questioned thoroughly
The doctor will extensively inquire about your health and the health of the baby’s father. Having a healthy pregnancy is important; the advice below can help you achieve that. They will also inquire about your health and family members to identify potential dangers to your unborn child.
At your first prenatal appointment, expect the following questions from your doctor:
- Are there any specific drugs you are taking?
- Do you ever use any natural supplements?
- Do you have any drug allergies?
- When did you last have your period? This information is used to calculate the due date.
Tell your doctor anything on your mind so they can provide you with the finest treatment and ensure your baby is healthy, too.
Learn what to anticipate from your first prenatal visit
Unless you are experiencing issues, your first prenatal appointment will likely be shorter than the others.
- Routine procedures: Your doctor will collect your medical history, measure your vitals, and check your blood work during this visit. This battery of tests will determine your blood type, Rh factor, history of hepatitis and syphilis exposure, and whether or not you are immune to German measles.
- Fetal Heartbeat: At this visit, you may be able to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. There may be a delay in hearing the heartbeat if your prenatal checkup is scheduled at an unusually early time. Between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, doctors may often detect the baby’s heartbeat.
- Prenatal Care Plan: After your prenatal care visit, your healthcare practitioner will advise on your food, exercise, sexual activity, travel, and employment. In addition to discussing your overall health throughout pregnancy, you will go over your schedule of prenatal appointments. Your visits to the doctor may be more frequent than normal during pregnancy, but you should not neglect other routine healthcare needs, such as a dental exam.
Bring your loved one or support system
Whether this is your first or third pregnancy, there is much to take in, and no two pregnancies are the same. Having a friend or loved one nearby may greatly assist in these emotional and practical situations.
Make the most of your first prenatal appointment by following these tips. Also, please don’t be reluctant to ask your doctor any questions you may have. They are concerned about both your and the baby’s well-being. Contact the Women’s Healthcare of Garden City for prenatal care.
