What happens during a prenatal visit to a doctor?

Answer 1

When should I have my first prenatal visit?

As soon as you suspect you're pregnant, call to schedule an appointment with your obstetrician, family physician, or midwife. (If you haven't yet chosen a doctor or midwife, it's time to decide.)

Even if you've confirmed your pregnancy with a home test, it's wise to follow up with a physical examination so you can start getting prenatal care.

VIDEO Inside pregnancy: Weeks 1 to 9

A 3D animated look at a baby in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Most practitioners won't schedule a visit before you're about 8 weeks pregnant unless you have a medical condition, have had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or severe nausea and vomiting. If you're taking any medications or think you may have been exposed to a hazardous substance, ask to speak to the doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

Your first visit will probably be the longest unless you encounter problems along the way. At this and all future prenatal checkups, don't be afraid to raise any issues you've been wondering about. If questions come up between appointments, it may help to keep a running list.

Read on to see what you can expect your doctor or midwife to do on your first visit.

Not in the right place? See our other articles on prenatal visits:

What to expect at your prenatal visits
Second-trimester prenatal visits
Third-trimester prenatal visits

Answer 2

Every Dr is different but most usually include the following: Paper work, medical history, weight check, temperature check, blood pressure check, urinalysis, pregnancy test, blood work, pelvic exam, pap smear, breast exam, STI testing, discussion with dr, and some do an ultrasound to date the pregnancy.

Answer 3

It's been a long time. First of all, proof of insurance or some other way to pay! I remember them wanting to know the last (or first) day of your last period (to determine the child's age and/or approximately your delivery date), taking a questionnaire (concerning past family history as well as yours), weight (to let you know if you're gaining or losing too fast or too slow. I read that 35 pounds is a good amount to gain), blood : for type (and/or aids or hepatitis), urine: possibly for drugs in your system (among other things), and an ultrasound (or vaginal - if the baby is too small to see on the ultrasound). If you have herpes (or anything else like this) you should at least tell the doctor(s) before you actually deliver...I know the baby has a chance of contracting this at delivery if you feel the symptoms (or have symptoms) preceding before it is born. If you have any other STD that is curable with antibiotics, let the nurse know early so you won't have it when it's time for the baby to be born. If you are older, they will ask if you want to check it for Down's Syndrome or other birth defects. They will do this by sticking a long needle in your stomach. Don't worry, it's not as bad as the epidural (the needle in your spine) that will numb you down there...if that's what you want, of course...my own opinion is to stick me and hurt me instead of what having a baby (with nothing) might be like! (Be VERY still!) I have known young mothers who had no trouble at all delivering and one who had her baby in the bathtub without any medication. So, when the time comes, it's always up to you... I can't remember everything they did at the first prenatal appointment Congratulations on your first pregnancy. After the baby is born, you will know what real love is!

P.S. Taken from Charles Dickens in 'Great Expectations' : "In the little world in which children have their existence, whosoever brings them up, there is nothing so finely perceived and finely felt as injustice."

...And for you... "The more you complain, the longer God lets you live!" (Try your best to be a nice pregnant lady!!!!) I think my grandmother said this... Not certain... Again, Congratulations!!!