What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Appointment
You have just learned that you are going to be a parent. Many questions enter your mind. One question that comes first is: what should you do? If you have decided to continue the pregnancy, the next step is booking your first prenatal appointment. Understanding how to prepare for this visit will help.
When to Make an Appointment
Most clinics start with the first prenatal appointment around week 8-12 of the pregnancy. If you have a complicated pregnancy history, your provider may want to see you earlier. When booking your appointment, the clinic staff may ask you about the date of your last period.
If you are not sure how far along you are, a free pregnancy test or limited OB ultrasound at our Moses Lake center can pin down your dates, so you have that answer ready when you call a provider to schedule your first prenatal visit.
What to Expect During a Prenatal Appointment
Typically, a first prenatal visit lasts for an hour and a half or even longer. What takes up most of the time during this visit is filling out questionnaires rather than examinations.
During your first visit, the care provider will check your medical history including previous pregnancies, surgeries, chronic diseases, medicines, allergies, and family medical history. During the appointment, your provider will also want to know about your lifestyle and mental health. If you haven't taken prenatal vitamins, this is likely when your doctor will suggest that you begin taking them. Folic acid is vital at this point for developing the neural tube.
The doctor will monitor weight and blood pressure and ask for a urine sample. The doctor will likely order blood work to check your blood type and Rh factor, measure glucose levels, and screen for illnesses like hepatitis B and HIV. They may also order a complete blood count. Some providers may also test for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
You may also undergo a pelvic exam and possibly an early ultrasound depending on how far along you are.
Questions That Are Most Likely to Come Up
There are questions that will probably feel very personal. The provider will inquire about your stress levels, living arrangements, and support system. The goal is to compile a complete picture of your health, including both physical and mental health.
You should ask questions too, if you have any. Questions worth asking include the following: 'Do I need to avoid any foods?' 'Are the medications I am taking safe while pregnant?' and 'When should I call the doctor before my next visit?' The last question is particularly useful to ask.
Essential Documents to Bring
You will need to bring along some important pieces of information. Be sure to have your family's medical history and a complete list of any medications and supplements you are taking.
If you have no health insurance, many doctors can assist you with Medicaid applications. You can also get free STI screening at our center beforehand, so you arrive with more of your health picture already in hand.
Still Need Assistance?
Crossroads Resource Center offers free pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and screening for STIs, all confidential. By getting results before your appointment, you can arrive with some important information when you see the doctor.
Feel free to call or text us at (509) 765-4425. Our Moses Lake center is at 1555 S. Pilgrim St., Moses Lake, WA 98837. You can also book an appointment online.
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