by Sarah Lopez

Created on: April 20, 2008

Your First Prenatal Appointment

You're pregnant, how exciting! By now, hopefully you have contacted your doctor to set up that first appointment. Many OB's won't see you until you are at least eight weeks pregnant.

The first appointment is mainly just for gathering information. If you are seeing a new OB/GYN then you have to fill out paperwork for your insurance information and your medical history.

When the nurse calls you back, the first things she will do is take your weight and then your blood pressure. Once she gets these written down, she will give you the wonderful little plastic cup and direct you to the nearest bathroom so you can provide a urine sample. You will get really good at aiming in that little cup over the next seven or eight months!

Once you have that task completed, the nurse will have you undress from the waist down so the doctor can do the initial pelvic exam. He may do a routine breast exam, as well. He will press on your tummy to make sure your uterus is growing at the right pace.

If you are unsure about your last menstrual cycle, then the doctor may choose to do a vaginal ultrasound. They will measure the baby and check the placenta to make sure that things look about right. He/she may even print the first baby photo for you, even though you might not be able to tell much from this photo!

The doctor may already have a packet ready for you that will explain your pregnancy through each trimester. It will also tell you any medications that you can take. This is also when your doctor may prescribe your prenatal medications, but you can buy them over the counter at any Wal-Mart, honestly. They should also tell you the prenatal appointment schedule.

At this appointment you will probably have to have your blood drawn just as a routine procedure. Some offices now have labs located inside them so you do not have to go to two separate locations. You will usually not get a call back from the doctor unless you have something wrong or something that looks unusual.

Your first prenatal appointment can be one of the most exciting appointments you'll ever have, especially if you are a new mommy. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have or discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. If you tend to forget things, write them down! Most doctors are more than happy to sit with you a few minutes and explain things or ease any fears you may have. This is the beginning of a journey that you and your doctor are taking together. Take your time and get to know him or her!

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