by Santana Moores

Created on: July 11, 2008

The first prenatal appointment is the most comprehensive of all the other prenatal visits.

Confirmation of pregnancy will be the first thing done. Your doctor will ask you about all pregnancy symptoms you are having, the date of your last normal period and possibly order a pregnancy test to be done. She or he will also want to check your cervix and uterus for signs and approximate age of pregnancy.

A complete medical history will be taken on both you and your spouse / baby's father to give you the best possible care. Chronic illness, surgery, medications you are taking and allergies are just some examples of questions that you doctor will ask about you, so come prepared. She will also ask about your family's medical history, genetic disorders and chronic diseases, your social history, age, job, habits like smoking or drinking, exercise and diet, your obstetrical and gynecological history, past abortions, miscarriages, live birth and pregnancies.

A complete physical exam will be done. This is the assessment of your general health, examination of the heart, lungs, breast, abdomen, height and weight, inspection of your limbs for varicose veins and edema, blood pressure, inspection of genitalia, internal exam of vagina and cervix and an assessment of size and shape of your bony pelvis.

Certain test and procedures will be done at this exam only. One doctors routine may differ from another. Some of these test and procedurs include but not exclusive to;
1.) blood type testing, a simple blood test is done for this
2.) sugar in the urine and albumin (protein)in the urine, a treated stick is dipped into a urine specimen, this test is repeated at every visit
3.) bacteria in urine, a specimen is examined in a lab,
4.) blood pressure taken, done either with a cuff and a stethosope or an electronic device, this test is done at every visit
5.) hematocrit or hemoglobin, a simple blood test is done for this test, may be repeated in the fourth month
6.) rubella titer, simple blood testing
7.) pap smear, cervical secretions are collected and examined
8.) VDRL, simple blood test, also done in the seventh or eighth month
9.) Gonorrhea culture, vaginal secretions are collected and examined, genital herpes test may also be done
10.)chlamydia testing, area around cervix, urethra or rectum is swabbed and examined
11.)HIV testing, simple blood testing
12.) drug screen, a urine specimen is examined, sometimes a blood test is done

This appointment is an opportunity for you to get all the information you need, at least till your next appointment. Come with a list of questions or concerns you may have. Talk about all problems and symptoms experienced. Make sure you leave your appointment feeling like you gained enough knowledge of your situation.

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