Once you find out you are pregnant, now is the time to schedule your first prenatal visit. Here is a checklist of what to expect at this first appointment.
The second you and your partner lean slowly over the pregnancy test stick to read the results and see that pink line that indicates a positive result (or nowadays, a digital readout that says “pregnant”), you know in that instant that your lives are about to change. Your emotions will range from ecstatic (“We’re going to be the greatest parents alive!”) to anxiety (“Wait. Are we even READY to have children?”). No matter what you may be feeling, you will need to schedule your first prenatal visit with an obstetrician right away so you can get a better handle on your pregnancy. Your first prenatal visit will more than likely be your longest visit, so be prepared to stay anywhere from one to two hours this first time. Here are some things you can expect at your first visit.
· In order to speed the process along, when you schedule your first prenatal visit, the obstetrician’s office may send you a packet of information to fill out, including insurance information, personal and family medical history, past pregnancy information and the like. These items will be discussed with the nurse or obstetrician during your first visit, so be sure to have all of your paperwork filled before you arrive to avoid any delays. If you are unsure about your family’s past medical history, having the paperwork in hand before the actual visit will give you time to call your parents or relatives and your spouse’s parents and relatives to get all the information you will need. The reason this information is asked for is to determine any and all risks you will face with your own pregnancy. For example, if there is a history of, say, high blood pressure in your family, or if you currently suffer from high blood pressure, you are in a higher risk category which must be accounted for. If there is a history of relatives having certain genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis or Down’s Syndrome, you may need to have additional tests done to determine your own child’s risk.
· Your obstetrician will also want to figure out the first day of your last period as well as information on your normal menstrual cycles to determine your due date. This will help determine the approximate dates of ovulation and conception.
· Any types of drug allergies will need to be discussed, so your obstetrician knows what types of prescriptions you should not be given or what types of pain relievers you should take.
· If you are not already taking them, you will probably be given a prescription for prenatal vitamins that are rich in calcium, iron and folic acid. If you are taking over-the-counter prenatal vitamins, your obstetrician may advice extra supplements (like folic acid) to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. If you are currently drinking alcohol or smoking, your doctor will strongly advise you to quit while you are pregnant.
· Based on your weight, your doctor will discuss a healthy pregnancy weight gain plan. If you are currently underweight, you may need to gain a little more weight than other pregnant moms. The same goes for those who are overweight; they will need to limit their weight gain to anywhere from fifteen to twenty five pounds.
· If you do not have a current pap smear on file, your doctor may perform one during this first prenatal visit. Either way, your doctor will perform a short pelvic exam, in addition to a physical (weight, blood pressure, urine, etc.).
· In order to test your blood type, iron, rubella immunity and other genetic tendencies (like sickle cell anemia), you will be asked to give a few vials of blood.
· During this appointment, your obstetrician may ask you about any pain relief you will want during your delivery ; in other words, do you want to attempt a natural delivery or will you want pain relief, like an epidural?
· This is a time for you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy. If you are having some symptoms that are different from any you have read about, discuss them with your obstetrician at this visit. If you have questions about your current exercise regimen or what you should or shouldn’t eat, you can also ask during this time. Your obstetrician will probably provide you with several booklets concerning health, dietary guidelines and exercise that you can read over to give you a better handle on your pregnancy.
By : Tammy Vela
