How to Prepare for First Prenatal Visit

You got a positive result on your pregnancy test and now you need to get care from a Health Care Practitioner. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you prepare for and know what to expect at your first prenatal visit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• someone for support
• medical insurance or coupon
• copay if needed
• snack
• reading material
• medical history
• family history
• notepad and pen

1. Find a local health care practitioner and make an appointment as soon as possible. When choosing your practitioner, there are many choices from Obstetrician, Family Practitioner to nurse-midwife. If you don't feel comfortable with the first person you meet with, or at any time feel uncomfortable with their practice, switch to another care provider.
2. Give yourself a good chunk of time because it's going to take a while. Your first prenatal visit is usually the longest. You will need to arrive early if you are a new patient to the clinic to fill out paper work. Also, Obstetricians are often running behind schedual since babies aren't always born in a predictable time frame. Bring a book and a snack. Most of the magazines in the obstetricians office are baby related and you might want to bring something non-baby related if you need to keep your mind focused on something else if you are really nervous. But try to remember- you don't need to be nervous!
3. Don't go pee before your visit. They will want you to pee in a cup so hold your bladder if you can. If you have to wait for a while in the waiting area and really need to go, you can tell a receptionist and they will usually let you do your sample then.
4. Try to have someone close to you for support. This first visit can be extremely emotional as things start becoming more official.
5. Be prepared to give a family history and have blood taken. They will need to know about previous pregnancies, miscarriages, abortions....and remember they are not there to judge you, they are there to take care of you and your growing baby. Make sure to bring your health history including family history of genetic disorders. It's also important to inform them of any other concerns such as smoking, drinking or abuse.
6. This is usually just an initial get to know you visit with a physical exam. But they may start first trimester screening on your first visit depending on when your first visit is. You will probably need a blood test and CVS -Chronic Villus Sampling (screens for a variety of disorders such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, Down Syndrome and sickle cell anemia.)
7. Your caregiver should then talk to you about your diet and weight gain, your mental health and explain to you some of the pregnancy symptoms you can expect, as well as which symptoms require medical attention. They should also warn you about kitty litter. It is toxic and can cause birth defects so if you have a cat, you need to have someone else change the litter box and try to stay away from it.
8. They will also give you your estimated due date! You may already have one in mind though since many baby websites have due date calculators.

Tips & Warnings

• RELAX!
• Bring a pen and paper to take any notes from the doctor. Sometimes it's hard to remember everything they tell you.
• Make a list of any questions you may have before your visit and bring it with you. It's not uncommon for your mind to draw a blank when they ask if you have any questions.
• You should be able to hear your baby's heart beat at the Dr's office by 10 weeks into your pregnancy! EXCITING!
• Don't be scared! Getting professional care is SO important for YOU and BABY. Most of these Dr's are wonderful people!