Your First Prenatal Doctor's Visit

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That very first meeting with the doctor you've chosen for your pregnancy can be a little nerve-wracking for some. Most women want to bring their own stenographers to take down every detail!

The Medical History Interview

During this visit, your nurse and/or the doctor will take an extensive look at your medical history. (If you are already established with the doctor for regular gynecological visits, she will have much of this information already available.) Your doctor will then start your antenatal paperwork, which will be a record of your pregnancy—including your upcoming visits and your past medical history.

Your doctor will go over the following topics with you:

• Review of medical history
• Date of last menstrual period or LMP (this will help to calculate your due date)
• Contraceptive history
• Family history of major disease or genetic issues
• General health
• Allergy history (drug or food)
• Use of medications and/or herbs
• Any history of previous pregnancies or miscarriages

First Visit Tests

Other tests which you may have at this visit include:

• Blood work (includes checking: hCG levels—pregnancy test, hemoglobin (to test for anemia), blood type and RH factor, Hepatitis B screening, HIV testing, Rubella titer, syphilis screening)
• Pap smear (to check for abnormal cervical cells)
• Gonorrhea and chlamydia cultures
• Urinalysis
• Heart, lung, and thyroid assessment by your doctor

Chances are, your doctor will also perform an internal (pelvic) exam to check your cervix and uterus. He or she will also do a measurement of your pelvis to see how roomy it is to accommodate delivering your baby. (Generally, there won't be more internal exams until much later in your pregnancy.)