You’ve found out you’re pregnant and you’re ready to schedule your first pregnancy appointment. It’s best if you can schedule your first appointment between six to eight weeks after becoming pregnant.
During your first prenatal appointment, your doctor may ask about your medical and family history, so be sure to know of any disorders that run in the family. If you’re currently taking medication, make sure to tell your doctor of all the medications you are taking, including supplements and vitamins.
Other tests that happen during your first prenatal pregnancy appointment may include confirmation of pregnancy, health exam/general check-up, urine test, bloodwork, STD tests, pap smear and blood sugar test.
During your routine prenatal appointments, use this time to ask questions and discuss important topics. Consider talking about proper nutrition, exercising while pregnant and what to avoid (tobacco, drugs, etc.).
Depending on what trimester you’re in will determine how many doctors’ appointments you need during your pregnancy. Find out more about what to expect during routine pregnancy appointments and appointment schedules.
Ensure you know of your family history and your medical history. Your doctor will likely ask you about both. Knowing both your family and your own medical history can help prepare your doctor if a familial gene or condition is passed down to your baby. Also, be sure to note any previous surgeries as well as menstrual and pregnancy history.
Typical tests during your pregnancy may include:
Other exams may include:
As you get further along in your pregnancy, your appointments will increase from once a month to every other week to every week. The increase in appointments is meant to help catch any complications early on, as well as to see how your baby is growing.
During your first trimester, appointments usually happen every four weeks. These appointments focus on initial tests that are usually done in the first prenatal appointment. These tests can include blood tests, pelvic exams, urine tests and more. Learn more about what happens in your first trimester.
During your second trimester, appointments are still occurring every four weeks. These appointments focus on the growth of your baby and look at the baby’s face, arms, heart, spine and other body parts. Appointments in your second trimester can also be the time to find out the sex of the baby. Learn more about what happens in your second trimester.
During your third trimester, appointments increase to bi-weekly appointments around week 28. Once you hit week 36, expect to have weekly appointments until you’re ready to deliver. These appointments may include physical exams and discussions around how you’re feeling and how the baby is moving. Learn more about what happens in your third trimester.
The team at Banner will be here to help guide through all your appointments and answer any questions you may have along the way. If at any time you are experiencing abnormal symptoms, such as extensive bleeding or pain, contact your doctor immediately and head to the emergency room.
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