Being pregnant with your first child is exciting and comes with many new experiences. Knowing what to expect as you go through your pregnancy can help you prepare and keep your mind at ease. Your first prenatal care appointment is an especially exciting milestone — here’s what the visit will entail.

A Guide to Your First Prenatal Care Appointment 

1. Routine Health Measurements

At your first appointment, a nurse or other member of your prenatal care team will likely perform baseline tests. Typically, they’ll collect a urine sample, check your blood pressure, and weigh you. They may also take your temperature and collect a blood sample or provide you with a script for blood to be drawn at an offsite lab. 

Collecting these basic metrics allows your providers to monitor trends throughout your pregnancy to ensure you stay within healthy parameters. This also allows them to intervene with medications or recommend lifestyle modifications, if needed.  

2. Exam

Depending on when your last Pap test and pelvic exam were, you may receive these services at your first prenatal care appointment. These quick and painless tests allow your provider to check for any abnormalities that could need to be addressed with treatment, such as infections. The exam may also encompass an ultrasound, but in some cases, this may need to wait until later in the first trimester. 

Typically, the first prenatal appointment takes place when you’re six to twelve weeks pregnant. If your visit is scheduled for early in the first trimester, an ultrasound won’t pick up the fetus. With that being said, a doppler can typically detect a heartbeat by 10 weeks.

3. Discussion 

If this is your first time being pregnant, you may have several questions for your provider. This is the time to ask about any lifestyle modifications you’ll need to make to ensure your developing baby’s health. From taking prenatal vitamins to eating well and exercising, your doctor will provide you with guidance on all of the habits that can promote optimal wellness for you and your little one. 

To get to know you better, they may also ask some questions about your personal or family health history, as well as any habits that may need to be modified during your pregnancy. Finally, you may also use this appointment to discuss the schedule of prenatal care visits, as well as what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. 

If you’re pregnant or planning to be, turn to Advanced OB-GYN Services in St. Peters, MO, for attentive prenatal care. Dr. Joseph Hazan has more than 30 years of experience, and he and his compassionate team are committed to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for all of their patients. Find more prenatal care resources on their website or schedule an appointment by calling (636) 928-1800.