What Happens at Your First Prenatal Visit?

Your first prenatal visit is one of the most comprehensive visits of pregnancy. At this appointment, your provider will confirm the pregnancy, review your health history, estimate your due date and create a plan for prenatal care.

Here’s what to expect:

Medical History

Your healthcare provider will want to learn about your medical history, including:

• Menstrual cycles (including your last menstrual period), past pregnancies and miscarriages
• Medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues)
• Family history
• Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, alcohol, tobacco and recreational substance use

Physical Examination

Your provider will check your overall health by:

• Taking your vitals, including weight, height and blood pressure
• Checking your heart, lungs, breasts and abdomen
• Evaluating the size and shape of your uterus and pelvis
• Screening for cervical changes, bacterial infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Confirm Pregnancy and Due Date

• Your pregnancy may be confirmed with a urine or blood test
• Your provider will calculate your estimated due date using the date of your last menstrual period
• An ultrasound may be performed to confirm or adjust the due date based on the fetus's growth

Lab Tests

Common lab work includes:

• Blood Type & Rh Factor
• Complete blood count to check for anemia or signs of infection
• Testing for immunity to rubella
• Screening for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, diabetes, syphilis and HIV
• Urine test to check protein, glucose and bacteria levels

Discussion and Planning

Your provider will discuss next steps and review:

• The importance of prenatal vitamins to ensure you are taking in enough folic acid and iron
• Strategies for healthy eating and exercise
• Common pregnancy symptoms
• When to seek medical attention
• Options for genetic screening and testing

Schedule

Plan to see your provider once a month through week 28, every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks and weekly from 36 weeks until delivery.

Your first prenatal visit is an important opportunity to establish care, ask questions and feel more prepared for the months ahead. By understanding what to expect, you can approach the appointment with confidence and take an active role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.