Pregnancy care - first trimester You should schedule your first prenatal visit soon after you learn that you are pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will: Your doctor or midwife will listen for your baby's heartbeat, but may not be
able to hear it. Most often, the heartbeat cannot be heard or seen on ultrasound until at least 6 to 7 weeks. During this first visit, your doctor or midwife will ask you questions about: You will have many visits to talk about a birthing plan. You can also discuss it with your doctor or midwife at your first visit. The first visit will also be a good time to talk about: You will also be given prenatal
vitamins with iron if you are not already taking them. Follow-up Prenatal VisitsIn your first trimester, you will have a prenatal visit every month. The visits may be quick, but they are still important. It is OK to bring your partner or labor coach with you. During your visits, your doctor or midwife will:
At the end of each visit, your doctor or midwife will tell you what changes to expect before your next visit. Tell your doctor if you have any problems or concerns. It is OK to talk about them even if you do not feel that they are important or related to your pregnancy. Lab TestsAt your first visit, your doctor or midwife will draw blood for a group of tests known as the prenatal panel. These tests are done to find problems or infections early in the pregnancy. This panel of tests includes, but is not limited to:
UltrasoundsAn ultrasound is a simple, painless procedure. A wand that uses sound waves will be placed on your belly. The sound waves will let your doctor or midwife see the baby. You should have an ultrasound done in the first trimester to get an idea of your due date. Genetic TestingAll women are offered genetic testing to screen for birth defects and genetic problems, such as Down syndrome or brain and spinal column defects.
Women who may be at higher risk for these genetic problems include:
In one test, your provider can use an ultrasound to measure the back of the baby's neck. This is called nuchal translucency.
Another test, called chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can detect Down syndrome and other genetic disorders as early as 10 weeks into a pregnancy. A newer test, called cell free DNA testing, looks for small pieces of your baby's genes in a sample of blood from the mother. This test is newer, but offers a lot of promise for accuracy without risks of miscarriage. There are other tests that may be done in the second trimester. When to Call the DoctorCall your provider if:
ReferencesGregory KD, Ramos DE, Jauniaux ERM. Preconception and prenatal care. In:.Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5. Hobel CJ, Williams J. Antepartum care. In: Hacker N, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 7. Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A. Antenatal and postnatal care. In: Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A, eds. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 22. Williams DE, Pridjian G. Obstetrics. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 20. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 6/2/2020 Reviewed by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What can I expect at my first prenatal visit?Your doctor will give you a full physical exam, including checking your weight and blood pressure. You will also have a breast and pelvic exam. Your doctor will do a Pap test (unless you've had one recently) to check for cervical cancer and any sexually transmitted infections.
Do you get an ultrasound at the first prenatal visit?Most practitioners do a prenatal ultrasound during the first visit, which is the most accurate way of dating a pregnancy. However, some docs wait until a bit later, when there's more to see.
Do husbands go to the first prenatal visit?If you have a partner, ask them to join you for that first prenatal appointment. βIt's a lot to take in on one visit,β says Susan Thorne, department chief of obstetrics and gynaecology and medical director of the Maternal Newborn Program at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa.
What are 7 things that happen during a woman's first prenatal appointment?Set aside time for the first visit to go over your medical history and talk about any risk factors for pregnancy problems that you may have.. Medical history. Your health care provider might ask about: ... . Due date. ... . Physical exam. ... . Lab tests. ... . Tests for fetal concerns. ... . Lifestyle issues. ... . Discomforts of pregnancy.. |