

Some of the tests that may be ordered are a complete blood count, tests to detect a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, and tests that check for genetic abnormalities. Your doctor will likely order a variety of routine prenatal tests and lab work. If you have not had a recent pap smear, this will be done during the pelvic exam. A pelvic exam is performed to check the health of your cervix and uterus. Your doctor will likely check your glands, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs, heart, breasts, and abdomen. These will serve as a baseline for future visits and, except for height which will be checked at subsequent appointments. The general exam will consist of height measurement, current weight, and blood pressure. Physical examĪ pelvic and general health exam is next. Finally, you will also be asked the date of your last menstrual period, and this will help the doctor determine your due date. Your doctor will more than likely have you start taking a prenatal vitamin if you aren't already. Previous pregnancies and current medications will also be discussed all of this is useful in evaluating the current pregnancy. This gives the doctor an idea of any conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which may affect the pregnancy. If this is the first time you have visited this doctor or midwife, you will be asked questions about your general health and the health of your immediate family.

You also should discuss with your doctor if you can have telemedicine visits to discuss any concerns.
#First time doctor appointment series
This first appointment will include a series of tests, including blood tests and a sonogram, and this should also be the time when you ask any and all questions you have. Expect to have the first appointment between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, sooner if you are considered high-risk. While you may only see your obstetrician once during the first trimester, it is one of the most important appointments during your pregnancy, and also one of the longest. This is done to decrease in-person visits since the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctor’s appointments in the first trimesterįor now, during the first trimester you will most likely have just one in-person appointment with your doctor unless your pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy or you have other medical conditions or problems. You should find out if you can have telemedicine prenatal visits with your doctors instead of in-person visits. Instead of the previous each pregnancy month, and then weekly visits during the last month for a total of about 8-14 visits, nowadays the number of prenatal in-person visits has been reduced by about one-half. Read more about the new prenatal and antenatal care appointment model during COVID. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prenatal and antenatal care appointments have changed radically, and in-person visits have been significantly reduced. Whether you have a positive home pregnancy test or suspect you might be pregnant, you should be checked out by your obstetrician.

You may not be seen right away, but you will need to get it scheduled quickly. Once you find out you are pregnant, you should call your doctor to schedule an appointment.
