What Happens During Prenatal Visits?

Going to the doctor can be scary, especially if you don't know what to expect. So here is some information and videos to help prepare you.

First Prenatal Visit

During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor to:

• Ask about your health history including diseases, operations, or prior pregnancies
• Ask about your family's health history
• Do a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test
• Take your blood and urine for lab work
• Check your blood pressure, height, and weight
• Calculate your due date
• Answer your questions

At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy. Find out all you can about how to stay healthy.

(Source: WomensHealth.gov)

This video from the March of Dimes shows what will happen at your first prenatal appointment:

Later Prenatal Visits

Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected.  Most prenatal visits will include:

• Checking your blood pressure
• Measuring your weight gain
• Measuring your abdomen to check your baby’s growth (once you begin to show)
• Checking the baby's heart rate

While you're pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as blood work to check for anemia, your blood type, HIV, and other factors. Other tests might be offered based on your age, personal or family health history, your ethnic background, or the results of routine tests you have had.  

(Source: WomensHealth.gov)

Here's a video on later prenatal visits from the March of Dimes:

If you have any questions about what your doctor is doing or why, just ask! They know this is all new to you, and they want to help.

It's normal to be scared or nervous about seeing the doctor. Taking along your partner, a friend, or a family member can help. You can always ask them to leave they room if the doctor wants to get really personal!

Just remember that you're doing what's best for you and your baby. When you look into your baby's eyes for the first time, it will all be worth it!

Sources:

• March of Dimes. (2011). Prenatal care. Retrieved from http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/prenatalcare.html
• WomenHealth.gov. (2009). Prenatal care fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/prenatal-care.cfm