WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST OBGYN APPOINTMENT FOR PREGNANCY CARE

When you first receive that positive pregnancy test, your whole world suddenly changes. Maybe you’re filled to the brim with joy! Maybe you’re also feeling a little bit afraid and worried. You might be thinking, “what now?” or “How will my body change?” or “What should I expect?” All of these questions (and more) can be addressed during your first OBGyn appointment when you schedule a prenatal visit.

Here’s how to handle your first prenatal visit after seeing those double pink lines.

First, when should I schedule your first OBGyn appointment?

When you first take a home pregnancy test and the result is positive, you should call your OBGyn and schedule an appointment.

How should I prepare for this prenatal visit?

First, start behaving like you’re pregnant, even before a doctor confirms your home test.

Be sure to cut out alcohol, tobacco, and reduce caffeine if you’re having more than one cup of coffee a day. You’ll learn more about what you should and should not do while pregnant when you visit with the doctor, but those are the basics.

Write down your questions.

Having a written list will make it easier to get answers when you’re at the prenatal appointment. With so much happening at once, it’s easy to lose track of what you wanted to talk to the practitioner about.

Learn about health conditions in yours and your partner’s family history.

If there are any conditions, you’ll be able to let your practitioner know early on in the pregnancy.

Take a peek at your medicine cabinet.

Write down any and all medications that you might be taking. It’s important for your practitioner to assess what is and isn’t okay to take during your pregnancy.

What’s going to happen at this prenatal visit?

So many things will happen at this visit! This is generally considered one of the longest OBGyn visits during pregnancy because there are a lot of tests to run, questions to ask, and questions to answer. Here are a few things you can expect during the course of this OBGyn appointment:

• You’ll receive a general health exam/checkup.
• You’ll receive confirmation of your pregnancy (even though your home test was positive, doctor’s like to run another test just to be absolutely sure)
• Your practitioner will run some additional tests such as a urine test, blood tests, STD test, blood sugar test, and genetic carrier screening.
• You’ll receive an official due date.
• Your practitioner will get to know you. They’ll want to know everything they can about your health history, lifestyle, and more so they can advise you how to best care for your growing baby.
• You’ll get to ask your questions. Remember that list we mentioned? This is your chance!

Should my significant other come with me?

This is entirely up to you! Everyone’s situation is completely different and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Some partners want to be involved every step of the way. So, if they do, they are more than welcome to come and ask questions of their own.

Pregnancy is a journey and it’s different for everyone. That’s why it’s so important that you find an OBGyn who’s a perfect fit for you. Having the support and understanding of a obstetrician you connect with will help make your pregnancy journey that much easier.

Are you looking for an OBGyn? Thinking you might be pregnant? We offer confidential pregnancy testing. Learn more and set up an appointment to get tested today!

DR VANDANA BINWAL

SENIOR CONSULTANT, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

SWASTIK HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE, JAIPUR