Know when to schedule your first appointment with an OBGYN.

Whether you think you might be pregnant or you already received a positive at-home test result, not only do you want to confirm that you have a new bundle of joy on the way but also that you and the baby are getting the proper care from the very beginning.

When should I schedule my first prenatal visit?

As soon as you find out that you are pregnant it is important that you schedule an appointment with an OBGYN. In most cases, your first prenatal appointment will happen at around 8 weeks. If you have certain health conditions or are experiencing any symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal discomfort then you may come in sooner. Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy you should still come in for regular prenatal appointments.

The first prenatal appointment is one of the most important visits and so it can often take longer. This is a time for us to sit down with you and get to know you better. Think of the first appointment as establishing rapport with our OBGYN team. After all, we will be with you throughout your pregnancy so we want you to be comfortable and happy with the care you are receiving.

What will happen during my first appointment?

We will need to go through your detailed medical history, which can include everything from any gynecological issues you might have to drug allergies, chronic health problems, or medications you are currently taking. We will also need to discuss any habits that could affect your pregnancy such as smoking or drinking.

We will also talk to you about the different genetic tests available to you throughout the course of your pregnancy. These tests can be a great way to screen for certain birth defects or genetic disorders like Down syndrome. We will discuss in detail the screenings tests that you can choose to have.

A physical and pelvic exam will also be performed during your first visit. We will also need to take a sample of blood to test for any undiagnosed health conditions or STDS. A urinary sample will also be taken to check for urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other issues.

Of course, during this appointment and any subsequent visits you have, we want you to know that if you have any questions or concerns that you shouldn’t hesitate to ask us. We can provide you with tips, advice, and support throughout this exciting and whirlwind time in your life to make sure that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.

Your obstetrician is here to provide you with the care, treatment and education you need to help navigate your pregnancy. We provide comprehensive maternal fetal medicine to ensure that you and your baby get the care you both deserve during this exciting time.