Reviewed by Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN. Show
Disclaimer: The following is not intended to be medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Always consult your own health care provider about your pregnancy and health care. Whether you have been trying to conceive for a while or were surprised to see a positive pregnancy test, the first trimester is a time of excitement and nerves. When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter after months of trying, I was elated to call my doctor. I expected them to have me come in immediately. Little did I know, the first prenatal visit was still far off. “We’ll see you in a few weeks,” the nurse announced, after reminding me to take my prenatal vitamins. Prenatal visits should start during the first trimester. However, at most practices you’ll have to wait until you’re eight weeks pregnant – or about four weeks after your missed period – to have your first prenatal visit. That wait can feel like forever, but in the meantime, you can prepare for what that first prenatal visit will look like. Here’s what to expect. In this article:
The first prenatal doctor’s appointment is focused on gathering a baseline look at your health and providing an overview of the next steps in your pregnancy. Since this is the provider’s introduction to you in many cases, they’ll want to get information on your health history and lifestyle. In some practices, your first prenatal visit may actually be with a nurse who will perform your testing, gather your history, and go over some basic first trimester and pregnancy education with you. You can ask when you schedule your appointment if your first visit will be with a nurse or provider, and find out when you will be meeting your doctor or midwife as well. “The first prenatal doctor’s appointment is focused on gathering a baseline look at your health and providing an overview of the next steps in your pregnancy. ”In other practices, you might dive right into the testing portion of the pregnancy. Here are some of tests commonly performed at the first prenatal visit:
Phew! That’s a lot of testing. There are also some additional parts of the first prenatal visit, such as:
Will You Get an Ultrasound at Your First Prenatal Visit?It’s understandable that you’re probably anxious to get a peek at that little one, but not every doctor’s office has a policy of offering ultrasounds at the first prenatal visit. However, if there are any specific medication conditions you have or a complication with your pregnancy, an ultrasound may be needed. We recommend that you ask your doctor’s office what their policy on ultrasounds are and inform them ahead of time if there are any concerns you have about needing an ultrasound. What to Do Before Your First Prenatal AppointmentBeing prepared can help your first appointment go smoothly. Before your appointment, you should:
Tip: if you're taking any prescribed medications and find out you're pregnant, don't stop them cold-turkey without talking to your doctor first.When to Call Your DoctorIt’s a good idea to get in contract with your care provider once you have a positive pregnancy test. That way, they can book your first prenatal appointment. They’ll give you the basics of health care during early pregnancy, like stopping alcohol and starting prenatal vitamins. You’ll also have the chance to ask any initial questions, like whether it’s safe to continue working out during the first trimester (in most cases, it is!). After that, you should feel free to call your doctor with any concerns—that’s what they’re there for, so don’t feel silly for getting your questions answers. And if you have any pain, spotting or bleeding, contact your care provider ASAP. Frequently Asked QuestionsDo you get an ultrasound at your first prenatal visit?In most cases, you do not get an ultrasound at your first prenatal visit. If you are unsure of your dates, your doctor might recommend an early ultrasound to help set your due date. People who underwent IVF often have early ultrasounds as well. Is 12 weeks too late for first prenatal visit?Usually, the first prenatal visit happens around week 8. Most providers want to see their pregnant patients during the first trimester, which ends after 12 weeks. What can I expect at my first prenatal visit?The first prenatal visit usually involves a thorough conversation with your provider, a health history, addressing your concerns about pregnancy, and prenatal genetic screening options. You’ll also have routine tests including a pap smear and blood and urine tests. Written by: Kelly BurchKelly Burch is a writer and a mom of two, living in New Hampshire. When she's not behind her keyboard, she enjoys going on adventures with her daughters: hiking, biking and kayaking through their rural region. Kelly writes about the intersection of family with money, mental health and more. Her work has appeared in Parents magazine, The Washington Post, Business Insider and more. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook. How soon should I see my doctor when pregnant?Even if a home pregnancy test confirms you're pregnant, you still need to make an appointment with an Ob/Gyn. The American Pregnancy Association recommends you make an appointment with your doctor for your first prenatal visit within eight weeks of your last menstrual period (LMP).
Is 12 weeks too late for first prenatal visit?The timing of your first prenatal visit varies by clinic. There's no right or wrong time. Most often, you'll be seen for your first appointment when you're 6-12 weeks pregnant. Yes, this seems like a really long time to wait, especially when you have so many questions!
Is 5 weeks too early for first prenatal appointment?1. First Prenatal Visit. Your first prenatal visit usually takes place when you are about 10-12 weeks pregnant (a pregnancy confirmation visit and possibly an early ultrasound typically occurs between 5-8 weeks). This appointment is often the longest, and will include a general physical and routine prenatal labs.
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When should you have your first doctors appointment when pregnant
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