What To Expect From Your First OBGYN Appointment While Pregnant
If you’ve recently become pregnant, congratulations! Your life is about to change, and so are your OBGYN appointments. You may have questions as to what you can expect from your OBGYN as a newly-pregnant woman. We have answers!
When Should I Schedule My Appointment?
If you haven’t scheduled an appointment yet, you probably should! It’s recommended to see your OBGYN about 8 weeks after your LMP (Last Menstrual Period). Basically, you should see a doctor as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.
Typically on your initial OB appointment or "confirmation of pregnancy," you will have an ultrasound prior to seeing the physician. This ultrasound will confirm that you are pregnant as well as inform the physician of your expected date of delivery (EDD).
Your Doctor Will Discuss Your Medical Details In-Depth
As the first step of your appointment, your OBGYN will want to discuss all pertinent medical details with you. This can include things like:
- Any medical or psychosocial problems
- Your blood pressure, height, and weight
- Your latest breast and cervical exams
- Determining the date of your last period
- Past history of abortions or miscarriages
- Your methods of birth control
- Past hospitalizations
- Medication allergies, if applicable
- Medications you are taking
- A complete family medical history
These details help establish a baseline for your health throughout pregnancy, and may alert your OBGYN to any potential issues that may need to be addressed.
You’ll Have Physical Exams, Blood Tests And Lab Tests
Next, your OBGYN will likely conduct a physical exam including a pap smear and cervical cultures, and other prenatal lab tests. An ultrasound may also be recommended, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
You’ll also have your blood drawn, and lab tests will be performed to screen your blood for a variety of different diseases, and to determine more information about your overall health.
Your OBGYN Will Discuss Precautions And Answer Questions About Your Pregnancy
Once you’ve had blood drawn and undergone all necessary exams and tests, your OBGYN will discuss important prenatal topics like:
- Proper dental care during pregnancy
- Foods and activities to avoid
- Environmental hazards that could pose dangers to you and your child
- Proper prenatal vitamins
- Advice about proper nutrition, diet, and exercise during pregnancy
- Travel limitations
- Miscarriage precautions
During this time, you and your partner can ask any questions you may have about your pregnancy. Then, you’ll schedule your next follow-up appointment, and you’ll be all done!
Get Your First OBGYN Appointment As Soon As You Can After Becoming Pregnant!
Seeing a doctor once you’ve become pregnant is the best way to safeguard your own health, and the health of your unborn child. So schedule an appointment Women’s Medical Associates of Nashville right away, and get the help you need.