Your first prenatal visit may be one of the longest you'll have during your pregnancy — and definitely the most comprehensive. Along with tests and information-gathering, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. You'll also get lots of advice, from what to eat (or avoid eating), to which prenatal vitamins to take, and how much to exercise during pregnancy.
Here's what to know about when to schedule your first pregnancy appointment, how to prepare, and what happens while you're there.
When should I schedule my first prenatal visit?
As soon as you have a positive result on a home pregnancy test, call your practitioner to schedule an appointment. Good prenatal care is one of the most important steps you can take to help support a healthy pregnancy and baby.[1]
"Call your doctor to make an appointment sooner rather than later, as it can take a while for them to get you in," advises What to Expect Community mom AF2023.
When will my first prenatal visit take place?
The first prenatal appointment usually takes place in the second month, between week 6 and week 8 of pregnancy.
Call your provider as soon as you suspect you're pregnant and have taken a pregnancy test. Some practitioners will be able to fit you in right away, but others may have waits of several weeks (or longer). Certain OB/GYN offices also offer an earlier "pre-OB" visit to confirm a pregnancy as soon as you think you're expecting.
Regardless of when that first appointment is scheduled, start acting pregnant once you get that positive test at home. That means taking a prenatal vitamin, following a healthy diet, switching to mocktails, and skipping certain off-limits foods like raw fish and deli meat. You may be familiar with the basics, but don't hesitate to call your practitioner's office if you have questions.
If you're worried about waiting because you think your pregnancy may be high-risk (because of a chronic condition or a history of miscarriage, for example), check with the office to see if you can be seen earlier.
"They originally scheduled me for 11-12 weeks out and then ended up bumping up my appointment to 7 weeks because I have some autoimmune health issues that put the pregnancy at higher risk," says Community mom AcornSquirrel.
How should I prepare for my first pregnancy appointment?
Once your appointment is on your calendar, do a little preparation to help you make the most of your visit. These tips are a good place to start:[2]
Make a list of key health facts
Your practitioner will want to review your medical history, so check your records at home or call your primary care doctor if you need a refresher. Try to gather basic details about:
- Your personal medical history: Immunizations you've had, previous major illnesses or surgeries, and known allergies (including drug allergies)
- Your mental health history: Any history of depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health conditions
- Your gynecological history: Age of your first period, details about your cycle, whether you have problems with PMS or PMDD, prior gynecological surgeries, and any history of abnormal Pap smears or STDs
- Your obstetrical history: Previous pregnancies, including pregnancy complications or losses, and details about previous deliveries
- Potential disease exposure: Any contagious diseases you may have been exposed to (say, if you traveled abroad recently or work in health care)
Take stock of your medications
Your OB/GYN or midwife will want to know the names and possibly the dosages of any medications and supplements you take, including herbs and vitamins.
Learn about family health history
Find out which conditions run in your family and your partner's family so you can share the family health history with your practitioner.
Write down your questions
With so much happening during the visit, it's easy to forget the burning questions you've been meaning to ask. Jot them down ahead of time — and don't forget to bring the list with you.
"I also had a bunch of questions written down in a note on my phone so I wouldn’t forget anything once the appointment finally came around," says Community member IDmama0123.
What will happen at my first prenatal visit?
Your practitioner will also have a to-do list for this first prenatal appointment. Typically you can expect to:
Get a check-up
This may include:
- A general health exam (checking your heart, lungs, breasts, and abdomen)
- Measuring your blood pressure to establish a baseline for future visits
- Recording your height and weight
- Checking for varicose veins and swelling as a baseline for later in pregnancy
- A pelvic exam
- An assessment of the size of your uterus and the size and shape of your pelvis
Get a confirmation of your pregnancy
Even if you already had a positive result on a home pregnancy test, your practitioner will likely repeat a urine test and may order a blood test to check your hCG levels.
Get an official countdown
If you know when you conceived and the date of your last period (LMP), make sure to mention it. Your OB/GYN or midwife may:
- Estimate your due date using your LMP (though this date can change later)
- Check your cervix and uterus for signs of pregnancy and estimate gestational age
- Review your hCG levels
- Do an ultrasound (in many cases, but not always)
Talk about yourself and your baby
To give you the best possible care, your practitioner will want to learn about your health history and lifestyle. This is also the time to discuss how to care for yourself and your growing baby — and to bring up any concerns you have.
"They also asked my husband if he has any questions or concerns, which is nice!" says Community member lissabc18 about her visit with her midwives.
It's helpful to take notes, since your provider will likely share plenty of info you'll want to remember (and pregnancy brain is real).
Have several routine tests
Some tests are standard for every pregnant woman, while others depend on your health history or where you live. The most common tests at your first prenatal visit may include:[3]
- Urine test. Your urine may be checked for protein, glucose (sugar), white blood cells, blood, and bacteria.
- Bloodwork. A sample of your blood will be used to determine blood type and Rh status and check for anemia.[4] Your blood may also be screened for antibodies and immunity to certain diseases (like rubella and chicken pox) and possibly for vitamin D deficiency.
- Genetic carrier screening. If you weren't screened before conception, a blood test can check whether you're a carrier for certain genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, Tay-Sachs disease.[5]
- STD testing. Your doctor may screen for sexually transmitted infections such as hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. These tests are required in some states.
- A blood sugar test. You may get this test if you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy or have risk factors for the condition (such as a family history).
The What to Expect app can help you prepare for your first prenatal visit with checklists, expert-backed advice, and answers to all your “Is this normal?” questions — so you'll walk in informed and walk out feeling confident.
Will I see my baby on an ultrasound at my first prenatal visit?
Most practitioners perform a prenatal ultrasound during the first visit, since it's the most accurate way to date a pregnancy. However, some providers wait until a bit later, when there's more to see. You can ask when you schedule your appointment if you'll be likely to have an ultrasound at the visit.
Your first prenatal visit can feel like a lot — a lot of information, a lot of questions, and sometimes a lot of emotions, too. But it's also an exciting milestone: the official start of your prenatal care and the first step in building a relationship with the practitioner who will help guide you through the months ahead.
Come prepared, don't be afraid to ask questions, and remember that this appointment is just the beginning. Over the course of your pregnancy, you'll have many more chances to check in, learn about your growing baby, and get the support you need for a healthy, happy pregnancy.
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