When should I have my first prenatal visit?
As soon as you suspect you're pregnant, call to schedule an appointment with your doctor or midwife. (If you haven't chosen a healthcare provider yet, now's the time to find one.)
Even if you've confirmed your pregnancy with a home test, it's wise to follow up with a professional physical examination so you can begin getting prenatal care.
Most practitioners won't schedule a visit before you're about eight weeks pregnant unless you have a medical condition, have had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or severe nausea and vomiting. If you're taking any medications or think you may have been exposed to a hazardous substance, ask to speak to the doctor or midwife as soon as possible.
Your first visit will probably be the longest one you have with your caregiver unless you encounter problems along the way. As with all of your prenatal checkups, don't forget to raise any issues you've been wondering about. It may help to keep a list of questions that arise between appointments.
Here's what you can expect your doctor or midwife to do on your first visit:
