Health

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:

How many prenatal visits will I have?

You'll see a lot of your healthcare practitioner during your pregnancy — that's why it's so important to choose someone you like and trust. Most pregnant women have between 10 and 15 prenatal visits.

Typically, a mom-to-be will visit her doctor or midwife every four weeks during the first and second trimesters, once every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until the baby is born.

But the number of scheduled appointments you'll have depends on your medical history and whether you have any complications or conditions such as high blood pressure that warrant more frequent checkups. If you've had any medical problems in the past or develop any new problems during this pregnancy, you may need more prenatal visits than average.

If you have a partner or labor coach, you may want that person to come to some appointments with you.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my prenatal visits?

During the weeks before each visit, jot down any questions or concerns in a notebook so you'll remember to ask your practitioner about them at your next appointment. You may be surprised by how many questions you have, so don't miss the opportunity to get some answers in person.

For example, before you drink any herbal teas, or take supplements or over-the-counter medications, bring them with you to your next appointment so your doctor or midwife can read the labels and let you know whether they're okay to ingest.

Of course, if you have any pressing questions or develop any unusual symptoms, don't wait for your appointment — call your practitioner right away.

What happens during these appointments?

Your practitioner will start by asking how you're feeling physically and emotionally, whether you have any complaints or worries, and what questions you may have. She'll have other questions as well, which will vary depending on how far along you are and whether she has specific concerns.

The goal of prenatal visits is to see how your pregnancy is proceeding and to provide you with information to help keep you and your baby healthy. Your midwife or doctor will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine; measure your abdomen; check the position of your baby; listen to your baby's heartbeat; perform other exams and order tests, as appropriate; and closely monitor any complications you have or develop and intervene if necessary.

At the end of the visit, your practitioner will review her findings with you, explain what normal changes to expect before your next visit and what warning signs to watch for, counsel you about lifestyle issues (such as the importance of good nutrition and avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), and discuss the pros and cons of optional tests you may want to consider.