If you’re like me, you want to know exactly what’s going to happen regardless of where you go or what you’re doing. I will look over a menu days in advance if I’m going to a new restaurant. If I’m going to visit somewhere new, I look on google maps or even drive to the building to see what the parking situation is like. Visiting the doctor was no different. I searched the internet several times trying to prepare myself for my first prenatal visit, often called a “confirmation of pregnancy.” Please note that these experiences will vary from office to office and I am only speaking from personal experience.
Once you have a positive pregnancy test, call your OB/GYN to schedule an appointment. They will ask you the date of your last menstrual cycle and determine your appointment date from then. You’ll usually go to your initial visit at eight weeks pregnant.
You’ll need your insurance card, photo ID, and a form of payment. Depending on your office’s policy and your insurance coverage, you may have to pay a copay, be put on a payment plan, or pay for the initial visit in full. Your office may even give you an estimate for your delivery and break it down into monthly payments before the baby is born.
Be prepared for a transvaginal ultrasound. The ultrasound tech will have a probe that inserts into the vagina, so be sure to wear bottoms that come off easily. This is how your doctor confirms the pregnancy, gestational age, and due date. The tech can look at the fetal development and determine how far along you are, down to the day. For some people, this coincides with their period, but if your periods are irregular like mine, it may differ.
Stay hydrated! You will likely have lots of blood drawn at this visit so your doctor can run various tests. Blood draws are much easier if you’re well hydrated. You will also need to leave a urine sample, so have a full bladder upon your arrival. You will also have your vitals taken at every appointment. Just be prepared for that weight and blood pressure check. Be sure to wear something with easy access to your arm so the lab techs and nurses can do their jobs.
You’ll be given the opportunity to ask your provider questions. It’s ok if you don’t have any or forget them. My best piece of advice is to write questions in your phone notes as you think of them between visits because pregnancy brain can be very real!
You may receive a packet about the clinic’s partnering hospital, medications that are safe for you and the baby, and other good information to get you through your pregnancy. Depending on the clinic, you may even receive samples of various prenatal vitamins.
Bring your calendar! Yes, most of us just use our phones, but be sure to have your schedule ready. You may be asked to schedule your appointments for the next few months.
Again, every office is different, but I do hope that this makes you feel a little more prepared for your first doctor’s visit. Congratulations, Mama!
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