Finally, you are pregnant. You may be excited, worried, anticipated and most importantly, nervous, which is very common at this time.
You’re having a baby for the first time and you may not know everything clearly. Getting into an awful situation is quite usual at this time until you discuss with a doctor and discuss all the confusions with him.
Well, your first prenatal visit is the way that can make your journey far better and safer as well. You should prepare yourself for the first prenatal visit. Today we will talk about how you can make your first prenatal visit fruitful. Let’s start.
1. Be Ready for a Lot of Questions
You will be asked so many questions about your lifestyle, your food habit, medical history, medications, etc. This is crucial to know about your life to determine how you can treat yourself to get the best time ever ahead.
Also See: 9 Common Pregnancy Complications You Should Know
Well, we made this session much easier for you. We are specifying all the things that you need to tell your doctor. Let’s see what questions you will be asked there.
What medications are you taking?
First, you have to disclose all the medications that you consume right now. Consuming the wrong medicines during pregnancy affects your baby badly. So, you have to discuss it with the doctor. If you need any medication, your doctor will suggest to you the medicines that are perfectly okay for the baby’s health.
Are you taking any herbal supplements?
People think that natural and herbal things don’t have any side effects at all. But this is not true. Herbal supplements can also affect your baby and also yourself. So, list all the supplements that you take and show them to the doctor.
If there is anything bad for you, the doctor will suggest you avoid that and give you new medicine for your recovery.
Are you allergic to any medications? Do you have any other allergies?
There are some medicines that are allergic to you. If you are aware of this, you should let the doctor know and also the foods that cause allergic reactions.
What is your last period date?
Make sure that you know your last period date. It will help the doctor to estimate the due date and also count the pregnancy period.
Do you have any miscarriages or difficult pregnancies history?
You should also tell the doctor if you experienced any miscarriage or pregnancy complications in previous time. It will help them to treat you especially as we don’t want you to experience the same thing again.
Do you consume caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or any other drugs?
You should be honest with the doctors. You may consume alcohol or tobacco or even too much caffeine. You have to quit it now and a doctor can help you in doing this. So, talk to your doctor about this issue frankly.
2. Make a List of Questions to Ask
As we already said, pregnancy is a long and complicated period and there are thousands of questions in your mind. You should prepare a list of questions to ask at first prenatal visit.
Also See: 9 Essential First Trimester To-Do List
Sometimes you may ask the answers to your family members or search on google. But the best way of getting to know about all your queries is to ask the doctor and you are going to visit the doctor for this reason.
But how can you remember so many things to ask?
You may forget even the most crucial thing that you want to ask. Then what to do? Well, the best way of getting everything in mind is to make a list. Make a list of all the queries you have. In this way, you won’t forget even a silly thing to ask.
3. Make a List of Medications You Take
If you are taking any kinds of medicines, you should talk to the doctor about them. It is tough to remember all the difficult scientific names of medicines. You have to make a list of medicines that you are consuming right now and also for the last few months.
The best thing is to bring all the prescriptions and medical reports so that the doctor gets to know about your medical background and also about the supplements and the purpose of having these.
4. Bring Your Partner or Support Person
You are pregnant. It doesn’t mean you are going to be a mother alone. Both of you and your partner are going to be parents. So, he also needs to know about everything you should do or don’t do in the pregnancy.
The first prenatal visit is very crucial for both of you because the doctors become more frank and informative at this time and your partner or a support person needs to attend there to make this time much easier ahead.
Other FAQs About Your First Prenatal Doctor Visit
There are still some facts that you may want to ask but couldn’t make this happen. Well, we know how excited you are and also know what you exactly want to know. Check the following answers that may make you relax.
When can I hear my baby’s heartbeat?
Basically, we find the baby’s heartbeat by using a Doppler fetal monitor. Normally, we get the baby’s heartbeat at the 12 weeks of pregnancy and after. If it takes a bit more time, don’t worry at all.
Also See: 10 Ways to Quickly Treat Headaches During Pregnancy
It happens for many mothers when they find the heartbeat after 1 or 2 weeks due to the higher body mass index. So, don’t panic at all.
Will I have an ultrasound?
Yes, Of course. We suggest every pregnant woman have an ultrasound in the first 6-8 weeks. This is crucial to get confirmation about the pregnancy. You will also have an ultrasound multiple times throughout the pregnancy time to monitor the baby’s health.
Your doctor will suggest it to you when you have to do this.
How often are prenatal visits?
You have to go to your doctor multiple times in pregnancy.
- Confirmation visit
- Prenatal Consultation and Education
- Ultrasound and visit with MD
- Visit with MD once per month
- Between 18 and 20 weeks
- Between weeks 20 and 32
- Visit with MD twice a month between 28 to 32 weeks
- Visit with MD once per week after 36 weeks.
What prenatal tests do I need?
During pregnancy, your doctor will suggest you go for multiple medical tests. It depends on your physical condition. If you have any special cases, you may go for more tests. But generally, doctors suggest the following tests to every pregnant woman.
- Gestational diabetes
- Thyroid screening
- Cervical cancer
- Anemia
- Sexually transmitted infections, etc.
Bottom Line
Pregnancy is the most beautiful period of your life if you are able to reduce all the possible complexities. Don’t delay going to your first prenatal visit. Go to a skilled doctor as soon as possible after getting the pregnancy report positive. It will help you tremendously to get a healthy pregnancy along with a healthy baby.
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