Your first visit
Q: What can I expect from my first visit?
A: One of the first things we’ll ask for is a completed medical, family and reproductive health history of both you and your partner. Here is a list of what else you can expect:
- A physical exam.
- Screening for sexually transmitted disease.
- Due date parameters (may include an ultrasound exam).
- Routine lab work (see Prenatal Testing and Prenatal Blood Screening under PREGNANCY on our website for detailed prenatal testing information such as AFP screening, ultrasound, diabetes testing and Group B strep screening).
- Important signs and symptoms to report.
- Resource information and books.
- A schedule of subsequent visits.
Subsequent visits will include monitoring of your nutrition, activity level, fluids, sleep and rest and the progress of your pregnancy. Blood pressures, weight gain/loss, uterine growth, fetal movement and fetal heart beat and urinary protein will be evaluated.
If potential complications develop, we will direct testing for fetal and maternal well being as indicated. This may include non-stress testing of baby’s heartbeat or special ultrasound exams.
Issues that you may need to discuss with your doctor include: work and disability, childbirth education classes, birth plans, travel, exercise, nutrition, environmental exposures and safety (domestic violence).
Do not hesitate to ask questions about any concerns you and your partner may have.
Remember, the health of your baby depends on the health of its mom.
