I know the blog has been filled with gift guides and holiday things lately so I’m super excited to get back to OB-related content in today’s post! This one is for all of you first-time mamas who might be wondering what to do after you find out you’re pregnant and what your first prenatal visit is like. I get a ton of questions on what to expect and exactly how everything goes down so I thought I would lay it all out for you in this blog post!
You just found out you’re pregnant. What do you do next?!
First steps
First things first, you need to call your doctor. They may want you to come in and do blood work and they may even schedule that first US for you. Next they will get you scheduled with your OBGYN or midwife or whoever you’re seeing to start the whole process!
Your first visit
Of course, during your first visit, you can get to know your doctor and ask them any questions you have. While each individual is different, the first appointment typically goes the same. Here’s everything your doctor will do during your visit:
- Go over your past medical history and your families.
- Chat about what meds you’re taking if any, and what to stop taking if necessary.
- Go over your past pregnancies (if any): any complications? Delivery?
- Do a genetic screening: full YT
- Go over your lifestyle habits: do you drink, smoke, or have any drug use?
- You’ll also get some lab work done. All pregnant women give a standard blood panel but if you had complications in a prior pregnancy, say PreE, you may need more baseline blood work.
- Go over symptoms: like N/V
- Go over expectations with pregnancy: weight gain, exercise, visits, US, blood work, etc.
- The doctor will then give recommendations regarding your diet, exercise, safe medication, etc.
- You’ll also get up to date on your Pap smear!
For even more details on what happens at your first appointment, check out the video I made with more need-to-knows below!
