First Visit

Your first or second prenatal care visit will probably be your longest. Your doctor will ask a lot of questions about your health and perform several tests. It’s important to answer all the questions honestly and with as much detail as you can. It may be helpful to bring a support person with you. During these early visits, your health care provider may do the following:

• Ask about your health history, including previous pregnancies, surgeries or medical problems.
• Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking (bring them with you, if possible).
• Ask about your family’s and the baby’s father’s health history.
• Do a complete physical exam with blood and urine tests.
• Do a pelvic exam with a Pap test.
• Measure your blood pressure, height and weight.
• Calculate the baby’s expected due date.

During a pelvic exam, your health care provider checks your internal organs by inserting one or two fingers into the vagina while pressing on your abdomen with the other hand. For a Pap test, a speculum is inserted into the vagina. A sample of cells is collected from the cervix with a small brush or spatula, and is then sent to a lab to be examined for signs of cervical disease.