What happens at prenatal visits?
Prenatal visits are important for many reasons: to make sure your baby is growing normally, to screen for any concerning symptoms, and to provide education about your pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. There is a lot to cover during each visit, and it is important to make sure you get your questions answered.
Your first visit will likely be your longest. At this appointment, you will have a detailed history taken. This will also include screening for any pertinent family history, so try to think of this ahead of time. You will also have a physical exam done, and this typically includes a pelvic and breast exam. After this visit, you will probably be sent to a lab to get your prenatal bloodwork done. This is a lengthy visit with a lot of information given out—be sure to take it home and read it thoroughly.
Your due date will be calculated at your first visit using a combination of your last menstrual period and/or an ultrasound (if done yet). Keep in mind that if you haven’t had an ultrasound by this point, your due date may change once it is done.
Your baby’s heart rate will be listened to at each visit after it can be heard, usually around 12 weeks.
Regarding ultrasounds, the most common question many women have is, “When is my first ultrasound?” This may be done at your first visit, but not all doctors have ultrasound machines in their office. You may be sent for one then, or you may not have it scheduled for a few weeks, depending on how far along you are.
At all visits, your blood pressure and weight are checked. This is to monitor for high blood pressure and to make sure you are gaining the right amount of weight. This is important to your baby’s health, so don’t be alarmed if it is discussed frequently. Your urine will also be checked to make sure your kidneys are functioning properly.
Your belly will be measured to make sure your baby is growing well, and your baby’s heart rate will be listened to at each visit after it can be heard, usually around 12 weeks. This is usually everyone’s favorite part of the visit!
Your appointments are usually monthly in the beginning, and by the time you are term they are once a week. Of course, if there are any high-risk issues, you may need to see your doctor more frequently than that.
Lastly, every visit is a chance to ask your obstetric provider questions. Writing them down beforehand can be helpful. Along the way, you should gain information about nutrition, your body’s changes, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding and postpartum care. Be sure to speak up if something isn’t making sense—your doctor needs to know how to help you best.
Takeaways
- Prenatal visits are about screening and education.
- Your first visit is usually the longest, and a breast and pelvic exam are usually done.
- An ultrasound may or may not be performed at your first visit.
- Be sure to write any questions/concerns you have before going to your appointment.
How absolute are due dates determined by ultrasound, particularly with a woman whose periods are irregular?
I agree that making a list of questions before each visit is a good idea. When you are waiting and then excited about hearing that heartbeat, it is easy to forget your questions.