Most expectant moms have their first prenatal visit during the first trimester of their pregnancy. This first prenatal visit is something that you may view with a great deal of anticipation, mingled with a hefty dose of nerves. If you know what to expect at the obstetrician's office, you can enjoy the excitement while quelling the nerves. Keep reading for a simple explanation of what your first visit to the obstetrician will be like.
The Medical History
Typically, a nurse will take your medical history before you see the doctor. This medical history will be fairly extensive and will include not only your obstetric and gynecological history, but also your other medical problems and past hospitalizations.
Your medical history includes details about:
Physical Exam
A physical exam is usually performed next. This pelvic exam will be similar to that which is performed by a gynecologist, so you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and comfortably situate yourself with your legs in stirrups.
During the exam, the obstetrician will collect tissue samples for a pap smear and a cervical culture. The obstetrician may also palpate your abdomen to check the placement of your uterus and the baby.
The Ultrasound
An ultrasound may be performed after the exam. Because this is your first prenatal visit and you're still in the early stages of pregnancy, the ultrasound can be transvaginal. This type of ultrasound is performed with a wand that is inserted vaginally.
Transvaginal ultrasounds are the best way to get reliable information during early pregnancy, including the gestational age of the baby. With this information, your obstetrician can give you an approximate due date for the baby, if it can't be determined by the first day of your period.
The Discussion
During the final part of your prenatal exam, your obstetrician will want to discuss your healthcare during pregnancy. This will usually include recommendations for the following areas:
Don't be afraid to ask questions when your obstetrician, like Darin L Weyhrich, is sharing the above information with you. To get your pregnancy off to the right start, you need to be confident about your health and wellness. Your first prenatal visit is the start of a great relationship between you and your obstetrician. Use the information above to approach this visit with joy instead of worry!
Share26 January 2015
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
