The first prenatal visit is one of the most important appointments. It helps to confirm the health and viability of your pregnancy and establishes a baseline for your gynecologist or OB-GYN to reference in the coming months. If this is your first time, or it has been many years since you last gave birth, you may be uncertain about the prenatal services and care you can expect. Here, the obstetric staff at Alaska Women’s Health PC in Anchorage offers some guidance.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

A Review of Your Health History

The first thing your gynecologist or OB-GYN will do is take stock of your health history. They will ask about any previous pregnancies, whether you conceived naturally or through IVF, and about any medications you may currently be taking. Your health care provider may also ask if you have had irregular pap smears in the past, or if there is any family history of cancer. They will also inquire about drug and alcohol use, and whether your partner has a history of abuse. These questions help to determine any potential risks in your pregnancy and allow your OB-GYN to tailor your prenatal care accordingly.

Tests

After taking note of your health history, your gynecologist will begin several tests. These will include blood and urine screenings to positively confirm your pregnancy, determine if you are carrying a potentially dangerous illness, and evaluate the protein and sugar levels in your body. A pelvic exam and pap smear may also be performed to assess your cervical and uterine health during this time. They will evaluate your height, weight, and blood pressure to establish a baseline for comparison throughout the pregnancy.

Progress & Assessment

At some point during the visit, your prenatal service provider will ask you to note the first day of your last menstrual cycle to approximate the date of conception and when the baby is due. Many women have trouble remembering with precision, but an estimate is usually fine if it is within the same week. Next, your gynecologist will measure your belly and set an appointment for a future ultrasound. If you are lucky, you may also get to hear your baby’s heartbeat during this first visit.

If you are in the Anchorage area and need quality prenatal services, turn to Alaska Women’s Health PC. This obstetric clinic specializes in family planning, prenatal care, and treating infertility. To learn more about what they can do for you, visit the website, or call (907) 563-7228 to schedule an appointment today.