You are all excited because you are pregnant and you are about to have your very first prenatal appointment. You are a little nervous because you are unsure of what to expect. Read this article to find out what typical first prenatal visits are like.
It's very important that when find out that you are pregnant by taking a home pregnancy test or as soon as you suspect that you are pregnant; make an appointment to see your obstetrician or gynecologist. These visits to your physician during your pregnancy are very crucial for both your health and the health of your baby. Early detection of any troubles that do develop can help to preclude complications.
Your initial visit to the doctor will require first confirming your pregnancy by an office pregnancy test (either a urine or blood test). A thorough medical history will be taken. Then a complete physical exam, to include a pelvic exam, will be conducted. Your health will also be checked by blood and urine tests. The office will also have you complete forms that include any data about previous pregnancies and any medicines that you are currently taking. Your actual medical condition will also be measured based on information you give and your examination. You may need testing based on your answers or your examination. This may include tests for genetic conditions, which may detect your risk for birth defects, diabetes and hypertension. The more the physician knows about your medical history and past pregnancies the better assessment can be made of your risk factors concerning your pregnancy.
You will be asked if you have any questions about pregnancy such as diet, prenatal vitamins, exercise, medications, lifestyle changes that may be suggested, and sexual activity. Your questions will be answered. Your doctor or the medical staff will ask what your first day of your last menstrual period is and a pregnancy due date will be determined. If your periods are irregular or there is any question about the accuracy of your due date, an ultrasound may be scheduled for dating purposes.
Physical Exam will include:
Pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy
Assessment of your blood pressure, breasts, ears, eyes, heart, height, thyroid gland, weight, and temperature.
Questions:
Your doctor, midwife, or the medical staff will be happy to answer any questions not answered during the examination including what prenatal vitamins should be taken if you haven't already started them during your pre-pregnancy, what diet you should be following, how safe various exercises are, and any necessary medication changes that will help to keep your pregnancy safe as well as any lifestyle changes suggested by the medical staff.
It's very important that when find out that you are pregnant by taking a home pregnancy test or as soon as you suspect that you are pregnant; make an appointment to see your obstetrician or gynecologist. These visits to your physician during your pregnancy are very crucial for both your health and the health of your baby. Early detection of any troubles that do develop can help to preclude complications.
Your initial visit to the doctor will require first confirming your pregnancy by an office pregnancy test (either a urine or blood test). A thorough medical history will be taken. Then a complete physical exam, to include a pelvic exam, will be conducted. Your health will also be checked by blood and urine tests. The office will also have you complete forms that include any data about previous pregnancies and any medicines that you are currently taking. Your actual medical condition will also be measured based on information you give and your examination. You may need testing based on your answers or your examination. This may include tests for genetic conditions, which may detect your risk for birth defects, diabetes and hypertension. The more the physician knows about your medical history and past pregnancies the better assessment can be made of your risk factors concerning your pregnancy.
You will be asked if you have any questions about pregnancy such as diet, prenatal vitamins, exercise, medications, lifestyle changes that may be suggested, and sexual activity. Your questions will be answered. Your doctor or the medical staff will ask what your first day of your last menstrual period is and a pregnancy due date will be determined. If your periods are irregular or there is any question about the accuracy of your due date, an ultrasound may be scheduled for dating purposes.
Physical Exam will include:
Pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy
Assessment of your blood pressure, breasts, ears, eyes, heart, height, thyroid gland, weight, and temperature.
Questions:
Your doctor, midwife, or the medical staff will be happy to answer any questions not answered during the examination including what prenatal vitamins should be taken if you haven't already started them during your pre-pregnancy, what diet you should be following, how safe various exercises are, and any necessary medication changes that will help to keep your pregnancy safe as well as any lifestyle changes suggested by the medical staff.
About the Author:
If you have questions about how to have a healthy pregnancy, visit Understanding Your Pregnancy today. Also, if you have questions about stretch marks, here is a free ebook about how to avoid or remove them.
No comments:
Post a Comment