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Prenatal care: First-trimester visits
Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. During the first trimester, prenatal care includes blood tests, a physical exam, conversations about lifestyle and more.
By Mayo Clinic staffPrenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you choose a family physician, obstetrician or nurse-midwife, prenatal care is the key to monitoring your health — and your baby's health — throughout your pregnancy. Here's what to expect at the first few prenatal appointments.
Prenatal care: The first visit
As soon as you think you're pregnant, schedule your first prenatal appointment. Set aside ample time for the visit. You and your health care provider have plenty to discuss! You might want to include your partner in the appointment as well.
Here are the basics:
- Medical history. Your health care provider will ask many questions — including details about your menstrual cycle, use of contraceptives, past pregnancies, and allergies or other medical conditions. Bring a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you're taking. Share any family history of congenital abnormalities or genetic diseases. Be sure to mention even sensitive issues, such as abortion or past drug use. Remember, the information you share will help your health care provider take the best care of you — and your baby. If there's any part of your medical history that you don't want to share with your partner or other loved ones, mention it to your health care provider privately.
- Due date. Establishing your due date early in pregnancy allows your health care provider to monitor your baby's growth as accurately as possible. To estimate your due date, your health care provider may count ahead 40 weeks from the start of your last period — or add seven days to the first day of your last period and then subtract three months. If there's any question about your due date, your health care provider may use an early ultrasound to help confirm the date.
- Physical exam. Your health care provider will check your weight, height and blood pressure. He or she will listen to your heart and assess your overall health. Your health care provider may also examine your vagina and the opening to your uterus (cervix) for any infections or abnormalities. You may need a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Changes in the cervix and in the size of your uterus can help confirm the stage of your pregnancy.
- Lab tests. Your health care provider will likely do blood tests to determine your blood type, including Rh factor — a specific protein on the surface of red blood cells. Blood tests also can reveal whether you've been exposed to syphilis, measles, mumps, rubella or hepatitis B. You may be offered a test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Tests for chickenpox and toxoplasmosis immunity may be done as well. In addition, analysis of your urine can reveal a bladder or kidney infection. The presence of too much sugar or protein in your urine may suggest diabetes or kidney disease.
- Lifestyle issues. Your health care provider will discuss the importance of nutrition, prenatal vitamins, exercise and other lifestyle issues. You'll also discuss your work environment. If you smoke, ask your health care provider for suggestions to help you quit.
- Screening tests for fetal abnormalities. Prenatal tests can give you valuable information about your baby's health. Your health care provider may offer ultrasound, blood tests or other screening tests to detect fetal abnormalities.
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References
- Lockwood C, et al. The initial prenatal assessment and routine prenatal care. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2010.
- You and your baby: Prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/ab005.cfm. Accessed Feb. 19, 2010.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Prenatal care. In: Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6052187. Accessed Feb. 19, 2010.
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