The First Step of Your Amazing Journey:
1st Prenatal Visit:
Excited, Nervous, Anticipation, Happy, Scared, Joyful, Ready!
You may feel all of these emotions as you prepare for your 1st Prenatal Visit; which is normal as you enter into a new phase in your life. This is the first step on your Amazing Adventure of Pregnancy. You will meet one of the key players on your team: Your doctor. Of course you are the lead player on this journey and your thought, opinions and wants matter.
This visit normally occurs at approximately 8 weeks gestation. It is important to speak with your obstetric and Gynecologist (OB /Gyn) to schedule an appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant.
Every prenatal visit is very important. The 1st prenatal visit may be longer than future prenatal visits. Think of this visit as a “getting to know you”; you will have the conversation, without the tea. The only thing you will need to bring with you is yourself and your medical history.
The most important thing to remember is your doctor is on your team:
Team Healthy Mom/Healthy Baby.
Be open, be honest and do not be scared to discuss all fears, hopes, concerns and symptoms you are experiencing.
During this visit your doctor will:
Have a great conversation
Confirm your Pregnancy
Give you a due date ……… Let the count down begin : YAY!!!!
Find out your health history
Explore the medical history of family members
Determine if you have any pregnancy risk factors based on your age, health and/or personal and family history
You will have a:
Check Up:
:
Weight/Pelvic Exam/Blood Pressure and Breast Exam
Urine Checked
Blood Drawn – don’t worry it’s just to let the doctor know more about your body
These tests will inform your doctor if you have any risks that will affect you or your baby
Be Prepared to Answer:
Medical History-yours and your family medical history
Date of Your Last Menstrual Period – this will help determine a due date
Any past obstetrical history –all past pregnancies
Any current medications- including over the counter
Here is a list of 8 Questions to include with your own to ask your doctor:
How often will I need to schedule prenatal appointments?
What hospital will I deliver?
What do you consider an emergency- when and how should I contact you?
If I experience bleeding, cramping- do I contact you, the nurse or directly to the hospital?
Can I exercise?
How should I change my nutrition?
Is it safe to continue sexual intercourse?
Who is the doctor covering if the primary doctor is not available for appointments or delivery?
Remember to write down all of your questions….
Happy Pregnancy. Healthy Mom/Healthy baby
Mary E., RN,BSN, MSN
Wife/Mother/Nurse/Champion of All Pregnant Women
contact: theamazingadventuresopregnancy@yahoo.com