If you think you're pregnant call your doctor's office.
- If your home pregnancy test said you are pregnant, some doctors may want to see you right away while others will ask you to wait until you're further along.
- Start thinking of questions you may want to ask and bring a list with you.
Here's what your doctor will most likely do during this visit:
Figure out your due date
- If you know the day your last period started, this can be used to guess your due date.
Ask for your full health history
- Your health and your family's health history can have an impact and may help your doctor decide the kind of care you need.
- Your doctor may ask you about:
- Age and what you do for a living
- Height, weight and body mass index (BMI)
- Gynecological history, including any problems you may have had
- Risk factors or chances for sexually transmitted diseases
- Prior pregnancies
- Long-term health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco use
- All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you use
- All herbs, dietary supplements and vitamins you use
- Genetic or other birth defects in your family
- Any things in your workplace or home that may be toxic, including cleaning products
- Your level of worry
- How much you work out
Ask about your family's health history
- Many health problems can run in the family.
- You will most likely be asked a lot of questions about your parents, partner, brothers, sisters and other family members.
Give you a physical exam
- This visit will often include a full physical exam in which your weight, height and vital signs such as blood pressure will all be checked
- Your doctor will likely run or collect:
- Breast, abdomen and thyroid exams
- A pelvic exam
- A pap smear
- Blood tests
- A urine sample
What to expect in future visits
- You will likely see your practitioner every four weeks until the 28th week
- After the 28th week, it's likely he or she will ask to see you more often
Your doctor's philosophy
- This relationship with your doctor is going to play a key role in your life for the next nine months. At the first visit, you should get a feel for your doctor's point of view.
- How will he or she work with you
- How much say will you have over your birth plan?
- Where will the baby be delivered?
- Who's on call if your doctor is not there
- Who will take care of you and the baby in an emergency or crisis?
- What sort of classes does he or she suggest?
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