You asked

What happens at my first OB appointment?

Generally, your first visit to the obstetrician will happen sometime between eight and 12 weeks into your pregnancy.

During this first visit, your doctor will take blood, perform breast and pelvic exams, do a urine test, and give you a thorough physical. He or she will look for any specific causes for concern, and identify any other types of screening that you will want to have done – based on your age, your overall health, and any pre-existing conditions that you may have.

It’s also during this visit that your doctor will give you your estimated due date, however, at this stage, it’s likely to be a little less than accurate – it could be a few weeks out either way!

When you visit the OB for the first time, it’s also your opportunity to ask questions, so if there’s anything you want to know about pregnancy, future visits, birth and so on, be sure to ask!

At the end of your first OB visit, and based on your risk profile and health, your doctor will give you a schedule for future appointments.
Don't forget to look for baby names... Search now

More questions

Polyhydramnios is excessive amniotic fluid
 
Amniocentesis is a test which you can have between weeks 15 and 18 of your pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is extracted from your uterus and this fluid is tested for chromosomal abnormalities. Such tests will show...
 Ultrasounds have become the norm for all pregnant women but what exactly goes on?
A spot on your baby’s heart is an abnormal variant. Variants are simply variations in how a baby develops. Normal variants are very common and nothing to worry. Abnormal variants may not mean anything but...
You have several options when it comes to the type of care you would like to avail of for your pregnancy and the birth of your baby. Your choice will depend on your financial situation, your health insurance...
Although diagnostic testing can (very slightly) increase the risk of miscarriage, some parents decide to take the test for several reasons. There may be a specific reason why your baby could be at risk of being...
Blood tests are part of the norm when it comes to being pregnant with your first tests coinciding with your first doctors appointment around week 12. You will be asked to give blood to check: What your blood...
 Understanding the difference in scan types will help you understand if you want to book (and generally pay for) the 3D option. 
Radiation is potentially harmful to unborn babies, but the amount of radiation in one scan is usually not enough to do serious damage.
Your first OB visit is an exciting one, and also the one where your doctor first determines what risk factors, if any, are present in your pregnancy.

Latest

Trending