Your Doctor has a check list of things he will need to collect from you.
Here is a list to be prepared for your first prenatal visit.
You should also bring a list of any questions or concerns about your pregnancy to ask your doctor.
Pregnancy Symptoms- These include any nausea, light headedness, swelling of ankles, pains and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Estimated Date Of Delivery- Your doctor will want to know the start and end date of your last period to determine when your baby is due.
Pregnancy Test- You will be given a urine test to verify your pregnancy your doctor may also order a blood test to verify pregnancy.
Complete Physical Examination- This will include your general health such as heart, lungs, blood pressure, weight (pre-pregnancy and present), veins.
Your doctor will also examine your external genitalia, vagina, and cervix.
Complete History- Any chronic illness, previous major illness or surgery, known allergies, nutritional supplements, family history (genetic disorders, chronic diseases, unusual pregnancy outcomes), personal gynecological history, past births, miscarriages, abortions, or labor and deliveries, Social History (job, eating, smoking drinking), and your babies fathers information.
Series of tests- Some tests will be taken with the initial blood test to determine pregnancy and others may be taken later in the pregnancy.
Some of the test include a blood test to determine blood type, Rh status, hCG levels, and to check for anemia, Blood screen to determine antibody titer levels and immunity to diseases (such as Rubella), Pap smear to check for cervical cancer and STD's, Urinalysis to check for glucose, protein, bacteria, and white blood cells, Genetic test to check for disorders such as sickle-cell anemia and cystic fibrosis, and blood sugar.
The blood sugar test is usually given around 28 weeks unless you have a family history of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Your doctor can explain to you any concerns with your unique pregnancy.
If you have any questions about and symptoms, tests, or examinations feel free to ask your doctor.
Remember your doctor is there to guide you and help you through your pregnancy to make it as safe and comfortable as possible for you and your growing baby.