What happens at my first antenatal check?

You should schedule your first prenatal check in the first six to eight weeks of your pregnancy. This visit is important because all your medical and obstetric historical information will be put into your own personal file, your maternity records.

This information may have an impact on the type of care you receive so it is important that you answer your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife’s  questions to the best of your ability.

During that first visit, your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife will:

- Take a medical history, asking you about any medical conditions you or other family members may have, medications you may be taking, allergies and past hospitalizations, as well as any gynecological problems, sexually-transmitted diseases, and previous pregnancies or miscarriages. She’ll also ask if you smoke or drink alcohol, if you’ve been exposed to harmful toxins and whether you’re in an abusive relationship or under excessive stress.

- Calculate your due date, which is dated from the first day of your last period.

- Take a blood sample for various checks, including your blood type, Rh status, a range of sexually-transmitted diseases, exposure to diseases such as Rubella (German measles) and chickenpox, sickle cell anemia if you’re of African or Mediterranean descent, and cystic fibrosis.

– Check your blood pressure.

- Take a urine sample.

- Carry out a Pap smear to check for signs of cervical cancer.

- Carry out an internal exam and palpate your abdomen to feel how large your uterus is.

- Explain the various prenatal screening tests that are available to you (see which scans or tests show up abnormalities?). Bear in mind that screening tests aren’t compulsory – some couples choose not to have them if they know they definitely wouldn’t terminate a pregnancy because their baby had a problem. However, even if you do feel this way, a positive test result can at least help you prepare emotionally and practically for the fact there may be something wrong with your baby. It also means your caregivers will be ready to deal with any complications that might arise during your baby’s birth.

She’ll also chat to you about staying well during your pregnancy, advising you on nutrition, including what foods to avoid; exercise; and normal pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and any more serious symptoms that might mean you need medical attention.

During your second trimester (weeks 13-28) you’ll likely see your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife once a month unless you have a medical condition or complications in your pregnancy that mean you need to be seen more often. If this is your first pregnancy, you’ll probably find you look forward to these checkups as an update on your baby’s progress and the chance to get feedback on any issues that might be worrying you.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.