first pregnancy doctor visit questions

32 MUST ASK Questions for Doctor During Your First Prenatal Visit

It’s time to head to your FIRST doctor’s appointment for your pregnancy. This is usually filled with excitement and a little bit of uncertainty. Having a list of the most important questions to ask your doctor during your first prenatal visit, will ensure that you leave feeling prepared for this pregnancy!

Being a first-time mom, I had NO idea what to expect during pregnancy. I had a lot of questions and my midwife was more than happy to answer all of them.

I want you to know that it is normal to be curious about what to expect. If your provider isn’t willing to listen, you may want to think about switching to another doctor. This first appointment is a good time to get to know who will be caring for you and if you are both on the same page.

Having a provider who is on your side and supports you in the birth you are wanting, will help you to have a positive experience … even if not everything goes to plan!

32 of the Most Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Your First Prenatal Visit

Like I said earlier, I had a LOT of questions. I found that bring a notebook helped me to leave feeling good about my appointment. Next time, I’ll start a journal as soon as I get a positive pregnancy test because it feels like FOREVER before your 8 week appointment.

I’m going to share the MOST Important Questions to ask your Doctor at your First Prenatal Visit from my experience as a first time mom. I hope this helps you!

Basic Questions To Ask

Questions about Food + Vitamins

Questions About Medications

Questions about symptoms + emergencies, questions about lifestyle, evaluate your provider.

I know how overwhelming it is to walk into your first prenatal appointment, especially if this is your first child. You have no idea what to expect and need some clarity on certain things. This appointment is really to see how your baby is doing and to talk about you and your spouse’s family history.

Your doctor will be asking you a lot of questions and will probably answer a lot of your without even asking. That’s why I wrote my top 10 questions for my midwife, to ensure that I didn’t forget the most important things. Here are the 10 basic questions you should ask your provider at your appointment.

1. What Foods SHOULD/SHOULDN’T I be eating?

Most doctors will give you a list! But be sure that you ask about anything specific to your diet.

Check out my FAVORITE foods for the First Trimester

2. How much weight should I gain?

I want to encourage you to not worry about your weight. My midwife never once questioned my weight and even encouraged me not to worry about it. But, knowing how much they would like you to gain just gives you an idea of who you are doing.

3. What should exercise look like for me?

My doctor recommended a light workout a couple of days a week, but she encouraged me just to walk! I actually had to purchase a belly support band, which helped me to continue walking up until birth.

Here are some awesome workout for the First Trimester

4. How often do I come in for appointments?

For a low-risk birth, you will probably be every 4 weeks until the third trimester. I was unclear what the last trimester looked like and wished that I had gone a little more frequently. I went into labor at 36 weeks and feel like maybe they could have caught something if I was going every 2 weeks.

5. How many ultrasounds do I have? And at what weeks?

My doctor did 3 ultrasounds. (9 weeks, 12 weeks, and 20 weeks) It gave me peace of mind knowing what to expect and when.

6. When can I find out the gender?

This is everyone’s favorite question if they are finding out the gender! Most doctors and midwives do this at 20 weeks, but some do offer it sooner!

If you are really impatient to find out, SneakPeek offers Early DNA Testing – which I did at 9 Weeks!

It’s never too early to start planning your Gender Reveal, here are some unique ideas!

7. What are some normal pregnancy symptoms and what should I call you about?

I didn’t even have to ask for this, but my midwife went through random and weird pregnancy symptoms that were normal. She also gave me a few that were important for me to call her about.

8. What number should I call for basic questions?

My midwife’s office had a nurse’s line I could call for basic questions. She also offered to answer anything on the online portal. I typically did this because I wanted to hear her thoughts, not the on-call nurse.

9. Where do I go + who do I call in an Emergency?

Obviously, we don’t want to think about the unexpected, but having the resources in case of an emergency will put your mind at ease. Your doctor should give you a list of numbers you can call along with facilities if need be.

10. Who will deliver my baby?

I didn’t realize HOW IMPORTANT this question was until after I gave birth. My midwife was there from my first appointment through delivering my daughter. If this is important to you, be sure to ask!

Like I said earlier, these are the questions I felt were the most important to ask my doctor at the first prenatal visit. But, there are obviously a lot more that come up. I’m going to give you a complete list of questions with everything from prenatal vitamins to symptoms.

You don’t necessarily need to write all these down. Most of them will be answered at your appointment, but if you feel like one really jumps out and feels important to you…. Definitely add it to your list!

Questions about Food + Vitamins

Staying healthy throughout your pregnancy is really important for you and your baby! Make sure you ask lots of questions about what you can and can not have. This will not only help you to maintain a healthy weight but will also support your birth. (I truly believe this is one of the reasons I was able to have a natural birth )

What vitamins should I be taking?
Are there any supplements I should add to my diet?
Can I have ….. (food you are curious about)?
How much water should I be drinking?
What can I drink instead of water?
How much caffeine can I have?

Be sure to bring all the medications that you take regularly to this appointment. Your OB/Midwife may want to take a look at them to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.

Should I continue to take the medications I’m currently on?
Are there any medications I need to stop immediately?
What over-the-counter medications are okay to take?

There is nothing worse than going to an appointment not asking about a symptom that is concerning you. I was too scared to ask about a few symptoms that felt silly at the time, but after I left I felt unsettled so I called my midwife. Do yourself a favor and ask if your symptoms are normal!

Is this (symptom) normal?
Do I have any increased risks for complications or conditions?
Do you have any recommendations for (nausea, constipation, etc.)?
What should I do if I have spotting?
What if I feel cramping?

If I’m being completely honest, I was scared to have sex during the first trimester. I was completely embarrassed to ask my OB if it was okay and totally wished I did. Here are some important questions about your lifestyle that you can ask your doctor, so you can enjoy your pregnancy!

Is it okay to continue having sex?
What do I need to know about traveling while pregnant?
When should I STOP traveling?
Can I color my hair? Get my nails done? Get a message?
What position should I be sleeping in?
How long can I continue working during pregnancy?
How do you feel about (Natural Birth, Medicated Birth, C-section)?
What are your thoughts on (Breastfeeding/Formula)

This first prenatal appointment is the perfect time to get to know your provider and see if they are the right fit for you. It’s SO much easier to switch doctors after this first appointment rather than later in pregnancy.

If you have any make or break questions be sure to ask them now so that you don’t waste you or your provider’s time. Welcoming a baby into this world is a big deal and you want someone who will support you the entire way!

(Check out my blog post on How to Choose a Provider for Your Pregnancy)

In Conclusion….

From the moment you find out you are pregnant, you will start thinking of a million questions. It’s important to really focus on the ones that matter for right now and not get overwhelmed with all the possible questions you could ask.

This first prenatal appointment is your provider to get to know you, your history, and to check in on baby! Don’t get carried away with concerns that won’t matter until later in your pregnancy. Use this appointment to get to know your provider, if you feel at all uncomfortable, it is easier to change now than later in your pregnancy! Best of luck… and congratulations mama!

Below is a Pinterest friendly photo… so you don’t lose this post!

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Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits

Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. During the first trimester, prenatal care includes blood tests, a physical exam, conversations about lifestyle and more.

Prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you choose a family physician, obstetrician, midwife or group prenatal care, here's what to expect during the first few prenatal appointments.

The 1st visit

When you find out you're pregnant, make your first prenatal appointment. Set aside time for the first visit to go over your medical history and talk about any risk factors for pregnancy problems that you may have.

Medical history

Your health care provider might ask about:

Your menstrual cycle, gynecological history and any past pregnancies
Your personal and family medical history
Exposure to anything that could be toxic
Medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements
Your lifestyle, including your use of tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and recreational drugs
Travel to areas where malaria, tuberculosis, Zika virus, mpox — also called monkeypox — or other infectious diseases are common

Share information about sensitive issues, such as domestic abuse or past drug use, too. This will help your health care provider take the best care of you — and your baby.

Your due date is not a prediction of when you will have your baby. It's simply the date that you will be 40 weeks pregnant. Few people give birth on their due dates. Still, establishing your due date — or estimated date of delivery — is important. It allows your health care provider to monitor your baby's growth and the progress of your pregnancy. Your due date also helps with scheduling tests and procedures, so they are done at the right time.

To estimate your due date, your health care provider will use the date your last period started, add seven days and count back three months. The due date will be about 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. Your health care provider can use a fetal ultrasound to help confirm the date. Typically, if the due date calculated with your last period and the due date calculated with an early ultrasound differ by more than seven days, the ultrasound is used to set the due date.

Physical exam

To find out how much weight you need to gain for a healthy pregnancy, your health care provider will measure your weight and height and calculate your body mass index.

Your health care provider might do a physical exam, including a breast exam and a pelvic exam. You might need a Pap test, depending on how long it's been since your last Pap test. Depending on your situation, you may need exams of your heart, lungs and thyroid.

At your first prenatal visit, blood tests might be done to:

Check your blood type. This includes your Rh status. Rh factor is an inherited trait that refers to a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Your pregnancy might need special care if you're Rh negative and your baby's father is Rh positive.
Measure your hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells that allows the cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide from other parts of your body to your lungs so that it can be exhaled. Low hemoglobin or a low level of red blood cells is a sign of anemia. Anemia can make you feel very tired, and it may affect your pregnancy.
Check immunity to certain infections. This typically includes rubella and chickenpox (varicella) — unless proof of vaccination or natural immunity is documented in your medical history.
Detect exposure to other infections. Your health care provider will suggest blood tests to detect infections such as hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV , the virus that causes AIDS . A urine sample might also be tested for signs of a bladder or urinary tract infection.

Tests for fetal concerns

Prenatal tests can provide valuable information about your baby's health. Your health care provider will typically offer a variety of prenatal genetic screening tests. They may include ultrasound or blood tests to check for certain fetal genetic problems, such as Down syndrome.

Lifestyle issues

Your health care provider might discuss the importance of nutrition and prenatal vitamins. Ask about exercise, sex, dental care, vaccinations and travel during pregnancy, as well as other lifestyle issues. You might also talk about your work environment and the use of medications during pregnancy. If you smoke, ask your health care provider for suggestions to help you quit.

Discomforts of pregnancy

You might notice changes in your body early in your pregnancy. Your breasts might be tender and swollen. Nausea with or without vomiting (morning sickness) is also common. Talk to your health care provider if your morning sickness is severe.

Other 1st trimester visits

Your next prenatal visits — often scheduled about every four weeks during the first trimester — might be shorter than the first. Near the end of the first trimester — by about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy — you might be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a small device, called a Doppler, that bounces sound waves off your baby's heart. Your health care provider may offer a first trimester ultrasound, too.

Your prenatal appointments are an ideal time to discuss questions you have. During your first visit, find out how to reach your health care team between appointments in case concerns come up. Knowing help is available can offer peace of mind.

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Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Initial assessment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Prenatal care and tests. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Cunningham FG, et al., eds. Prenatal care. In: Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Second and third trimesters. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.
WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/anc-positive-pregnancy-experience/en/. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Bastian LA, et al. Clinical manifestations and early diagnosis of pregnancy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.

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Your First Prenatal Visit

If you did not meet with your health care provider before you were pregnant, your first prenatal visit will generally be around 8 weeks after your LMP (last menstrual period ). If this applies to you, you should schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you know you are pregnant!

Even if you are not a first-time mother, prenatal visits are still important since every pregnancy is different. This initial visit will probably be one of the longest. It will be helpful if you arrive prepared with vital dates and information. This is also a good opportunity to bring a list of questions that you and your partner have about your pregnancy, prenatal care, and birth options.

What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Appointment

Your doctor will ask for your medical history, including:.

Medical and/or psychosocial problems
Blood pressure, height, and weight
Breast and cervical exam
Date of your last menstrual period (an accurate LMP is helpful when determining gestational age and due date)
Birth control methods
History of abortions and/or miscarriages
Hospitalizations
Medications you are taking
Medication allergies
Your family’s medical history

Your healthcare provider will also perform a physical exam which will include a pap smear , cervical cultures, and possibly an ultrasound if there is a question about how far along you are or if you are experiencing any bleeding or cramping .

Blood will be drawn and several laboratory tests will also be done, including:

Hemoglobin/ hematocrit
Rh Factor and blood type (if Rh negative, rescreen at 26-28 weeks)
Rubella screen
Varicella or history of chickenpox, rubella, and hepatitis vaccine
Cystic Fibrosis screen
Hepatitis B surface antigen
Tay Sach’s screen
Sickle Cell prep screen
Hemoglobin levels
Hematocrit levels
Specific tests depending on the patient, such as testing for tuberculosis and Hepatitis C

Your healthcare provider will probably want to discuss:

Recommendations concerning dental care , cats, raw meat, fish, and gardening
Fevers and medications
Environmental hazards
Travel limitations
Miscarriage precautions
Prenatal vitamins , supplements, herbs
Diet , exercise , nutrition , weight gain
Physician/ midwife rotation in the office

Possible questions to ask your provider during your prenatal appointment:

Is there a nurse line that I can call if I have questions?
If I experience bleeding or cramping, do I call you or your nurse?
What do you consider an emergency?
Will I need to change my habits regarding sex, exercise, nutrition?
When will my next prenatal visit be scheduled?
What type of testing do you recommend and when are they to be done? (In case you want to do research the tests to decide if you want them or not.)

If you have not yet discussed labor and delivery issues with your doctor, this is a good time. This helps reduce the chance of surprises when labor arrives. Some questions to ask include:

What are your thoughts about natural childbirth ?
What situations would warrant a Cesarean ?
What situations would warrant an episiotomy ?
How long past my expected due date will I be allowed to go before intervening?
What is your policy on labor induction?

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Questions about your body and your health, questions about your doctor & delivery.

Early pregnancy often feels very abstract—all you have to show for it are two pink lines on a stick . Once you call your doctor’s office to tell them you’re pregnant (the receptionist is probably the first person you’ll tell besides your partner), they probably won’t have you come in until you’re somewhere between seven and ten weeks along. This is to ensure your appointment is far enough along to hear a heartbeat, but it also means you’ll have a lot of time to prep for that exciting and nerve-wracking first prenatal appointment, where it all starts to feel a little more real.

So how do you prepare for your first prenatal appointment? There’s not a ton you need to do, but there are a few things that will help ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. First, think about when your last period started—your pregnancy begins on the first day of your last period (so for the first two-ish weeks of your official pregnancy, you actually aren’t pregnant—weird).

You’ll also want to inventory any medications or supplements you take and think about anything from your medical history that may not be clearly outlined in your chart. For example, maybe your mom gave birth prematurely, you have irregular periods, or you’ve had a previous chemical pregnancy. But most of all, you’ll want to prep some questions to ask at your first prenatal visit. While your mind is spinning with excitement and your growing to-do list, we’re here to help you check off that last box.

You don’t need to ask all of these questions at your first appointment—you can pick and choose which are most relevant to you and decide what you need to know now versus what can wait for your next appointment. But it’s good to look over all of them, so you can be prepared to get answers, especially for things that are non-negotiables for you. For example, if you’re hoping for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and your doctor or hospital is hesitant to do them, it’s probably time to look for a new provider. And the earlier you can do that, the better.

Read on for a comprehensive look at the questions you may want to consider asking at your first prenatal appointment, whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth.

How should I think about my exercise routine during my pregnancy?

If your doctor so far has been Google, you will know that there are conflicting takes about basically every type of exercise and pregnancy . ( No hot yoga during pregnancy! But do all the exercise you normally do! ). So, it’s helpful to get a medical professional’s insight on how much you should be exercising and how your routine should or shouldn’t change.

What should I know about sex during pregnancy?

Your doctor’s advice may change by trimester, but it’s good to start having the conversation early. They’ll probably tell you anything goes (as long as you’re comfortable), but in cases where there’s a history of certain conditions like placental issues or pre-term labor, your doctor may want you to exercise caution or abstain (sorry!).

Based on my medical history, does it appear that I’m at risk for any complications?

It’s better to have all the information you need upfront, right? For example, certain things like having frequent migraines, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome may put you at an increased risk of preeclampsia 1 . Your doctor will be able to give you the broad strokes during this first visit of what you should and—even more importantly—shouldn’t worry about based on your history.

How long can I travel? And can I go on an international trip?

I had to reschedule a trip to Mexico when I was pregnant with my son because my doctor felt it was planned for a time that was too late in my pregnancy. I’m very glad I asked at that first appointment and had plenty of time to make changes.

What symptoms are not considered normal and warrant an immediate call to your office?

Many women (myself included) will have the urge to call their doctor over every little cramp and twinge. While you should feel empowered to ask your doctor anything and everything, there are some pregnancy symptoms they will definitely want you to contact them about, like bleeding or pain. They can also give you guidelines on the things you might experience that could cause you concern, especially if this is your first, but that are perfectly normal during pregnancy.

What medicine can I take?

You may be surprised by which medications are pregnancy-safe and which are not. You can (and probably should) Google before you take any medication, but the internet can be a confusing place, so it’s good to have a doctor’s sign-off, especially on any regular meds you take.

What foods do I really need to avoid? What is okay in moderation?

If you’re like me, you’ll have lots of questions like, “I know sushi is generally a ‘no,’ but what if it’s from a high-quality restaurant? And do I really need to give up Brie?” Your doctor will be able to give you guidelines on the foods that could put you and your baby at risk of listeria or toxoplasmosis (aka definitely don’t eat), and the ones that are on the avoid list, but that, if they do make you sick, will be no worse for you than it would be if you weren’t pregnant.

What beauty products should I steer clear of?

Sorry, but your retinol will probably have to take a backseat. Your doctor will explain any skincare ingredients to avoid and sneaky places they may be hiding.

Can I clean a litter box? Garden? Dye my hair?

There are a variety of activities that everyone talks about avoiding during pregnancy. Take a look at your normal habits and ask your doctor about anything that you’re concerned about. They can give you guidelines on what you do and don’t need to change.

What is your stance on the occasional drink?

If you survey your parent friends, you’ll probably find that some completely avoided alcohol for all 40 weeks, while others had an occasional beer or glass of wine later in pregnancy. (French women, yada yada). Depending on how by the book your doctor is, they may give you the ACOG answer 2 (there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy) or something a little more nuanced about how it’s impossible to study alcohol and pregnancy, so they don’t know for sure. Either way, it’s a good idea to get their opinion before you make the decision that’s right for you.

What are weight gain expectations for this pregnancy? Does it change if I didn’t shed all the weight from the first pregnancy?

Your doctor will be able to address all your questions about weight and pregnancy, including any complications associated with gaining too little or too much. The first appointment is a good time to set expectations for future conversations about weight, whether it’s not wanting to know the number on the scale (something I’m really glad I asked for) or opting out of weight checks altogether.

What can I do for constipation and hemorrhoids?

Just trust me, you’re going to want to know.

What do you recommend I do to prepare for birth?

Sure, this is your first appointment, but it’s never too early to start getting ready for the big day. Your doctor may recommend specific books, exercises, Instagram accounts they like, or even a doula or birth class. It’s a good idea to start figuring out your options early so that you have plenty of time to do the birth-prep exercises or start interviewing doulas.

What is the best way for me to contact you with non-urgent questions?

You’re going to have a lot of questions, and not all of them need to be answered right away. Does your doctor like to be messaged through the patient portal? Would they prefer you leave a message with the receptionist? How long should you expect to wait to get an answer? And what should you do for urgent questions?

Does your doctor have any travel planned?

Now’s the time to find out if your doctor has an African safari planned around your due date. If they do have vacation or extended time off on the calendar during your pregnancy, it’s important to know who you’ll see instead and what the practice’s plans are for coverage.

Who will deliver my baby if you are not on call?

So much of having a good birth experience is feeling comfortable with your team. For that reason, it can be nice to get to know the other doctors in the practice who could potentially deliver your baby or at least familiarize yourself with who it could be.

How much past 40 weeks will you allow me to go?

Doctors have many different stances on how long past 40 weeks they’ll allow patients to go, so this question is important to ask. Some research shows 3 that inducing after 41 weeks lowers the risk of stillbirth and other complications, like meconium aspiration (when babies breathe in their waste). Some will insist on inducing earlier than 41 weeks, and some may let you go up to 42 weeks. It’s good to know their policy regardless, but if you have a specific preference, you will want to make sure your doctor’s policies are in alignment.

What is your policy on _______?

Pick and choose the questions on policies that are meaningful for you here. Some doctors, for example, are not trained on instrument-assisted deliveries, so in the event that you would need one (if you fatigue from pushing or the baby is in distress), you’d instead have an emergency C-section. (I did not think to ask this question myself, but I will if I have future pregnancies, as my son was born assisted by vacuum when his heart rate began to drop). Some situations to consider asking about:

Scheduled c-sections

Pain management

Episiotomies

Intermittent vs continuous monitoring

Instrument-assisted deliveries (forceps or vacuum)

VBACs (This will only be relevant to you if you’ve previously had one or more caesareans and are hoping for a vaginal delivery)

What is the cadence of my appointments?

Your ob-gyn practice may set up all your appointments, or at least all of them through 20 weeks, at that very first prenatal appointment. Generally, you’ll go monthly up until about 28 weeks, then every other week until 36 weeks when you begin weekly appointments. But this is a good time to let the office know if a certain day or time doesn’t work for you and how they handle scheduling.

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Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

National Institutes of Health . " Who is at risk of preeclampsia? " , https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preeclampsia/conditioninfo/risk#:~:text=Preeclampsia%20is%20also%20more%20common,diabetes%2C%20and%20sickle%20cell%20disease. .

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists . " Alcohol and Pregnancy " , https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/alcohol-and-pregnancy .

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care . " Pregnancy and birth: When does labor need to be induced? " , Sep 24, 2008 , https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279570/#:~:text=In%20other%20words%3A%20The%20research,aspiration%20(breathing%20in%20meconium). .

Grace Gallagher, MFA, Hunter College

Grace Gallagher is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. Her work focuses on parenting, health, and beauty and has appeared in Parents, Romper, Pregnancy & Newborn, Shape, InStyle, and more.

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What to Expect at the First Prenatal Visit

You got a positive pregnancy test —congratulations are in order! Now it’s time to plan your first prenatal visit. You might be feeling nervous (or is that morning sickness already?!), and you probably have lots of questions, but not to worry—your provider will be there every step of the way. In the meantime, you might want to brush up on what to expect at your first pregnancy appointment. Ready for answers? We’ve consulted with ob-gyns on all the important info.

When Should You Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit?

After you get that positive test, you can take a day or two to soak in the news and celebrate, but it’s a good idea to book that first prenatal visit with your chosen ob-gyn or midwife pretty soon after. (If you haven’t picked a provider yet , you’ll want to get on that ASAP!)

Andrea Braden , MD, IBCLC, an ob-gyn and founder of the lactation company Lybbie , advises to “be on the safe side and give the office a call as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.”

When Will Your First Prenatal Visit Happen?

It’s ideal to schedule your first prenatal visit for when you’re around 7 to 8 weeks pregnant, says Braden. Doctors recommend this timing because that’s when an ultrasound can likely detect baby’s heartbeat . (The earliest a fetal heartbeat can be detected is around week 6, according to Cleveland Clinic .)

If you’ve had complications in an earlier pregnancy, you may want to go in earlier than 7 to 8 weeks. “Sometimes we want to watch these early pregnancies closer because with a history of complications, you have an increased risk of having complications in a subsequent pregnancy,” notes Braden.

On the other hand, if you miss the 7-to-8-week mark, Braden says the goal would be to get you in before 12 weeks, when the first trimester ends. “After that point, just get in as soon as you can because there will be some catching up to do!” she adds.

How Can You Prepare for Your First Pregnancy Appointment?

Want a handy checklist for your first prenatal appointment? Here’s what you need to prepare, according to the experts.

The date of your last menstrual period (LMP). During your first pregnancy appointment, your ob-gyn will compare the LMP to an ultrasound to determine your due date , says Braden. “If the last period was irregular or unpredictable, sometimes you need to know the first day of the period before that one,” she adds.
Your medications and medical history. Gather a list of medications and dosages to bring to your provider to discuss their safety during pregnancy, advises Michael Platt-Faulkner , DO, an ob-gyn at St. Elizabeth Physicians in Northern Kentucky. “Writing down any significant personal medical or surgical history and family history of genetic diseases is also helpful information for your visit,” he adds.
Your pharmacy information. Your doc might prescribe prenatal vitamins or other medications, depending on your medical history, so make sure you have a convenient pharmacy in mind.
Any questions about symptoms or other concerns. Those first-trimester symptoms—nausea, fatigue, peeing all the time—can cause anxiety. Plus, figuring out what to eat (and not to eat) and questions like “ Can I have coffee while pregnant? ” can be confusing. Platt-Faulker suggests writing all your questions and concerns down for your provider, so you don’t forget them in the heat of the moment.
Somewhere to track the rest of your pregnancy appointments. “There will be a lot of information coming at you,” says Braden. “You want to have a place to write down future appointments and take any notes.”

What Happens at Your First Prenatal Visit?

What happens at your first prenatal visit can vary widely depending on your state and the type of practice you’re visiting, says Braden. In some practices, you get both an ultrasound and a consultation during your first pregnancy appointment, while other providers’ offices split up these to-dos.

Here’s generally what to expect at your first prenatal appointment.

Your provider may perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, help determine your due date, check baby’s heart rate and check for any complications, according to Cleveland Clinic . “Oftentimes, an early-pregnancy ultrasound may use a vaginal probe and can be mildly uncomfortable—which can be helpful to know in order to be best prepared for your visit,” says Platt-Faulkner. By about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, your provider will be able to hear baby’s heartbeat with a small device called a Doppler ultrasound, according to Mayo Clinic .

Medical history

“Your provider will review your pregnancy, medical and surgical histories in detail,” says Platt-Faulkner. “Your ob-gyn will [also] review how any medical diagnoses, pregnancy complications or surgical history may affect your pregnancy.” Your provider will also take a look at your medication list and discuss any pregnancy-related safety concerns with the medications you’re taking. Omoikhefe Akhigbe , MD, an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in Maryland, adds that your provider may also discuss whether there are any specialty doctors you should start seeing or continue to see.

Lifestyle discussion

Your provider will discuss the lifestyle choices you plan to make during pregnancy. (Remember that, for starters, that means no smoking or alcohol .) “You’ll learn about foods that are safe to eat in pregnancy and the way to keep yourself healthy,” says Braden. “They will answer questions about exercise, diet, nutrition, rest, common symptoms and how to treat them and what to do if you do have discomfort in pregnancy.”

Genetic testing

At your first pregnancy appointment, your provider might perform or discuss future genetic testing. “There are genetic tests that are time-sensitive and can be done as early as 10 weeks,” says Braden. “There are some that are done with an ultrasound around 12 or 13 weeks pregnant, and some that are done in the second trimester. Depending on your history and what you desire, that’ll likely be brought up.” There are some specific tests your provider may offer based on your age or family history too, she adds.

Blood testing

You’ll likely get blood drawn during your first prenatal visit. You’ll be tested for a variety of conditions, including anemia, hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV, as well as for your blood type and Rh factor .

Urine testing

For starters, your provider might test a urine sample to confirm your pregnancy, as well as to test kidney function and screen for the presence of protein, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic .

Physical exam

You can expect a full physical exam at your first prenatal visit, which may include a pelvic examination and a breast exam. “If you’re due for a pap smear and you’re over 21 years of age, then you can expect that you’ll have a pap smear screening test done for cervical cancer along with an HPV test if indicated,” says Braden. “Typically, we also test for sexually transmitted infections at the time of the first prenatal visit.”

Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit

You’re likely full of questions—and that’s completely normal! Make sure to write them down—and bring this list to your first prenatal appointment in case you feel like you’re forgetting something.

Questions about symptoms. Of course, you should bring any questions about symptoms to your appointment. Akhigbe says it’s also important to ask “when and where to call for an urgent question, what constitutes an emergency, what is an urgent question and what is a routine question that could probably wait for normal business hours.”
Questions about testing. Which tests will you need during pregnancy? What will your insurance pay for? “Ask about common resources to use and where you can find the evidence-based information about your pregnancy and guidelines and information about tests,” advises Braden. A lot of people also want to know when they’ll find out baby’s sex , she adds. (Spoiler alert: With non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) , you can find out as early as 10 weeks.)
Questions about your ultrasound plan. How many ultrasounds will you get? “Sometimes it depends on insurance, sometimes it depends on your medical history and sometimes it depends on your provider. Do they do them in-house or at a different center?” says Braden.
Questions about lifestyle choices. Your doctor will review information about how to eat a healthy pregnancy diet with you, but if you have any specific concerns—such as about drinking alcohol or eating sushi—be sure to let them know.
Questions about logistics. You’ve got a long journey ahead of you! Your provider will likely “review their practice structure, visit schedule and confirm the hospital where you’ll deliver,” says Platt-Faulkner. But if they’ve missed anything, Akhigbe recommends asking follow-up logistical questions, like how many providers you’ll see and which doctor is most likely to deliver baby. (Remember, there are no guarantees!)

There’s a lot of information to take in at your first prenatal visit. It might seem overwhelming, so make sure to bring questions, take notes and do whatever else you need to feel comfortable. Bringing your partner or a good friend along for the ride can help ease some nerves too. “If you have a support person that will be going along this journey with you, it’s always great to bring them to this visit if that’s allowed,” says Braden.

While it might feel like a lot to take in, know that your provider is there to make sure you and baby are healthy during your first prenatal visit and throughout your whole pregnancy—and that you’re making a wonderful first step in your pregnancy journey.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

15 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Checklist: Your First Trimester To-Dos

When Do You Start Showing in Pregnancy?

Omoikhefe Akhigbe , MD, is an ob-gyn and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Maryland. She earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee.

Andrea Braden , MD, IBCLC, is an ob-gyn, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of the lactation company Lybbie . She earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama School of Medicine.

Michael Platt-Faulkner , DO, is an ob-gyn at St. Elizabeth Physicians in Northern Kentucky. He earned his medical degree from the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University.

Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development , March 2023

Cleveland Clinic, Ultrasound in Pregnancy , September 2022

Mayo Clinic, Prenatal Care: 1st Trimester Visits , August 2022

Nemours KidsHealth, Prenatal Tests: First Trimester , July 2022

Cleveland Clinic, NIPT Test , October 2022

Cleveland Clinic, Your First Prenatal Appointment: What to Expect , December 2022

Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process .

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What to expect at your first prenatal appointment

Your kickoff prenatal visit sets the stage for the rest of your pregnancy. Here's what to expect at this information-packed first appointment and how you can prepare.

When to schedule your first prenatal visit

When will your first appointment be, what happens at the first prenatal visit, how to prepare for your first prenatal appointment, what questions to ask at the first prenatal visit.

As soon as you get a positive result on a home pregnancy test , book an appointment with an obstetrician, family physician, or midwife . Depending on the practice, it's normal for another provider in the office, like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, to handle your first visit.

If you haven't yet chosen a healthcare provider for your pregnancy, that's okay. It's still important to see someone now to start your prenatal care. You can always switch to another provider later.

Many healthcare providers will schedule your first visit for when you're about 8 weeks pregnant . Some will see you sooner, particularly if you have an existing health condition, had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having new or severe symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain .

If you're taking any medications or think you may have been exposed to a hazardous substance, let your provider know as soon as possible.

The first visit will probably be the longest of your prenatal appointments (unless you have complications with your pregnancy along the way). At this and all future visits, don't be afraid to raise any questions or concerns you've been wondering about – it helps to keep a running list between appointments.

Here's what your provider will likely do during your first prenatal visit.

Take your health history. Your provider will ask questions about your gynecological health, personal medical history, and lifestyle habits. Topics commonly covered include:

Whether your menstrual cycles are regular and how long they tend to last
The first day of your last period (to determine your due date )
Symptoms or problems you've noticed since your last period, whether they're related to pregnancy or not
Current or past gynecological conditions, including sexually transmitted infections
Details about previous pregnancies
Current or past diseases and conditions
Past surgeries or hospitalizations
Mental health difficulties and diagnoses
Whether you are being or have been abused , or have another situation that could affect your safety or emotional well-being
Smoking, drinking, and drug use
Medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbal drugs you take
Drug allergies

Your healthcare provider will also ask about your family medical history. Many genetic issues and birth defects are at least partly hereditary, so learning about your family history helps your medical team keep an eye out for potential issues. Let your provider know whether a relative in your or your partner's family has a chromosomal or genetic disorder, had developmental delays, or was born with a structural birth defect.

It's also important to mention any potential exposure to toxins, especially if you live or work near toxic materials.

Check you out and run some tests. You can expect a number of standard exams and tests at your first prenatal visit. Some healthcare providers will do an ultrasound , but if you don't have any medical problems or concerns, it may not be part of the routine. Here's what's typical:

A thorough physical exam
A pelvic exam, including a Pap smear (unless you've had one recently) to check for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea or abnormal cells that could indicate cervical cancer
A urine sample to test for urinary tract infections and other conditions

Your provider will also order blood tests to:

Identify your blood type and Rh status
Look for anemia
Check for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and, in certain cases, hepatitis C
Determine immunity to rubella (German measles) and chickenpox

Discuss any high-risk pregnancy concerns. Many people are considered to have high-risk pregnancies , meaning there's a higher-than-average chance of health issues during pregnancy, labor, and birth. High-risk groups include those who:

Become pregnant for the first time at age 35 or older
Become pregnant for the first time before age 18
Have certain medical issues that develop during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes
Have certain preexisting health problems, such as high blood pressure , thyroid disease , or type 1 or type 2 diabetes

High-risk pregnancies need extra care. While many potential complications are treatable or temporary, some can be dangerous to both you and your baby. Your provider will talk through the risks at your first visit and throughout your pregnancy – and don't be afraid to ask questions at any point.

Explain your options for prenatal genetic testing. Your provider will offer you various prenatal screenings that can give you information about your baby's risk for birth defects and chromosomal conditions. These tests include:

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) , also called cell-free fetal DNA testing. Performed at 9 weeks or later, it's used to examine the little bits of your baby's DNA present in your blood.
A first trimester screen, also called a first-trimester combined test. Typically done between weeks 11 and 13, it consists of a blood test and a type of ultrasound called a nuchal translucency .
A carrier screening if you haven't had one already. It's a simple blood or saliva test done to see whether your baby is at risk for any of 100 genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Finally, if you're high-risk, there are invasive genetic diagnostic tests that can tell you for sure whether your baby has Down syndrome or certain other conditions. These tests include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) , generally performed at 10 to 13 weeks, and amniocentesis , usually done at 16 to 20 weeks.

CVS and amniocentesis are invasive and may carry a small risk of miscarriage , so women who choose to have these procedures are usually those with a higher risk for genetic and chromosomal problems. Some moms-to-be choose to wait for the results of screening tests before deciding whether to have one of these diagnostic tests.

For more information, your provider can refer you to a genetic counselor .

Give you advice and let you know what's ahead. Your healthcare provider will give you information about eating well , foods to avoid , healthy weight gain , and prenatal vitamins . They'll also give you a heads-up about the common discomforts of early pregnancy and let you know which pregnancy symptoms require immediate attention .

Your emotional health is very important. Your provider may screen you for signs of depression during pregnancy . But don't wait to be asked. If you're feeling depressed or anxious, let your provider know so they can refer you to someone who can help.

The dangers of smoking , drinking alcohol, using drugs, and taking certain medications will be a topic of discussion, as well. If you need help quitting smoking or any other substance, your provider can recommend a program or counselor.

Other topics include the do's and don'ts of exercise , travel , and sex during pregnancy ; environmental and occupational hazards that can affect your baby; and how to avoid certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis . Your provider will also discuss recommended vaccinations , like the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine .

To help your visit go as smoothly as possible, try taking the following steps.

Review your medical history. Brush up on your health status so you can better answer questions. This includes information about your:

Overall physical and mental health
Current and past diseases, conditions and other health issues
Current medications, including prescriptions, supplements, vitamins and herbal supplements and teas
Fertility and pregnancy history
Family medical history
Partner's medical history

If possible, bring documentation along, such as immunization records or a list of your medications. You may even want to bring a baggie containing the medications themselves.

Take your partner, a family member, or friend. Another person can write down notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support during this information-dense first visit.

Get there on time or a little early. This can be helpful for filling out forms and reviewing your insurance. Make sure to bring your insurance information and cash or a credit card for any necessary co-pays.

Just as your provider will ask you questions at your first prenatal visit, it's a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions for your provider. Ask anything – and don't be shy. Again, try to keep a running list in the weeks before the appointment, so nothing important slips your mind.

Here are some questions to consider if your provider doesn't bring up the topic first.

How much weight gain is healthy for me? The first prenatal visit is a great opportunity to learn about how your body will change. It's also a good time to ask about nutrition, including which foods to prioritize in your diet.
What are the foods I should avoid ? Raw fish and unpasteurized cheeses are long-established no-no's for pregnant people, but ask your provider for a full list of what to skip, since the accepted wisdom has changed over the years. Ask about caffeine and alcohol, too. Coffee is typically alright in limited doses, but no amount of alcohol is considered safe when you're having a baby.
Are prenatal supplements a good choice? Your provider will likely recommend a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid and iron, both of which are needed more during pregnancy.
Can I exercise? What about sex? With some exceptions, both are usually okay when you're pregnant. They're important to discuss, however, since certain conditions may complicate matters.
Is it safe to keep working? If you have a physically or emotionally demanding job , you may want to ask how you can ease the effects on your body and mind.
Is travel okay? While planes, trains, and automobiles are typically safe well into pregnancy, people with particular complications may need to limit or avoid traveling.
Which medications are safe to take? Ask about your current prescriptions, herbal products, teas, supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs you may use, such as pain relievers and cold medicines. Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are not recommended, for example.
What are common symptoms of pregnancy? Your provider can tell you what to expect and how to cope. Remember to ask what symptoms are uncommon, too, and what red flags to watch for.
What should I do in an emergency? Find out who to contact and where to go if you begin to experience new, unusual, severe, or long-lasting symptoms.
Who will treat me over the course of my pregnancy? If your provider is part of a group practice, you may see other members of the group during appointments. They may even deliver your baby.
Do you recommend taking prenatal classes? Whether they're in a hospital, at a university, online, or somewhere else, prenatal classes can be invaluable learning experiences for parents-to-be. On top of the usual childbirth classes you hear about, you can also find courses in everything from stress management to good nutrition and even breastfeeding.

Last but not least, ask about your next visit and schedule the appointment before leaving the office. Until your 28th week of pregnancy, you'll likely see someone every four weeks or so.

You may also want to ask whether future visits will be in-person or virtual. Certain practices offer virtual visits for low-risk patients, those whose providers aren't close by, or even higher-risk patients that need to be evaluated more often.

Was this article helpful?

Prenatal visits: What to expect and how to prepare

doctor examining a pregnant women's belly with a stethoscope

What happens at second trimester prenatal appointments

Pregnant woman getting blood pressure checked

NIPT (Noninvasive prenatal testing)

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

March of Dimes. 2017. Prenatal Care Checkups. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-care-checkups.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

MedlinePlus. 2022. Prenatal care in your first trimester. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000544.htm Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2022. Prenatal care: 1 st trimester visits. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20044882 Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Your First Prenatal Visit. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/planning/first-prenatal-visit/ Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Kids Health. 2022. Prenatal Visits: First Trimester. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tests-first-trimester.html Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Mount Sinai. 2021. Prenatal care in your first trimester. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/prenatal-care-in-your-first-trimester Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Recommended Clinician Timeline for Screening for Syphilis, HIV, HBV, HCV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea. https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/pregnancy/screening/clinician-timeline.html Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Alabama Perinatal Excellence Collaborative. 2015. APEC Guidelines for Routine Prenatal Care. http://apecguidelines.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Routine-Prenatal-Care-6-30-2015.pdf Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Kids Health. 2019. Toxoplasmosis. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toxoplasmosis.html Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2017. What is a high-risk pregnancy? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/high-risk Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Kids Health. 2022. What's a “High-Risk” Pregnancy? https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/high-risk.html Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2018. What are some factors that make a pregnancy high risk? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/high-risk/conditioninfo/factors Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

March of Dimes. 2020. Prenatal Tests. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-tests.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2022. Carrier Screening. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/carrier-screening Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

March of Dimes. 2020. Chorionic Villus Sampling. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/chorionic-villus-sampling.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Office on Women's Health. 2021. Prenatal care and tests. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

MedlinePlus. 2021. What is noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and what disorders can it screen for? https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/testing/nipt/ Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Voyage Healthcare. 2021. Prenatal Care Overview. https://www.voyagehealthcare.com/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-first-prenatal-visit-guide Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2023. Nutrition During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2022. Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-vitamins/art-20046945 Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2022. Exercise During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2022. Sex during pregnancy: What's OK, what's not. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sex-during-pregnancy/art-20045318 Opens a new window [Accessed March 2024]

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Your First Prenatal Visit Checklist

You will have many doctor's visits over the course of nine months but that first prenatal visit can be the most exciting. A positive urine or blood test for pregnancy is one thing, but having the doctor or midwife talk to you about the upcoming changes and fetal growth, helps the reality of your pregnancy sink in. This visit makes things real.

Learn more about doctor's visits and testing in the first trimester !

With so much excitement, a checklist is important to help you remember all the things you can expect and should ask. Asking question swill also help you get a feel of the doctor's bedside manner and opinions on pregnancy care, labor, and delivery. You will likely leave with a due date and advice on eating healthy , exercising safely , and taking vitamins .

What should happen at the first prenatal visit?

Full medical history General health check-up Internal pelvic exam Cervical exam First round of prenatal blood tests First round of prenatal urine tests Discussion about genetic testing Initial ultrasound, if the doctor has an ultrasound machine in the office Discussion about future fetal and maternal changes

Questions to ask

How many pounds should I gain during pregnancy? When should weight gain start? Does my health history suggest an increased risk for certain conditions or complications? What prenatal screenings will I need? Is there a specific pregnancy diet I should follow? Is exercise allowed/suggested during pregnancy? Is sex acceptable throughout pregnancy? Can I travel by train, plane and/or car? What beauty treatments are safe during pregnancy? Is there a list of over-the-counter medications I can take? Are my current prescription medications safe during? What prenatal vitamin is best? Are there any other supplements I should take? What is the best way to combat morning sickness? What symptoms can I expect and how long should they last? Do you advocate certain prenatal classes? Whom do I call if I have cramping, spotting, or bleeding? If you are out of town, who will be my primary caregiver? Will I see the same doctor for each appointment? When will the first ultrasound be scheduled? Will I hear the baby’s heartbeat every visit? Who or where should I call if I have further questions? Who will deliver my baby?

Medical history

The first prenatal visit will most likely be the longest due to gathering a full prenatal medical history. Try to write down as much health history as you can before you go, ask your parents for their history, as well as what they know about whether any diseases run in the family.

Read More: Prenatal Pregnancy Tests Prenatal Care in the Age of COVID Why Do Doctors Measure Your Stomach at Prenatal Visits?

Should I Make Any Changes to My Diet?

You should never feel like you need to restrict your diet—pregnant or not—but this is certainly not the time to try to cut calories. That said, it’s essential to eat a balanced, nutritional diet for your budding bean. If you’re concerned, discussing your regular diet with your provider and getting their advice will help put your mind at ease. It’s especially critical to discuss your eating habits if you have dietary restrictions, are at risk for gestational diabetes, or are having trouble keeping down food due to morning sickness.

Is That Glass of Wine I Drank Before I Knew I Was Pregnant a Big Deal?

This is a common worry because it’s well-known that fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can have devastating effects on a fetus. However, Dr. Hlavacek offers some reassurance: “Alcohol in the system at or around the time of conception [shouldn’t] cause problems.” Regardless, go ahead and let your provider know about it, and heed Dr. Hlavacek’s advice to stop consuming alcohol as soon as you discover you are expecting.

How Much Weight Should I Gain?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that expecting parents of average weight gain between 25 and 35 pounds throughout pregnancy. However, your provider can help you fine-tune that number. If you are under or overweight, expecting multiples, or fall under a handful of other factors, you might need to gain less or more than average.

If you are currently undergoing treatment for or in recovery from an eating disorder, it’s important to bring this up at your appointment . You can expect to get weighed at every prenatal visit, and your provider will want to know if this will be triggering for you. Additionally, by disclosing your situation to your OB-GYN, you’re providing them with an essential medical history that will impact how they treat you and your pregnancy.

Can I Continue Working Out?

The answer to this question is most likely “yes,” with a few exceptions. If you participate in high-impact kind of exercise—think horseback riding or contact sports—you’ll need to abstain during your 40-week stint, and a high-risk pregnancy could result in some exercise restrictions as well. Staying active while expecting has myriad benefits, though, so most parents-to-be are encouraged to keep up their workout routines. If, prior to pregnancy, you weren’t very active but suddenly feel compelled to get moving, ask your provider for the best way to safely implement a new routine.

When Should I Start Sleeping On My Side?

“The reason patients are encouraged to sleep on their sides is to displace the weight of the pregnant uterus off of the large vessels returning blood to the heart,” Dr. Hlavacek explains. Usually, your uterus won’t become heavy enough to make this necessary until somewhere around or after the 20-week mark. But as with everything, we recommend getting your provider’s opinion on when to make the move—as well as getting some tips for the transition if side-laying isn’t your preferred position.

Is Sex Still OK?

In the majority of cases, there is no reason to restrict sex during pregnancy , but the best practice is always to ask. If you’re not up for sex much these days, that’s normal, too—and your care provider can ease your worries if you’re feeling off-kilter or concerned. (Good to know: Labidos tend to tend to rev back up —often more intensely than before you conceived—after the first trimester. Due to increased blood flow, orgasms tend to increase in intensity as well.)

Are My Beauty Products Safe?

Some of the most popular beauty products are considered unsafe during pregnancy, like retinol or Botox, and even all-natural products can contain ingredients that are off-limits during pregnancy (for more information, see our Complete Guide to a Pregnancy Safe Beauty Routine ). The easiest way to get the a-OK on all your beauty goods is to bring them to the appointment and let your provider read the labels. They can make alternate recommendations for products that are no longer safe.

What Prenatal Vitamin Do You Recommend?

Your health care provider might prescribe a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, or they might suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) variety. Although all prenatal supplements offer a dose of critical vitamins and nutrients, your individual needs might spark a specific recommendation from your midwife or OB. If you’ve already started taking prenatal vitamins or supplements but are having trouble keeping them down, your practitioner can recommend helpful solutions like a pill that is smaller in size, a gummy or liquid version, or even changing the time of day you take it.

Can I Continue to Take My Prescription Medications?

Bring the bottles with you because it’s easiest for your provider to give a definitive “yes” or “no” if they can see exactly what you’re working with. Some medications will be approved, but many others won’t. However, your provider should be able to help you find some viable alternatives to address your needs.

Are Over-The-Counter Medications Safe? In What Dosages?

It seems unfair that pregnancy, a time with ailments aplenty, is also a time in which many of your go-to remedies are off the table. When nonmedicated methods (saline drops and a humidifier for a stuffy nose; rest and ice for a headache) aren’t working, rest assured you don’t have to suffer. Some approved OTC options can provide relief, and your health care team can fill you in on what those are.

Are There Any Pregnancy Symptoms I Should Keep An Eye Out For?

Covering this topic upfront lets you know when to worry and when not to worry (which can free up your time to agonize over more exciting things, like prenatal classes, birth plans, and baby names!). Certain nuisances, such as mild cramping and spotting, might cause you to panic but are generally not a big deal. However, not all pregnancies are created equal, so you need to know if there are any specifics to your situation that you should be aware of.

Does My Family Medical History Show Any Red Flags for Complications?

You should discuss medical concerns, family history, and mental health diagnoses with your OB-GYN. If you have any risk factors that may increase your odds of experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, for example, it’s wise to bring them up well before your due date so your provider can more closely monitor your well-being after delivery.

What Vaccinations Do You Recommend?

Many practitioners recommend receiving the flu (influenza) and Tdap (tetanus; diphtheria; pertussis, aka whooping cough) vaccine during pregnancy. When appropriate, pregnant people are also offered the COVID-19 vaccination and an RSV vaccine . First-time parents may have many questions about vaccines, so it’s good to have a conversation about why and when they are recommended and how they might benefit you and your baby before the needle is out.

What’s The Best Way To Reach You After Hours?

Health care providers understand that your questions won’t always present themselves during regular business hours, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a genuine concern. Once you’ve nailed down the right way to get in touch, save the number in your phone (there’s a chance it’ll be the same number you use during office hours), so it’s ready to go if needed.

If possible, it’s best to go into your first prenatal appointment with a list of questions tailored to you and your needs (again, if you’re unsure where to start, go ahead and use the questions we provided here). Your provider is there to put your mind at ease and keep you and your baby safe throughout your pregnancy, so they will be happy to answer whatever questions you bring them. If, for some reason, your OB-GYN isn’t giving your questions the time and attention they deserve, it’s better to find out at your initial appointment so you have plenty of time to find a new doctor who is a better fit for you.

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9 Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Appointment

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! You are probably feeling a lot of different things right now– excitement, nervousness, uncertainty, joy, disbelief and just about every other emotion under the sun. When you go to your first appointment (usually at 8 to 10 weeks) you can calm a few of those emotions by having a plan and a list of questions to ask your doctor. You may have your own questions ready, but also consider these nine questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment:

1. What lifestyle changes do I need to make immediately?

Once you learn you are pregnant, you’ll need to change some things about your lifestyle right away. Depending on your habits pre-pregnancy, these changes may seem drastic or they might not be super noticeable. Either way, you will not have a problem making these changes for the good of your child (and your own health while carrying the child, which is top priority).

Here are some things to discuss at the beginning of the pregnancy to avoid possible negative effects:

Diet: Obviously, alcohol should be cut out immediately. Caffeine should be limited and some other foods should be eliminated (usually deli meat, unpasteurized cheese, certain fish). Your doctor will give you a written list of what to avoid and explain why you should do so. They can also give guidance on what kind of foods and drinks to add or increase in your diet.
Medication: This is so important because many medications are not safe for use during pregnancy. Both over the counter medications and prescriptions should be looked at as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Working with your doctor, you can decide what is safe to keep taking and at what dosages. And if you need to come off of a certain important medication, they can help you come up with a plan to discontinue use as some are dangerous to discontinue cold turkey. When possible, they may be able to prescribe an alternative.
Sleep habits: If you aren’t getting the recommended amount of sleep each night, consider changing your sleep habits. Your body will be going through a lot of changes in the coming months, so adequate rest is important. You’ll also want to be well rested before those sleepless newborn nights start.
Work environment: Ask if your occupation or work environment might pose any risks. Make sure you aren’t exposed to chemicals or toxins that could be harmful. Work with your care team as well as a safety manager at your job.
Beauty products: If you’re worried about certain beauty products being safe for your baby during pregnancy, check with your doctor. A lot of women are concerned about hair dye, nail polish or treatments (especially chemicals present in some nail salons), sunless tanning lotions, retinols, serums, and essential oils. Your doctor can help steer you in the right direction for making safe choices where these products are concerned. You can also ask about massages or other spa treatments.

2. What things am I at risk for given my personal history?

This is a very important question to ask from the very beginning of your pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an illness by any means, and the human body is built for it. However, pregnancy can still put a lot of stress on your body, especially if you already have a condition that can be worsened.

Chances are if you continue care with your regular OB/GYN your doctor will know most of your medical history. But if you’re using a new doctor due to your pregnancy or for any other reason, you need to be sure they know everything. And it never hurts for a current doctor to go back over and re-check history.

If you have specific concerns your doctor does not address, be sure to speak up. Some common conditions that are important to note include, but aren’t limited to: depression, seizures, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues. Any problems with anesthesia, antibiotics, medication, or surgeries should also be brought to your doctor’s attention.

3. What will the frequency of my appointment be?

In order to have an idea of the big picture of your pregnancy care, talk to your doctor about the base number of prenatal appointments you can expect. They’ll want to schedule the appointments regularly and the frequency will increase the further along you get in your pregnancy. The actual number will depend on your individual needs but in general you can expect to see the doctor more near the due date.

4. What vitamins do I need to take?

If you were actively trying to conceive, then you might have been taking a prenatal vitamin before you got pregnant. But if you got pregnant unexpectedly, or weren’t on a prenatal vitamin, your doctor will recommend you start taking one. He or she will give you guidance on what to look for in a vitamin if they do not prescribe one or recommend a specific brand.

5. What exercise can/should I be doing?

Staying active during pregnancy is important. If you are fit while you’re pregnant, recovery could be easier depending on how labor goes. Exercise and general fitness can also help you feel better both mentally and physically throughout the pregnancy. Many exercise regimens, excluding extreme examples, are safe as long as you feel physically comfortable. However, you should follow your doctor’s instructions on what kind of exercise is appropriate.

6. How much weight should I gain?

The amount of weight you should gain will depend on how much you weighed before you were pregnant. Your doctor can give you a more precise number or range but generally, women with healthy pre-pregnancy weights should gain 25-30 pounds. Women who are underweight should gain about 40 pounds and overweight women should gain 11 to 20 pounds. These weights can change based on your unique circumstances.

7. What about prenatal testing?

During your pregnancy, certain prenatal screenings are required whereas others may be optional. You can expect to have blood work done in the first and second trimester. You can also expect a test to determine whether or not you have gestational diabetes. Genetic testing is also available. What kind of genetic testing you get or if you decide to get it, is a personal decision and you should talk to your doctor about the risks and what certain results might mean, including false positives.

8. What is normal and what should I call you about? And when should I call 911 or go directly to the hospital?

Speak with your doctor about what is normal or common or when you need to call about problems. Make sure you’re clear on what is “normal” for your stage of pregnancy as you go along. But always err on the side of caution. Also ask the best way to contact your doctor with ask questions (email, phone, online patient portal) and who you should call in certain situations.

You should also know who to call in case of a medical emergency and where you should go. This might change based on how far along in your pregnancy you are.

9. What should I start considering to prepare my birth plan?

It might seem premature to start thinking about your delivery since you’re just at the beginning of your pregnancy, but in reality, the sooner you start talking with your doctor about your options and preferences, the more comfortable you’ll feel when the day gets closer. Some things to discuss with your doctor regarding a birth plan include:

Birth location: You probably already know which hospital your OB/GYN is affiliated with, but this is still a topic worth discussing. Some people prefer to deliver at birthing centers or at home. If you want to go this route, the sooner your doctor knows, the better so everyone is on the same page.
Care philosophy: It’s important to know your provider’s views on vaginal labor, C-sections, induced labor, epidurals, delivering without pain medication, etc.
Who will actually deliver the baby? Will it be the doctor you see for your regular appointments or someone else? As mentioned above, if you’re planning on delivery outside of a hospital, your doctor might not be the one delivering the baby, so midwives or doulas may need to be part of the discussion.

At Green Valley OB/GYN we have extensive experience in managing both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies. And when you’re at the beginning of your pregnancy we know you will have a lot of questions and concerns. Call (336) 378-1110 to make an appointment at our Greensboro office. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we have an on-call physician available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

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This is a very well-run office. I never wait long, the staff is super friendly and my physician is wonderful, very professional, and personable!

I haven’t met a provider that I didn’t absolutely love! During my last pregnancy, I transferred from another OBGYN that I did not care for at all. I couldn’t have picked a better place to put my trust in!

I travel 2800 miles for my visit with Dr. Wein! He is the most thorough, kind, and knowledgeable doctor EVER! No matter your age, you will be in the best hands.

Dr. Callahan and her team are absolutely amazing. I have been her patient for over nine years and drive over an hour to see her because I know I am receiving the very best care. From the time you check-in at Green Valley, to the conversation with the nurses , to your exam, and aftercare — you feel known and valued. I truly cannot say enough about how amazing everyone is. Dr. Callahan has my very highest regard and praise (as do Vlora, Stacy, and Cathy!) They are wonderful. Look no further!

I love seeing Dr. Kendra Ross. She is so friendly and personable yet professional all at the same time. She listens to me and makes sure she’s addressing any concerns or questions I may have. She explains things and has an amazing sense of humor and she always makes me laugh.

After having one GYN provider for so long in NY, Dr.Hovath definitely has made my transition a great one without even knowing. She has made me feel super comfortable and is greatly appreciated. I never cared for female GYN from past bad experiences but I have now found one that as long as she’s is practicing I will be a patient. Too bad no more babies for me! Awesome M.D.

Dr. Clark is an outstanding provider. I have recommended several other ladies to see her. She is always so kind and very personable. Her bedside manner is very professional and caring. She takes her time and seems to really care about your concerns. She also delivered my 2-year-old daughter and was awesome in the delivery room. I highly recommend her.

This place is AMAZING. I cannot stress enough how much I love Green Valley OBGYN. Everyone is so friendly and caring. There’s almost no wait time. I’ve recommended this place to friends and family.

How to Make the Most of Your First Prenatal Visit, and What to Ask!

What to Gather
What to Expect
What to Ask

Congratulations, you’re expecting! You’ll want to schedule your first prenatal visit right away.

Prenatal care overview.

Your first prenatal visit usually takes place when you are about 8-10 weeks pregnant. This appointment is often the longest, and will include a general physical and routine prenatal labs.

After your first appointment, prenatal appointments typically last as little as 15 minutes for uncomplicated pregnancies. Make sure that your provider answers any questions you have at these appointments, but don’t worry if your appointment feels short - a quick appointment is usually a good sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally.

For an uncomplicated pregnancy, women should plan to see their provider every 4 weeks through 28 weeks, every 2 weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks to delivery. Every visit will include a weight check, blood pressure check, and a chance to listen to the fetal heart beat.

Plymouth_WomensCenter_Interior_DoctorOnPhone_Cropped

Your first prenatal appointment is one of the most important visits. Your doctor will take your medical history, and help you form a plan for your prenatal care. This is also a great time to ask any questions you have.

Here are three steps to help you make the most of your first prenatal visit.

1. Gather important medical information before you go.

Before you arrive at your appointment, you’ll want to educate yourself about your medical history. This medical history is more extensive than ones taken at check-ups, so make sure you have knowledge (and documentation, when possible) of the following details.

Your partner’s medical history will also affect the health of your baby, so he should attend this appointment if possible. If you or your partner were adopted, or if you used a donor egg or sperm, you may have less genetic information available to you, but your doctor will help you interpret the information you do have.

Make sure to include:

General Medical History: Include any medical problems you have or have had. List types, dates, and treatments if applicable. Your doctor may classify your pregnancy as high-risk if you suffer from health problems including diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, epilepsy, or high blood pressure.
Family Medical History: Your baby may be at higher risk for certain genetic disorders if they run in your family or your partner’s family. Ask family members about genetic disorders and birth defect history. Depending on your family medical history, your ethnic background, and other factors, your provider may recommend different screenings or tests. For example, people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage have an increased risk of Cystic Fibrosis and Tay-Sachs Disease, and people of African descent have an increased risk of sickle cell disease.
Fertility History: List your menstrual history, including regular/ irregular periods, history of cramping or PMS, and any medication you use to bring on a period. Describe any fertility treatments you have had and their outcomes. Include your pap smear history, any abnormalities detected, and treatments if applicable (ie ie colposcopy, cryosurgery, laser treatment, conization, LEEP procedure).
Past Pregnancies: I nclude live births, stillbirths, premature deliveries (less than 37 weeks), miscarriages (less than 20 weeks), ectopic/ tubal pregnancies, and/or elective terminations (abortions).
Infection Exposure: Include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts/ HPV, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis.
Medications You’re Taking: Include prescription as well as over-the-counter medications in this list. Also make a list of any herbal medicines, vitamins, or health supplements you take. Note any allergies to medication.
Dietary Habits: Your doctor will ask about your caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine consumption. A moderate amount of coffee can be consumed during pregnancy, but no amount of nicotine, alcohol, or illicit drugs are considered safe. If you need help staying sober, reach out to your provider, and they will work with you to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Mental Health History: Let your doctor know if you have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Your doctor will help you find a treatment plan that cares for you and your baby. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking a certain medication. However, in other cases, the risks of stopping a medication outweigh the potential benefits. Talk to your doctor to find the plan that’s right for you.

2. Know what to expect at your first prenatal appointment.

Your first prenatal visit is usually the longest unless you experience complications with your pregnancy.

Routine Procedures

At this appointment, your provider will take your medical history, check your weight and blood pressure, and perform blood tests. These blood tests will test your blood type, Rh factor, exposure to hepatitis and syphilis, and immunity to German measles.

You may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat at this appointment. However, if your prenatal appointment is on the earlierside, you may need to wait to hear your baby’s heartbeat. The fetal heartbeat is usually first detectable between 12 and 14 weeks.

HIV Testing

You may choose to take an HIV test during the early stages of your pregnancy. Any person who is sexually active is at least potentially at risk for HIV infection. Many people who are HIV positive do not belong to any particular high risk group, such as drug users.

HIV in pregnancy has potentially serious implications for mother and baby. We now have the capacity to offer medications in pregnancy to help prevent transmission of the virus to the baby. Obviously, we cannot offer medications unless we know your HIV status. Most women will have a normal or negative result and will be relieved by having this information. If you do test positive, we will help you in obtaining specialized care for both yourself and your baby.

Prenatal Care Plan

3. Have a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Depending on your unique situation, you may have many different questions for your doctor. Here are our top 10 questions all women should ask at their first prenatal visit:

Are there changes I should make to my diet? Throughout your pregnancy, try to consume a wide variety of foods, including lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and unsaturated fats. Many women also take prenatal vitamins. Talk to your doctor about specific dietary recommendations.
What foods should I avoid during pregnancy? Pregnant women should avoid raw or undercooked seafood such as sushi. Avoid unwashed fruits or vegetables to reduce your risk of congenital toxoplasmosis. Your doctor will look at your diet and help you avoid other foods that may harm your baby.
How much weight should I expect to gain during my pregnancy? Healthy weight gain ranges depend on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Your doctor will help you establish healthy weight gain goals.
How much should I be exercising? Regular exercise can reduce or prevent back pain, prevent excessive weight gain, and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. However, pregnant women should avoid activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma, exercise at high altitudes, and scuba diving. Ask your doctor if you have questions about specific activities.
Can I travel during my pregnancy? Many pregnant women drive throughout their pregnancies. Many women also fly until late in their pregnancies, and most airlines allow travel up to 37 weeks gestation. Talk to your doctor about safety measures to take when traveling.
Will I be able to work throughout my pregnancy? Although you may need certain adjustments to your work style, in general, women can plan to work throughout a pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about strategies to stay comfortable at work, and what to do if you need special accommodations.
Can I continue taking my current medications? Few medications have been approved to be used during pregnancy. However, certain medications have not been shown to increase the risk of birth defects or adverse pregnancy outcomes when taken as directed. Before you take any medication during pregnancy, it’s important to weigh the severity of your symptoms against the possible risks to your baby. Ask your doctor for more information about specific medications.
When will my next appointment be? For an uncomplicated pregnancy, women should plan to see their provider every 4 weeks through 28 weeks, every 2 weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks to delivery. Your doctor may wish to see you more frequently if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about a plan for your prenatal care during this first appointment.
Do you recommend any type of prenatal screening or testing? Depending on factors like your family medical history and your ethnic background, your doctor may recommend prenatal screening or testing. The decision to pursue prenatal screening or testing is personal, and there is no one right path. Your doctor will help you make an informed decision that is right for you.
Do you recommend any prenatal classes? To prepare for delivery, you may also want to take a prenatal class. There are many different options for delivery, so you’ll want to choose a class that fits your needs. Ask your doctor about finding the right class for you.

Use these recommendations to make the most of your first prenatal visit . And remember – don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor with questions! Your health, and your baby’s health, is their priority.

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8 Things You Must Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit

Your first prenatal doctor visit is an important time for us to evaluate your pregnancy so we can start a care plan tailored just for you.

We understand that you may have many questions when it comes to prenatal care, and often pregnancy can feel overwhelming. You may not even realize what questions you should ask.

We’re glad to answer any concerns you have, and for your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of what questions to ask your doctor at your first prenatal visit.

What Questions to Ask Your Doctor on First Prenatal Visit?

1. what adjustments should i make to my diet.

First, you should eliminate any alcohol immediately. You’ll also need to take caffeine in moderation—we recommend no more than one cup per day—and you should eliminate deli meat and certain fish.

We’ll also give you tips on what you can add to your diet to enhance both your health and the health of your baby.

2. Are My Current Medications Safe to Take?

We always want to have a complete medical record of all the medications that you’re taking, especially any herbal ones. This is important because herbal remedies can sometimes have interactions with your other medications, and others may not be safe for your baby.

Don’t worry; we can give you the answers you need.

3. Does My Medical History Put Me at Risk for Certain Conditions?

Some conditions, such as gestational diabetes, may have a genetic component. We’ll want to know all about your medical history to get an overall view of your health risks. This will help us serve you better.

4. How Much Sleep Do I Need?

It’s no secret that most Americans are sleep deprived. As your baby grows, it will be even more important for your body to get adequate sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, we can recommend some techniques that can help you.

5. What Will My Appointment Schedules Be Like?

We understand. The busy array of appointments can be overwhelming. We’ll make a clear schedule for you so you can plan and know what to expect. You can explore this topic in greater detail in a previous post where we follow your pregnancy month-to-month.

6. What Kind of Exercise is Safe During Pregnancy?

We encourage all of our patients to have a regular exercise routine in order to keep them healthy. However, you should avoid high-impact exercises or full-contact exercises. We can discuss what your current exercise regimen was prior to pregnancy and tailor it as needed for pregnancy. We can provide an exercise plan for you.

7. What Vitamins Should I Take?

If you’ve been trying to conceive, you should have been taking a prenatal vitamin. But if you haven’t been, don’t worry, we’ll recommend which ones you should take. Folic acid is extremely important, and we recommend that pregnant women take 800 micrograms every day. We will also review your current calcium intake and calculate if any additional calcium sources should be added to your daily routine.

We also suggest:

Prenatal vitamins

8. When Should I Have Ultrasounds?

There are generally two ultrasounds that we schedule during your pregnancy. One is during the first trimester, once during the second.

During the third trimester, our patients At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, have the option of having a 3D/4D ultrasound where you can see your baby’s face for the first time! Contact us to learn more.

What Happens at the First Prenatal Visit?

Our goal of the first prenatal visit is to get a snapshot of your health and run a few basic tests to help us tailor your care to fit the individual needs of you and your baby.

Some of the things you can expect at a first prenatal checkup include:

A general checkup, where we take your height and weight, measure your blood pressure, and take other vital signs.
A confirmation of pregnancy
A urine test
If you are due for any routine screening tests, they will likely be done at this time to make sure there are not any undiagnosed health problems.

We Want You And Baby to Get the Healthiest Start Possible

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we’re more than health care professionals—many of us are moms as well. We have helped thousands of women throughout the Triangle area have healthy babies. If you’re pregnant—or if you’re thinking of becoming pregnant, we encourage you to contact us and schedule an appointment today.

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The content of this website is for informational purposes only. It is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem, and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a health care professional. If you have questions or concerns regarding a health or medical condition, please contact your physician. If you need emergency care, call 911.

Your Guide to Prenatal Appointments

Medical review policy, latest update:.

Minor copy changes.

Typical prenatal appointment schedule

Read this next, what happens during a prenatal care appointment, what tests will i receive at my prenatal appointments, what will i talk about with my practitioner at prenatal care appointments , first trimester prenatal appointments: what to expect, second trimester prenatal appointments: what to expect, third trimester prenatal appointments: what to expect, questions to ask during prenatal appointments .

Prenatal care visits are chock-full of tests, measurements, questions and concerns, but know that throughout the process your and your baby’s wellbeing are the main focus. Keep your schedule organized so you don’t miss any appointments and jot down anything you want to discuss with your doctor and your prenatal experience should end up being both positive and rewarding.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Having a Baby After Age 35: How Aging Affects Fertility and Pregnancy , 2020. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Routine Tests During Pregnancy , 2020. US Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, Prenatal Care and Tests , January 2019. Journal of Perinatology , Number of Prenatal Visits and Pregnancy Outcomes in Low-risk wWomen , June 2016. Mayo Clinic, Edema , October 2017. Mayo Clinic, Prenatal Care: 2nd Trimester Visits , August 2020. Mayo Clinic, Prenatal Care: 3rd Trimester Visits , August 2020. Jennifer Leighdon Wu, M.D., Women’s Health of Manhattan, New York, NY. WhatToExpect.com, Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Prenatal Testing During Pregnancy , March 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Urine Tests During Pregnancy , May 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Fetal Heartbeat: The Development of Baby’s Circulatory System , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Amniocentesis , Mary 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Ultrasound During Pregnancy , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Rh Factor Testing , June 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Glucose Screening and Glucose Tolerance Test , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Nuchal Translucency Screening , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Group B Strep Testing During Pregnancy , August 2019. WhatToExpect.com, The Nonstress Test During Pregnancy , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Biophysical Profile (BPP) , May 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Noninvasive Prenatal Testing , (NIPT), April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, The Quad Screen , February 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) , February 2019. WhatToExpect.com, The First Prenatal Appointment , June 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Breech Birth: What it Means for You , September 2018.

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15 Questions to Ask at First Prenatal Visit

A woman looking at her tablet - Questions to Ask at First Prenatal Visit

Are you nervous and confused for questions to ask at first Prenatal visit?

The initial visit with your healthcare provider during pregnancy typically occurs between 8-10 weeks after conception and last about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This appointment is of utmost importance, as it often comprises a thorough physical examination and routine prenatal laboratory tests. If you missed out on your first prenatal check-up before hitting the 10-week mark, no worries! It’s never too late to book an appointment with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re all set for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Subsequent prenatal visits, in uncomplicated pregnancies, typically span around 15 minutes. While attending these appointments, ensure that your provider addresses all your queries. Even though a short appointment might seem alarming, it usually indicates that your pregnancy is progressing smoothly.

In the case of uncomplicated pregnancies, expectant mothers are advised to visit their healthcare provider every four weeks up until 28 weeks, every two weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until delivery. Each prenatal visit will encompass a weight check, blood pressure check, and an opportunity to listen to your baby’s heartbeat.

The initial prenatal visit is a crucial appointment that sets the foundation for your entire pregnancy. During this visit, your doctor will gather your medical history and assist you in devising a plan for your prenatal care. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any queries you may have.

In this article, we will guide you through some of the most important questions to ask at first prenatal visit to ensure that you derive maximum benefits.

Related: Schedule For Pregnancy Checkup For Healthy 9 Months

Table of Contents

Gather Important Medical Information Before You go

Prior to your appointment, it is essential to gather and educate yourself about your medical history. This encompasses more than just routine check-up information, so ensure that you have knowledge and documentation, when possible, of the following critical details.

It is important to note that your partner’s medical history can also affect the health of your baby. Therefore, if feasible, your partner should accompany you to the appointment. If you or your partner were adopted or used a donor egg or sperm, you may have limited genetic information. However, your doctor can assist you in interpreting the available information.

Here are the crucial pieces of information to include:

General Medical History

This includes any medical issues you have had or are currently experiencing. It is crucial to list the types, dates, and treatments, if applicable. If you suffer from health problems such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, epilepsy, or high blood pressure, your pregnancy may be classified as high-risk.

Family Medical History

If certain genetic disorders run in your family or your partner’s family, your baby may be at a higher risk of inheriting them. It is important to inquire with family members about genetic disorders and birth defect history. Depending on your family’s medical history, your ethnic background, and other factors, your provider may recommend different screenings or tests. For instance, people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage have an increased risk of cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs Disease, while individuals of African descent have an increased risk of sickle cell disease.

Fertility History

Your menstrual history, including regular/irregular periods, history of cramping or PMS, and any medication you use to bring on a period, should be listed. Describe any fertility treatments you have undergone and their outcomes. Include your Pap smear history, any abnormalities detected, and treatments if applicable (i.e., colposcopy , cryosurgery , laser treatment , conization , LEEP procedure ).

Past Pregnancies

It is essential to include information about previous pregnancies, including live births, stillbirths, premature deliveries (less than 37 weeks), miscarriages (less than 20 weeks), ectopic/tubal pregnancies, and/or elective terminations (abortions).

Infection Exposure

List any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) you have had, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts/HPV, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.

Medications You’re Taking

Compile a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking. Additionally, list any herbal medicines, vitamins, or health supplements you take. Be sure to note any medication allergies.

Dietary Habits

Your doctor will inquire about your caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine consumption. It is safe to consume a moderate amount of coffee during pregnancy, but no amount of nicotine, alcohol, or illicit drugs are considered safe. If you require assistance staying sober, reach out to your provider, and they will work with you to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Mental Health History

If you have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, let your doctor know. Your doctor will assist you in developing a treatment plan that considers both you and your baby’s well-being. In some cases, your doctor may recommend discontinuing a certain medication. However, in other cases, the risks of stopping a medication outweigh the potential benefits. Talk to your doctor to determine the most suitable plan for you.

Related: The Ultimate Guide: How to Tell Your Boss You’re Pregnant (Scripts Included)

Understanding What to Expect During Your Initial Prenatal Visit

The initial prenatal appointment is an essential aspect of pregnancy, and it’s important to know what to expect during the visit. Typically, your first prenatal check-up is the lengthiest one, but this may vary if you experience any pregnancy complications.

Standard Procedures

During this appointment, your healthcare provider will assess your medical history, record your weight and blood pressure, and conduct a blood test. The blood test will examine your blood type, Rh factor, exposure to hepatitis and syphilis, and immunity to German measles.

Additional Procedures

Your healthcare provider might want to run some extra tests if they feel it’s necessary, but don’t stress, it’s not always the case. During your first prenatal check-up, they may suggest additional testing, which could include genetic carrier screening, blood sugar test, non-invasive prenatal genetic screening.

Fetal Heartbeat

You may have the opportunity to listen to your baby’s heartbeat during the appointment. However, if your prenatal visit is scheduled earlier in your pregnancy, you may have to wait to hear your baby’s heartbeat. Generally, the fetal heartbeat becomes detectable between the 12th and 14th weeks.

HIV Screening

It is advisable to have an HIV test during the initial stages of your pregnancy. Anyone who is sexually active is potentially at risk of contracting HIV. Many individuals who test positive for HIV do not necessarily belong to a particular high-risk group, such as drug users.

HIV during pregnancy can have significant consequences for both the mother and the baby. We can offer medications during pregnancy to help prevent the transmission of the virus to the baby, but this can only happen if we know your HIV status. Fortunately, most women receive a normal or negative result, which provides them with relief. If you test positive for HIV, we can assist you in receiving specialized care for yourself and your baby.

Prenatal Care Plan

Lastly, your healthcare provider will discuss recommendations for your prenatal care, including diet, exercise, sexual activity, travel, and work. You will review your appointment schedule throughout your pregnancy and also plan for your overall health. You may need to visit your doctor more frequently than usual during your pregnancy, but it’s crucial not to neglect other regular procedures, such as your dental check-up.

Related: Say Goodbye to Pregnancy Headaches

Questions Your Doctor May Ask You

Your doctor will ask several questions to assess your pregnancy’s status and to determine the appropriate prenatal care for you. These questions include:

What was the start date of your last menstrual period to determine your gestational age?
Did you experience any symptoms during early pregnancy?
Are you currently taking any medications?
What birth control methods have you used in the past?
Have you experienced any miscarriages or preterm births?
Are you allergic to any medications or substances?
Do you have any diseases or conditions?
What is your physical and mental medical history?
Do you or your partner’s family have a history of genetic disorders or pregnancy complications?
Did you take prenatal supplements while trying to conceive, or are you taking them now?
Have you been exposed to any environmental or work-related hazards?
What is your usual diet and nutritional habits?

By answering these questions accurately, your healthcare team can provide you with the best possible prenatal care.

Your doctor may also request historical documents to help them assess your pregnancy’s status and risks. These documents include:

Medical records
Previous Pap smear results
Previous blood test results
Ultrasounds
Previous delivery records

Related: Making Love, Not War: 10 Comfortable Pregnancy Sex Positions

List of 15 Questions to Ask at First Prenatal Visit

As a pregnant woman, you may have various concerns about your health and the well-being of your baby. It’s essential to be prepared with a list of questions to ask your doctor during your initial prenatal visit. The following are the top 15 questions to ask at first prenatal visit:

What is Your Expected Due Date?

While you may feel confident about your anticipated due date , having tracked your menstrual cycles, ovulation, and timed intercourse (or perhaps you have no idea), it is prudent to confirm this information with your obstetrician-gynecologist. It’s possible that your due date may shift based on when ovulation and implantation occurred.

What Pregnancy Symptoms Can You Expect Each Trimester?

As you progress through each trimester of your pregnancy, your body will undergo significant changes, which can manifest in various symptoms. It’s essential to understand what to expect during each phase, and your obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) can provide valuable insights to help you navigate these changes.

What Dietary Changes Should I Make During Pregnancy?

Your doctor can provide you with specific dietary recommendations that are suitable for your pregnancy. Consuming a variety of healthy foods, including lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats, is crucial. Prenatal vitamins can also be beneficial, so be sure to ask your doctor about them.

What Foods Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?

Certain foods, such as raw or undercooked seafood and unwashed fruits or vegetables, should be avoided to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis. Your doctor can also guide you on other foods that may pose a risk to your baby.

What Amount of Caffeine is Safe to Consume?

The answer varies from person to person, and it depends on a lot of factors. But one thing is for sure, when you’re pregnant, you’re not just drinking for two, you’re also caffeinating for two. So it’s best to consult with your doctor to ensure you’re not overdoing it with the caffeine. Remember, a little buzz is fine, but you don’t want to brew up any regrets later on.

How Much Weight Should I Expect to Gain During Pregnancy?

Your pre-pregnancy BMI will determine your healthy weight gain range, and your doctor can help you set achievable weight gain goals.

How Much Exercise Should I be Doing?

Regular exercise can have numerous benefits during pregnancy, such as reducing back pain, preventing excessive weight gain, and lowering the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. However, it’s crucial to avoid activities that could cause a fall or abdominal trauma, exercise at high altitudes, and scuba diving. Consult with your doctor about specific exercises that are safe for you.

Can I Travel While Pregnant?

Many women drive and fly during pregnancy , and most airlines permit travel until 37 weeks gestation. Your doctor can advise you on safety measures to take when traveling.

Can I Continue Working During Pregnancy?

Women can typically continue working throughout their pregnancy with some adjustments to their work style. Speak to your doctor about strategies to remain comfortable at work and any special accommodations you may require.

Can I Keep Taking My Current Medications?

While few medications have been approved for use during pregnancy, some medications have not been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes or birth defects. However, it’s essential to weigh the severity of your symptoms against the possible risks to your baby before taking any medication during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor for more information about specific medications.

When is My Next Appointment?

For an uncomplicated pregnancy, most women should see their healthcare provider every four weeks up to 28 weeks, every two weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until delivery. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may wish to see you more frequently. Discuss your prenatal care plan with your doctor during your first appointment.

Do You Recommend any Prenatal Screening or Testing?

Depending on your family medical history and ethnic background, your doctor may recommend prenatal screening or testing. The decision to pursue these tests is personal, and your doctor can help you make an informed decision.

Do You Recommend any Prenatal Classes?

Taking a prenatal class can help prepare you for delivery. With various options available, it’s crucial to choose a class that suits your needs. Speak to your doctor about finding the right class for you.

How Often You’ll need to Attend Your Prenatal Appointments?

For uncomplicated pregnancies, you can expect to attend appointments every four weeks for the first 28 weeks. After that, the frequency of appointments increases to every two weeks until you reach 36 weeks, at which point you’ll attend weekly appointments until delivery. To ensure you don’t miss any important appointments, it’s advisable to schedule them in advance, as OB/GYN schedules can fill up quickly.

Who will be Delivering Your Baby?

This can vary depending on the clinic you choose, so it’s important to have a discussion with your healthcare provider. Previously, many OB/GYNs worked in solo or dual practices, which meant that your own physician would almost certainly be the one to deliver your baby. However, due to the grueling nature of the job, many practices now have multiple OB/GYNs who rotate in a call pool for delivery.

While you will primarily be managed by the OB/GYN you choose, you may also see other doctors in their group, giving you the opportunity to get to know several of them in case one of them ends up delivering your baby. If knowing who will be delivering your baby is of utmost importance to you, it may affect your decision on which OB/GYN to ultimately choose.

Related: Cervical Changes: Early Pregnancy vs. Pre-period

It’s crucial to remember that each pregnancy is unique, and your doctor is there to guide and support you throughout your journey. Now, you are having a list of 15 questions to ask at first prenatal visit and maintaining open and honest communication with your healthcare provider and greatly contribute to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Related: Is Morning Sickness a Good Sign of Pregnancy?

Frequently Asked Questions

When should i schedule my first prenatal visit.

Most healthcare providers recommend scheduling your first prenatal visit between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy.

What Should I Bring to My First Prenatal Visit?

Bring your medical history, any medications you’re currently taking, and a list of questions to ask at first prenatal visit for your healthcare provider.

Can I Bring My Partner or Support Person to My First Prenatal Visit?

Absolutely. Many healthcare providers encourage partners or support persons to attend prenatal visits to offer emotional support and ask questions.

What if I Don’t Have a Healthcare Provider Yet?

If you don’t have a healthcare provider yet, you can start by contacting your insurance provider or local hospital to get a referral or list of providers in your area.

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Hi, I'm Sushil Singh, a devoted dad and guiding voice in the transformative journey of parenting, based in Mumbai. Drawing from a decade of firsthand experience and extensive research, I offer authentic insights into prepartum, pregnancy, and postpartum stages at Pregnancy Boss. From joyous milestones to challenging uncertainties, my mission is to provide reliable support and practical advice, helping you navigate this profound journey with confidence. Let's embrace the beauty and complexities of parenthood together. Connect for guidance or shared stories. Cheers to our shared path! 🥂 Social Medial Profiles: Quora Pinterest Twitter Facebook

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What the data says about abortion in the U.S.

Pew Research Center has conducted many surveys about abortion over the years, providing a lens into Americans’ views on whether the procedure should be legal, among a host of other questions.

In a Center survey conducted nearly a year after the Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision that ended the constitutional right to abortion , 62% of U.S. adults said the practice should be legal in all or most cases, while 36% said it should be illegal in all or most cases. Another survey conducted a few months before the decision showed that relatively few Americans take an absolutist view on the issue .

Find answers to common questions about abortion in America, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute, which have tracked these patterns for several decades:

How many abortions are there in the U.S. each year?

How has the number of abortions in the u.s. changed over time, what is the abortion rate among women in the u.s. how has it changed over time, what are the most common types of abortion, how many abortion providers are there in the u.s., and how has that number changed, what percentage of abortions are for women who live in a different state from the abortion provider, what are the demographics of women who have had abortions, when during pregnancy do most abortions occur, how often are there medical complications from abortion.

This compilation of data on abortion in the United States draws mainly from two sources: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute, both of which have regularly compiled national abortion data for approximately half a century, and which collect their data in different ways.

The CDC data that is highlighted in this post comes from the agency’s “abortion surveillance” reports, which have been published annually since 1974 (and which have included data from 1969). Its figures from 1973 through 1996 include data from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and New York City – 52 “reporting areas” in all. Since 1997, the CDC’s totals have lacked data from some states (most notably California) for the years that those states did not report data to the agency. The four reporting areas that did not submit data to the CDC in 2021 – California, Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey – accounted for approximately 25% of all legal induced abortions in the U.S. in 2020, according to Guttmacher’s data. Most states, though, do have data in the reports, and the figures for the vast majority of them came from each state’s central health agency, while for some states, the figures came from hospitals and other medical facilities.

Discussion of CDC abortion data involving women’s state of residence, marital status, race, ethnicity, age, abortion history and the number of previous live births excludes the low share of abortions where that information was not supplied. Read the methodology for the CDC’s latest abortion surveillance report , which includes data from 2021, for more details. Previous reports can be found at stacks.cdc.gov by entering “abortion surveillance” into the search box.

For the numbers of deaths caused by induced abortions in 1963 and 1965, this analysis looks at reports by the then-U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, a precursor to the Department of Health and Human Services. In computing those figures, we excluded abortions listed in the report under the categories “spontaneous or unspecified” or as “other.” (“Spontaneous abortion” is another way of referring to miscarriages.)

Guttmacher data in this post comes from national surveys of abortion providers that Guttmacher has conducted 19 times since 1973. Guttmacher compiles its figures after contacting every known provider of abortions – clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices – in the country. It uses questionnaires and health department data, and it provides estimates for abortion providers that don’t respond to its inquiries. (In 2020, the last year for which it has released data on the number of abortions in the U.S., it used estimates for 12% of abortions.) For most of the 2000s, Guttmacher has conducted these national surveys every three years, each time getting abortion data for the prior two years. For each interim year, Guttmacher has calculated estimates based on trends from its own figures and from other data.

The latest full summary of Guttmacher data came in the institute’s report titled “Abortion Incidence and Service Availability in the United States, 2020.” It includes figures for 2020 and 2019 and estimates for 2018. The report includes a methods section.

In addition, this post uses data from StatPearls, an online health care resource, on complications from abortion.

An exact answer is hard to come by. The CDC and the Guttmacher Institute have each tried to measure this for around half a century, but they use different methods and publish different figures.

The last year for which the CDC reported a yearly national total for abortions is 2021. It found there were 625,978 abortions in the District of Columbia and the 46 states with available data that year, up from 597,355 in those states and D.C. in 2020. The corresponding figure for 2019 was 607,720.

The last year for which Guttmacher reported a yearly national total was 2020. It said there were 930,160 abortions that year in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, compared with 916,460 in 2019.

How the CDC gets its data: It compiles figures that are voluntarily reported by states’ central health agencies, including separate figures for New York City and the District of Columbia. Its latest totals do not include figures from California, Maryland, New Hampshire or New Jersey, which did not report data to the CDC. ( Read the methodology from the latest CDC report .)
How Guttmacher gets its data: It compiles its figures after contacting every known abortion provider – clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices – in the country. It uses questionnaires and health department data, then provides estimates for abortion providers that don’t respond. Guttmacher’s figures are higher than the CDC’s in part because they include data (and in some instances, estimates) from all 50 states. ( Read the institute’s latest full report and methodology .)

While the Guttmacher Institute supports abortion rights, its empirical data on abortions in the U.S. has been widely cited by groups and publications across the political spectrum, including by a number of those that disagree with its positions .

These estimates from Guttmacher and the CDC are results of multiyear efforts to collect data on abortion across the U.S. Last year, Guttmacher also began publishing less precise estimates every few months , based on a much smaller sample of providers.

The figures reported by these organizations include only legal induced abortions conducted by clinics, hospitals or physicians’ offices, or those that make use of abortion pills dispensed from certified facilities such as clinics or physicians’ offices. They do not account for the use of abortion pills that were obtained outside of clinical settings .

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A line chart showing the changing number of legal abortions in the U.S. since the 1970s.

The annual number of U.S. abortions rose for years after Roe v. Wade legalized the procedure in 1973, reaching its highest levels around the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher. Since then, abortions have generally decreased at what a CDC analysis called “a slow yet steady pace.”

Guttmacher says the number of abortions occurring in the U.S. in 2020 was 40% lower than it was in 1991. According to the CDC, the number was 36% lower in 2021 than in 1991, looking just at the District of Columbia and the 46 states that reported both of those years.

(The corresponding line graph shows the long-term trend in the number of legal abortions reported by both organizations. To allow for consistent comparisons over time, the CDC figures in the chart have been adjusted to ensure that the same states are counted from one year to the next. Using that approach, the CDC figure for 2021 is 622,108 legal abortions.)

There have been occasional breaks in this long-term pattern of decline – during the middle of the first decade of the 2000s, and then again in the late 2010s. The CDC reported modest 1% and 2% increases in abortions in 2018 and 2019, and then, after a 2% decrease in 2020, a 5% increase in 2021. Guttmacher reported an 8% increase over the three-year period from 2017 to 2020.

As noted above, these figures do not include abortions that use pills obtained outside of clinical settings.

Guttmacher says that in 2020 there were 14.4 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. Its data shows that the rate of abortions among women has generally been declining in the U.S. since 1981, when it reported there were 29.3 abortions per 1,000 women in that age range.

The CDC says that in 2021, there were 11.6 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. (That figure excludes data from California, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey.) Like Guttmacher’s data, the CDC’s figures also suggest a general decline in the abortion rate over time. In 1980, when the CDC reported on all 50 states and D.C., it said there were 25 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.

That said, both Guttmacher and the CDC say there were slight increases in the rate of abortions during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Guttmacher says the abortion rate per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 rose from 13.5 in 2017 to 14.4 in 2020. The CDC says it rose from 11.2 per 1,000 in 2017 to 11.4 in 2019, before falling back to 11.1 in 2020 and then rising again to 11.6 in 2021. (The CDC’s figures for those years exclude data from California, D.C., Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey.)

The CDC broadly divides abortions into two categories: surgical abortions and medication abortions, which involve pills. Since the Food and Drug Administration first approved abortion pills in 2000, their use has increased over time as a share of abortions nationally, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher.

The majority of abortions in the U.S. now involve pills, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher. The CDC says 56% of U.S. abortions in 2021 involved pills, up from 53% in 2020 and 44% in 2019. Its figures for 2021 include the District of Columbia and 44 states that provided this data; its figures for 2020 include D.C. and 44 states (though not all of the same states as in 2021), and its figures for 2019 include D.C. and 45 states.

Guttmacher, which measures this every three years, says 53% of U.S. abortions involved pills in 2020, up from 39% in 2017.

Two pills commonly used together for medication abortions are mifepristone, which, taken first, blocks hormones that support a pregnancy, and misoprostol, which then causes the uterus to empty. According to the FDA, medication abortions are safe until 10 weeks into pregnancy.

Surgical abortions conducted during the first trimester of pregnancy typically use a suction process, while the relatively few surgical abortions that occur during the second trimester of a pregnancy typically use a process called dilation and evacuation, according to the UCLA School of Medicine.

In 2020, there were 1,603 facilities in the U.S. that provided abortions, according to Guttmacher . This included 807 clinics, 530 hospitals and 266 physicians’ offices.

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing the total number of abortion providers down since 1982.

While clinics make up half of the facilities that provide abortions, they are the sites where the vast majority (96%) of abortions are administered, either through procedures or the distribution of pills, according to Guttmacher’s 2020 data. (This includes 54% of abortions that are administered at specialized abortion clinics and 43% at nonspecialized clinics.) Hospitals made up 33% of the facilities that provided abortions in 2020 but accounted for only 3% of abortions that year, while just 1% of abortions were conducted by physicians’ offices.

Looking just at clinics – that is, the total number of specialized abortion clinics and nonspecialized clinics in the U.S. – Guttmacher found the total virtually unchanged between 2017 (808 clinics) and 2020 (807 clinics). However, there were regional differences. In the Midwest, the number of clinics that provide abortions increased by 11% during those years, and in the West by 6%. The number of clinics decreased during those years by 9% in the Northeast and 3% in the South.

The total number of abortion providers has declined dramatically since the 1980s. In 1982, according to Guttmacher, there were 2,908 facilities providing abortions in the U.S., including 789 clinics, 1,405 hospitals and 714 physicians’ offices.

The CDC does not track the number of abortion providers.

In the District of Columbia and the 46 states that provided abortion and residency information to the CDC in 2021, 10.9% of all abortions were performed on women known to live outside the state where the abortion occurred – slightly higher than the percentage in 2020 (9.7%). That year, D.C. and 46 states (though not the same ones as in 2021) reported abortion and residency data. (The total number of abortions used in these calculations included figures for women with both known and unknown residential status.)

The share of reported abortions performed on women outside their state of residence was much higher before the 1973 Roe decision that stopped states from banning abortion. In 1972, 41% of all abortions in D.C. and the 20 states that provided this information to the CDC that year were performed on women outside their state of residence. In 1973, the corresponding figure was 21% in the District of Columbia and the 41 states that provided this information, and in 1974 it was 11% in D.C. and the 43 states that provided data.

In the District of Columbia and the 46 states that reported age data to the CDC in 2021, the majority of women who had abortions (57%) were in their 20s, while about three-in-ten (31%) were in their 30s. Teens ages 13 to 19 accounted for 8% of those who had abortions, while women ages 40 to 44 accounted for about 4%.

The vast majority of women who had abortions in 2021 were unmarried (87%), while married women accounted for 13%, according to the CDC , which had data on this from 37 states.

A pie chart showing that, in 2021, majority of abortions were for women who had never had one before.

In the District of Columbia, New York City (but not the rest of New York) and the 31 states that reported racial and ethnic data on abortion to the CDC , 42% of all women who had abortions in 2021 were non-Hispanic Black, while 30% were non-Hispanic White, 22% were Hispanic and 6% were of other races.

Looking at abortion rates among those ages 15 to 44, there were 28.6 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic Black women in 2021; 12.3 abortions per 1,000 Hispanic women; 6.4 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic White women; and 9.2 abortions per 1,000 women of other races, the CDC reported from those same 31 states, D.C. and New York City.

For 57% of U.S. women who had induced abortions in 2021, it was the first time they had ever had one, according to the CDC. For nearly a quarter (24%), it was their second abortion. For 11% of women who had an abortion that year, it was their third, and for 8% it was their fourth or more. These CDC figures include data from 41 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

A bar chart showing that most U.S. abortions in 2021 were for women who had previously given birth.

Nearly four-in-ten women who had abortions in 2021 (39%) had no previous live births at the time they had an abortion, according to the CDC . Almost a quarter (24%) of women who had abortions in 2021 had one previous live birth, 20% had two previous live births, 10% had three, and 7% had four or more previous live births. These CDC figures include data from 41 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

The vast majority of abortions occur during the first trimester of a pregnancy. In 2021, 93% of abortions occurred during the first trimester – that is, at or before 13 weeks of gestation, according to the CDC . An additional 6% occurred between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, and about 1% were performed at 21 weeks or more of gestation. These CDC figures include data from 40 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

About 2% of all abortions in the U.S. involve some type of complication for the woman , according to an article in StatPearls, an online health care resource. “Most complications are considered minor such as pain, bleeding, infection and post-anesthesia complications,” according to the article.

The CDC calculates case-fatality rates for women from induced abortions – that is, how many women die from abortion-related complications, for every 100,000 legal abortions that occur in the U.S . The rate was lowest during the most recent period examined by the agency (2013 to 2020), when there were 0.45 deaths to women per 100,000 legal induced abortions. The case-fatality rate reported by the CDC was highest during the first period examined by the agency (1973 to 1977), when it was 2.09 deaths to women per 100,000 legal induced abortions. During the five-year periods in between, the figure ranged from 0.52 (from 1993 to 1997) to 0.78 (from 1978 to 1982).

The CDC calculates death rates by five-year and seven-year periods because of year-to-year fluctuation in the numbers and due to the relatively low number of women who die from legal induced abortions.

In 2020, the last year for which the CDC has information , six women in the U.S. died due to complications from induced abortions. Four women died in this way in 2019, two in 2018, and three in 2017. (These deaths all followed legal abortions.) Since 1990, the annual number of deaths among women due to legal induced abortion has ranged from two to 12.

The annual number of reported deaths from induced abortions (legal and illegal) tended to be higher in the 1980s, when it ranged from nine to 16, and from 1972 to 1979, when it ranged from 13 to 63. One driver of the decline was the drop in deaths from illegal abortions. There were 39 deaths from illegal abortions in 1972, the last full year before Roe v. Wade. The total fell to 19 in 1973 and to single digits or zero every year after that. (The number of deaths from legal abortions has also declined since then, though with some slight variation over time.)

The number of deaths from induced abortions was considerably higher in the 1960s than afterward. For instance, there were 119 deaths from induced abortions in 1963 and 99 in 1965 , according to reports by the then-U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, a precursor to the Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC is a division of Health and Human Services.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published May 27, 2022, and first updated June 24, 2022.

Support for legal abortion is widespread in many countries, especially in Europe

Nearly a year after roe’s demise, americans’ views of abortion access increasingly vary by where they live, by more than two-to-one, americans say medication abortion should be legal in their state, most latinos say democrats care about them and work hard for their vote, far fewer say so of gop, positive views of supreme court decline sharply following abortion ruling, most popular.

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news Public Health

As congenital syphilis cases soar in U.S., doctors group urges more screening in pregnancy

The american college of obstetricians and gynecologists recommends screenings be done at the first prenatal visit, during the third trimester and at birth..

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium. The...

By The Associated Press

3:05 PM on Apr 18, 2024 CDT

With syphilis cases in U.S. newborns skyrocketing, a doctors group now recommends that all pregnant patients be screened three times for the sexually transmitted infection.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued new guidance on Thursday sayinghe tscreening should be done at the first prenatal visit, during the third trimester and at birth. Though the screening isn’t required, health professionals generally follow the group’s recommendations.

Related: Feds eye Texas as cases of syphilis surge in newborns

“The cases of congenital syphilis are definitely climbing, and they’ve been climbing over the last 10 years. And it’s completely preventable ... It’s unacceptable,” said Dr. Laura Riley, who chairs the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine and helped with the guidance. “We need to be able to do better diagnostics and treatment.”

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Previously, the group recommended one test in the third trimester — but only for women considered at risk of getting syphilis during pregnancy or those living in communities with high rates of the disease. But this risk-based approach is “how we get into trouble because we’re missing cases,” Riley said.

Related: Study: Plano the 2nd happiest city in the country, while Dallas checks in near the bottom

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022, the most in more than 30 years. U.S. health officials called for stepping up prevention, including screening which is done with a blood test.

In its advisory, the OB-GYN group said CDC statistics show nearly 9 in 10 congenital syphilis cases that year “could have been prevented with timely screening and treatment.”

Related: ‘Worse than COVID’: 41% fewer Texas students completed FAFSA this year

Infections during pregnancy are generally treated with at least two doses of penicillin. Babies born to women with untreated syphilis may be stillborn or die shortly after birth. The disease can also cause other problems in newborns, such as deformed bones, severe anemia, blindness or deafness.

“I hope that everyone takes it seriously,” Riley said. Kids with congenital syphilis may have birth defects that can be devastating — “which is incredibly sad.”

The Associated Press

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32 MUST ASK Questions for Doctor During Your First Prenatal Visit

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32 MUST ASK Questions for Doctor During Your First Prenatal Visit
Basic Questions To Ask. I know how overwhelming it is to walk into your first prenatal appointment, especially if this is your first child. You have no idea what to expect and need some clarity on certain things. This appointment is really to see how your baby is doing and to talk about you and your spouse's family history.
15 Questions to Ask Your OB/GYN at a Prenatal Visit
Currently, the Institute of Medicine recommends the following for moms of multiples based on BMI: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9: 37 to 54 pounds. A BMI between 26 and 30: 31 to 50 pounds. A BMI greater than 30: gain 25 to 42 pounds. That said, everyone's pregnancy will look different and that includes pregnancy weight gain.
Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits
Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits. Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. During the first trimester, prenatal care includes blood tests, a physical exam, conversations about lifestyle and more. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you choose a family physician, obstetrician, midwife ...
Your First Prenatal Visit
Even if you are not a first-time mother, prenatal visits are still important since every pregnancy is different. This initial visit will probably be one of the longest. It will be helpful if you arrive prepared with vital dates and information. This is also a good opportunity to bring a list of questions that you and your partner have about ...
First Prenatal Visit: What to Expect at First Pregnancy Appointment
The most common tests at your first prenatal visit will likely include: [3] Urine test. Your urine may be checked for protein, glucose (sugar), white blood cells, blood and bacteria. Bloodwork. A sample of your blood will be used to determine blood type and Rh status and check for anemia. Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Rh factor blood test See All ...
What To Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit
Normally, your due date is estimated to be 280 days from the first day of your last period. That's 40 weeks or about 10 months. But if your periods aren't regular or aren't 28 days in a ...
The Questions You Should Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit
Ask Your Doc These Questions. Early pregnancy often feels very abstract—all you have to show for it are two pink lines on a stick. Once you call your doctor's office to tell them you're pregnant (the receptionist is probably the first person you'll tell besides your partner), they probably won't have you come in until you're ...
1st Trimester: 1st Prenatal Visit
1st Trimester: 1st Prenatal Visit. It's the first doctor visit of your pregnancy. Congratulations! During this visit, your doctor will check your overall health and determine your due date. They ...
What to Expect at the First Prenatal Visit
Genetic testing. At your first pregnancy appointment, your provider might perform or discuss future genetic testing. "There are genetic tests that are time-sensitive and can be done as early as 10 weeks," says Braden. "There are some that are done with an ultrasound around 12 or 13 weeks pregnant, and some that are done in the second ...
Prenatal Care: Your First Doctor's Visit
During the first visit, your health care provider will perform several tests, including: Physical exam : You are weighed and your blood pressure , heart , lungs , and breasts are checked.
Your first prenatal visit: what to expect & questions to ask
Here are some tips to prepare for your initial prenatal visit: Know the date of the first day of your last menstrual period. If you know the date your baby was conceived, bring that information, too. Jot down notes about your physical and mental health history, as well as that of your family. Bring a list of your medications, immunization ...
What to expect at your first prenatal appointment
What questions to ask at the first prenatal visit. Just as your provider will ask you questions at your first prenatal visit, it's a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions for your provider. Ask anything - and don't be shy. Again, try to keep a running list in the weeks before the appointment, so nothing important slips your mind.
How to prepare for your first prenatal visit:
2. Write down your questions. It's hard to remember everything. So, it's a good idea to write down your questions and bring them with you to your first appointment. Check out our suggested list of questions here. 3. Take a prenatal vitamin. There are many good options for over-the-counter prenatal vitamins.
Pregnancy: First Prenatal Visit
Overview. Your first prenatal visit will probably be the longest visit you'll have. Your doctor or midwife will take your medical history and do a complete physical exam. You may also have some tests. This will provide information that can be used to check for any problems as your pregnancy progresses.
Your First Prenatal Visit Checklist
What should happen at the first prenatal visit? Full medical history. General health check-up. Internal pelvic exam. Cervical exam. First round of prenatal blood tests. First round of prenatal urine tests. Discussion about genetic testing. Initial ultrasound, if the doctor has an ultrasound machine in the office.
FAQ About Your First Prenatal Visit
The first prenatal check-up is usually scheduled around week eight of pregnancy, or, at least, ideally before week 10. It's a good idea to schedule your first prenatal appointment once you get a positive pregnancy test. The first prenatal visit is significant because getting prenatal care on time is a vital step in a healthy pregnancy.
Top Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that expecting parents of average weight gain between 25 and 35 pounds throughout pregnancy. However, your provider can help you fine-tune that number. If you are under or overweight, expecting multiples, or fall under a handful of other factors, you might need to gain ...
9 Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Appointment
And when you're at the beginning of your pregnancy we know you will have a lot of questions and concerns. Call (336) 378-1110 to make an appointment at our Greensboro office. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we have an on-call physician available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
How to Make the Most of Your First Prenatal Visit, and What to Ask!
Your doctor will take your medical history, and help you form a plan for your prenatal care. This is also a great time to ask any questions you have. Here are three steps to help you make the most of your first prenatal visit. 1. Gather important medical information before you go.
8 Things You Must Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit
Your first prenatal doctor visit is an important time for us to evaluate your pregnancy so we can start a care plan tailored just for you.. We understand that you may have many questions when it comes to prenatal care, and often pregnancy can feel overwhelming. You may not even realize what questions you should ask.
Your Guide to Prenatal Appointments
Typical prenatal appointment schedule. The number of visits you'll have in a typical pregnancy usually total about 10 to 15, depending on when you find out you're expecting and the timing of your first checkup. In most complication-free pregnancies, you can expect to have a prenatal appointment with the following frequency: Weeks 4 to 28 ...
15 Questions To Ask At First Prenatal Visit
The initial visit with your healthcare provider during pregnancy typically occurs between 8-10 weeks after conception and last about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This appointment is of utmost importance, as it often comprises a thorough physical examination and routine prenatal laboratory tests. If you missed out on your first prenatal check-up before ...
What the data says about abortion in the U.S.
The vast majority of abortions occur during the first trimester of a pregnancy. In 2021, 93% of abortions occurred during the first trimester - that is, at or before 13 weeks of gestation, according to the CDC. An additional 6% occurred between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, and about 1% were performed at 21 weeks or more of gestation.
As congenital syphilis cases soar in U.S., doctors group urges more
3:05 PM on Apr 18, 2024 CDT. With syphilis cases in U.S. newborns skyrocketing, a doctors group now recommends that all pregnant patients be screened three times for the sexually transmitted ...

32 MUST ASK Questions for Doctor During Your First Prenatal Visit

32 of the Most Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Your First Prenatal Visit

Basic Questions To Ask

Questions About Medications

1. What Foods SHOULD/SHOULDN’T I be eating?

2. How much weight should I gain?

3. What should exercise look like for me?

4. How often do I come in for appointments?

5. How many ultrasounds do I have? And at what weeks?

6. When can I find out the gender?

7. What are some normal pregnancy symptoms and what should I call you about?

8. What number should I call for basic questions?

9. Where do I go + who do I call in an Emergency?

10. Who will deliver my baby?

Questions about Food + Vitamins

In Conclusion….

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Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits

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Your First Prenatal Visit

What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Appointment

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Possible questions to ask your provider during your prenatal appointment:

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Table of Contents

How should I think about my exercise routine during my pregnancy?

What should I know about sex during pregnancy?

Based on my medical history, does it appear that I’m at risk for any complications?

How long can I travel? And can I go on an international trip?

What symptoms are not considered normal and warrant an immediate call to your office?

What medicine can I take?

What foods do I really need to avoid? What is okay in moderation?

What beauty products should I steer clear of?

Can I clean a litter box? Garden? Dye my hair?

What is your stance on the occasional drink?

What are weight gain expectations for this pregnancy? Does it change if I didn’t shed all the weight from the first pregnancy?

What can I do for constipation and hemorrhoids?

What do you recommend I do to prepare for birth?

What is the best way for me to contact you with non-urgent questions?

Does your doctor have any travel planned?

Who will deliver my baby if you are not on call?

How much past 40 weeks will you allow me to go?

What is your policy on _______?

What is the cadence of my appointments?

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Grace Gallagher, MFA, Hunter College

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