What Happens at Prenatal Care Appointments

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com Guide

Your first prenatal appointment will probably be your longest appointment. Here you will provide your doctor or midwife your complete health and pregnancy history. (Sometimes this appointment is done by an office nurse or assistant.) This information is important because it will give your practitioner a good idea of how healthy you are and what type of problems you are most likely to experience during your pregnancy.

There are many things that may be done in the way of physical exam, including:

• Pelvic Exam
• Pap Smear
• Breast Exam
• Blood Work
• Pregnancy Test
• Ultrasound (if you are having pain or bleeding or underwent fertility treatments)
• Check your blood pressure
• Record your weight
• Check your urine for protein and sugar

Most women will be seen for their first appointment between 8 and 10 weeks gestation. You may be seen earlier if you are having problems or if it is your doctor or midwife's policy.