Why Am I Struggling to Have a Second Baby?
Do you know how many children you want to have? Unfortunately, some couples find that secondary infertility — the inability to get and stay pregnant after giving birth at least once — changes their plans.
What to Expect During Your First Prenatal Appointment
Are you expecting a baby? Congratulations!
Everything about pregnancy can be nerve-wracking, so you may be feeling nervous about your first visit with your obstetrician. Here’s what you should expect during your first prenatal visit with Dr. Pourzand.
Scheduling
Generally, you should aim to have your first prenatal visit about eight weeks after your last menstrual period. It’s a good idea to go ahead and schedule your appointment as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
If this is not your first pregnancy, you may be feeling confident and not concerned about early prenatal care. However, each pregnancy is different and prenatal care is important regardless of whether this is your first or twelfth child.
You should expect this appointment to last longer than your usual OB/GYN appointment. You may also want to jot down specific questions you have, as well as important dates, such as the date of your last menstrual period.
The conversation
One of the reasons that your first prenatal appointment is likely to be longer than the following appointments is that you’ll have lots to talk about. Dr. Pourzand will discuss your medical history, including any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or abortions you’ve had, as well as any conditions you have that could affect your pregnancy.
In addition to your medical history, Dr. Pourzand touches on many other points during a first prenatal visit. You should expect to discuss:
- Travel limitations
- Environmental hazards
- Nutrition
- Vitamins and supplements, including herbs
- Any medications you take
- Exercise
- Weight gain
- What to expect and when
A physical exam
You should also expect to undergo a physical exam. Some of the physical exam is standard and includes things like taking your weight, height, measuring your blood pressure, and checking your heart and lung function.
Dr. Pourzand also performs a breast and cervical exam during an initial prenatal visit. All of the measurements serve as a baseline as your pregnancy progresses.
In addition, Dr. Pourzand may check your feet and legs for varicose veins and swelling, as well as assess the size and and shape of your uterus and pelvis.
The tests
You’ll undergo several tests, including one to confirm your pregnancy. A blood draw will be used to test your hemoglobin and rH factor, as well as to perform a rubella screening.
Several other tests, such as a cystic fibrosis test, an HIV screening, vitamin D deficiency, and various other screenings will be performed. Some tests are routine, some are required, and some are based on your personal medical history.
How to prepare
Before your appointment, write down any questions you have, and you may want to take notes during the appointment. It can be difficult to absorb all the information you’ll be given!
If you’re pregnant and you haven’t yet had a prenatal appointment, book today! Scheduling is easy and can be done online or by phone, as you prefer. Taking good care of yourself is the best way to make sure your pregnancy is safe and healthy.
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