Preparing for Your First Prenatal Visit: What to Expect and Ask

Getting ready for your first prenatal visit? This appointment is more than just a confirmation of pregnancy, although that’s part of it! Your first appointment is an opportunity to establish care with our team of board-certified OB/GYNs, learn about your growing baby, and make sure both you and your little one are off to a healthy start.

If you’re feeling a little nervous, don’t worry. We’ve created this guide for you to learn more about what you can expect at your first prenatal visit at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates in Marietta, Georgia, and a few questions you may want to ask.

When is your first prenatal visit?

Most first prenatal appointments take place between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. If you’ve experienced certain complications in a previous pregnancy or have certain medical conditions, your  Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates provider may want to see you sooner.

What to expect during your first prenatal visit 

Your first prenatal appointment is often one of the longest visits you’ll have during your pregnancy because there’s a lot to discuss.

Review your medical history

One of the most important parts of your first prenatal visit happens before any tests are even ordered; we get to know you.

During your visit, we talk about your health history, previous pregnancies, and any past pregnancy complications. If you’ve had a C-section, miscarriage, fertility treatment, or other significant pregnancy-related experiences, we review those as well.

Receive a physical exam

During your physical exam, you can expect height and weight measurements and a blood pressure check. We may also recommend a pelvic exam and a breast exam.

Plan for some lab work

You can expect blood and urine testing to help:

• Determine your blood type and Rh factor
• Measure your human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels
• Establish important health baselines for the months ahead

In some cases, we may recommend multiple hCG tests at approximately 48-hour intervals. During early pregnancy, hCG levels typically rise rapidly, so monitoring this trend can help confirm that your pregnancy is developing as expected.

You may have an ultrasound

Depending on how far along you are, your Marietta OB-GYN provider may perform an ultrasound to:

• Confirm your pregnancy
• Estimate your due date
• Check fetal development
• Confirm the location of the pregnancy
• Confirm whether you have one or more babies

If it’s too early for your ultrasound, our team recommends the right week for you to schedule your first ultrasound.

Questions to ask at your first prenatal visit

Don’t be afraid to come prepared with a list of your questions and any concerns that you may have. Some of the best questions to ask during your first prenatal visit include:

1. What prenatal vitamins should I take?

Prenatal vitamins provide important nutrients, including folic acid, iron, and DHA, that support a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid is especially important during pregnancy as it can help prevent birth defects. 

2. Are there any foods I should avoid? How much should I increase my caloric intake?

Your prenatal visit is the perfect time to discuss food safety recommendations, prenatal nutrition, and any dietary concerns you may have.

You may also be wondering whether you need to “eat for two.” The answer is usually no. The amount of additional calories you need depends on several factors, including your trimester, whether you’re carrying one baby or multiples, and your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).

In general, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women carrying a single baby don’t need extra calories during the first trimester.  

3. Is it safe to continue exercising?

In most cases, exercise is encouraged during pregnancy, but your Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates provider can recommend activities that are appropriate for you.

4. What symptoms are normal, and which ones aren’t?

Pregnancy comes with plenty of changes. Understanding which symptoms are expected and which require a phone call can provide peace of mind. 

5. What should I do if I have questions between appointments?

Knowing how to contact our care team can help you feel supported throughout your pregnancy. 

Pro tip: Start a pregnancy notebook. Many moms-to-be find it helpful to keep a running list of questions that come up between appointments.

6. Are my medications safe during pregnancy?

Not all vitamins, supplements, or medications are pregnancy-safe. Bring a complete list of everything you’re taking, including prescription medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter remedies, to your first prenatal visit. 

Our team can review each item and determine whether any changes are recommended.

Schedule your first prenatal visit

Need to schedule your first prenatal visit? Call 770-422-8505 or click here to schedule an appointment at our Marietta, Georgia, office.