Your First Prenatal Visit

 

If you believe you are pregnant, please call (812) 334-3955 to make an appointment for your first prenatal visit with our medical professionals.

 

You should schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you believe you are pregnant!

 

Your first prenatal appointment will generally be around eight weeks after your last menstrual period (LMP).

 

This visit will probably be one of the longest, and it will be helpful to arrive prepared with vital dates and information. This is also a great time to prepare a list of questions that you and your partner might have about your pregnancy.

 

Your healthcare provider will probably want to discuss the following:

  • Miscarriage precautions
  • Prenatal vitamins, supplements and herbs
  • Diet, exercise, nutrition and weight gain
  • Physician/midwife/nurse practitioner rotation in the office

If you have not discussed labor & delivery issues with your physician, this would be a good time for it. This helps ensure there are no surprises when labor arrives.

 

You may want to discuss the following topics:

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

 

CLICK HERE to view a list of medications considered safe during pregnancy.

 

 

At your first visit, you will be asked for your medical history, including:

  • Medical and/or psychosocial problems
  • Blood pressure, height and weight
  • Breast and cervical exam
  • The date of your LMP (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
  • Allergies
  • Your family’s medical history

If you have not already had an ultrasound, we may perform an ultrasound to accurately determine your gestational age).

 

You will also receive a physical examination which will include a Pap smear and cervical culture. Blood will be drawn and several laboratory tests will be performed.

 

Congratulations, and we look forward to your first visit!

Southern Indiana Physicians for Women recommends the educational resources located at the American Pregnancy Association’s website, the source of much of the material on this page. The information contained on that site is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found on that site should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of such information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional.

 

For specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, consult your physician.