If you’re reading this, you’ve probably just found out you’re pregnant – congratulations! It’s time then to schedule your first prenatal visit to a gynaecologist. Prenatal care is important to make sure that you and your baby are doing fine at every stage.
But it’s not just medical care you’ll get during these visits. Your gynaecologist will also be able to educate you, and your partner, on the birthing process, and provide valuable information, guidance, and support.
However, like your first pregnancy, your first prenatal visit is a brand new experience. And to guide you on what you should expect at this consultation, we’ve put together some useful information.
When Should You First Go?
The first prenatal visit will probably be the longest consultation among all your visits to the gynaecologist throughout your pregnancy
Singapore-based obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Anne Tan says that if you have a regular menstrual cycle and you have missed your next expected period, you should use a home pregnancy test to check if you are indeed pregnant.
If you get a positive result and you do not experience any pains or bleeding, you can make an appointment for your first prenatal visit two weeks after your missed period.
The purpose
According to WebMD, the purpose of your first prenatal visit is to:
- Determine your due date
- Learn about your health history
- Explore the medical history of family members
- Determine if you have any pregnancy risk factors based on your age, health, and/or personal and family history.
What You Should Expect At Your First Prenatal Visit
1. Blood Tests
Your gyneacologist will carry out blood tests to check your health. | Image courtesy: iStock
According to Dr Dana Elliot Srither, a Singapore-based family physician, one of the first blood tests your gynaecologist will conduct involves checking the amount of the pregnancy hormone, Human Choroid Gonadotrophin, in your blood.
While this will confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy, your doctor will also make sure the amount is doubling every two to three days. This indicates that your pregnancy is going along normally.
Your gynaecologist will also carry out the following tests on your blood, says Dr Srither:
2. Pelvic exam
Dr Srither explains that a pelvic exam is done at your first prenatal appointment to see how you are progressing in the pregnancy. Medical experts at WebMD explain that during this exam, you’ll have a Pap smear done to screen for cervical cancer and to detect other STDs.
Your doctor may also conduct an internal exam with two fingers inside your vagina and one hand on your stomach. This is done to check for abnormalities of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. During this examination, the doctor will also determine the size of your uterus and pelvis.
During the ultrasound, you should hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. | Image courtesy: iStock
3. Vaginal Ultrasound
The vaginal ultrasound, according to Dr Tan, should detect an intrauterine gestational sac with a yolk sac, and your baby (know at this stage, as the “fetal pole”) should be seen measuring just under 5 mm. By seven weeks gestation, the fetal pole would be around 10 mm and your baby’s heartbeat will be audible!
Dr Tan explains that your gynaecologist will probably have a careful look around the gestational sac to check that all is good. They will also check for any fibroids, ovarian cysts or other growths.
Other than the various tests mentioned above, your gynaecologist will also check your blood pressure and temperature, and do a urine protein test.
Speak to your doctor about the two modes of delivery early in your pregnancy, don’t wait till your third trimester.
Ask Plenty Of Questions!
Don’t hold back on asking your gynaecologist all those questions you’re probably bursting to ask, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. Dr Gordon Lim, also a Singapore-based gynaecologist, suggests asking questions around the following topics:
1. Suitable food: Find out about the kind of foods you should be eating more during your pregnancy. And also the ones that you should avoid like processed food, fizzy drinks and more. Your gynaecologist will also advise you on how much weight you should gain through your pregnancy. Don’t forget to talk to your doctor about a suitable prenatal vitamin.
2. Work and travel: Talk to your doctor about the type of work you do. If your work involves long hours or frequent travel, learn about its impact on your pregnancy and when you should scale back.
Good luck on your pregnancy journey – it’s bound to be full of love, excitement, and amazement!
3. Mode of delivery: Ask your doctor any questions you might have about natural birth and/or Caesarian delivery. While the mode of delivery is your choice, learn about the pros and cons of each method, which should help you decide.
4. Emotions and Symptoms: If you have been getting unusual pregnancy-related cravings and are wondering whether they are normal, do ask your doctor about them. Keep in mind that pregnancy is not just a physical experience – it is equally an emotional experience. So if you have been experiencing mood swings or other emotions, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about them.
5. Sex: Women often experience an increase in libido during pregnancy, but their partners may be hesitant to engage sexually for various reasons. Talk to your gynaecologist about sex during pregnancy. When is it okay and if (and when) it’s not. It’s best that your partner is around for this too.
Your Gynaecologist’s Availability On Your Due Date
Find out if your doctor will actually be available on your expected due date. In case, they are unavailable on those dates, ask who would the replacement gynaecologist be and if you can meet them. Also, ask your gynaecologist if you can contact him/her at any time and the best way of doing so.
Checklist For Your First Prenatal Visit
When meeting the doctor, carry your medical history, especially if you’ve had previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or fertility issues. | Image courtesy: iStock
You will be visiting your gynaecologist for the first time somewhere in the fifth week of pregnancy. Before you do, here’s a checklist to make your time worth the effort.
1. Carry Your Medical History
Your doctor will be interested in knowing about you and your partner. This includes both of your respective medical history as well as that of each of your families. This is all the more important when your families are known to have genetic conditions or hereditary problems. Also carry your medical history, especially if you’ve had previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or fertility issues.
2. Track Your Periods
Your gynaecologist will be able to determine the estimated due date (EDD) based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). You can check with the doctor for his availability at the time, and also make other arrangements as required.
3. Making Changes In Lifestyle Choices
Pregnancies can be extremely demanding, especially from the mother, and that may require some dramatic changes in your lifestyle. You will have to give up on alcohol, smoking and even drug use during the pregnancy period. Speak to your doctor about withdrawal issues and how to cope up with the same.
4. Conduct All The Tests Recommended By Your Doctor
Expectant mothers are required to undergo a full-body check-up and your gynaecologist is likely to give you a detailed list of blood screening tests that are part of the prenatal care routine.
Mums-to-be, your gynaecologist is going to be your best friend for the next nine months. Make the most of your first prenatal visit and forge a strong relationship that will help you through your pregnancy journey.
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