What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Appointment: A Guide for New Moms
Congratulations! Whether this is your first pregnancy, or you’ve been down this road before, your first appointment is an exciting milestone. Birth centers offer a more personalized, holistic approach to prenatal care than the traditional hospital setting. The first pregnancy appointment is a pivotal point in prenatal care, ensuring both the pregnant person and the baby receive the best possible start.
When to Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment
Typically midwives recommend scheduling your first appointment between 10 and 12 weeks. However, some parents decide to come in as early as 6 weeks for blood tests. You can read more about the recommended time frame for your first visit here.
How to Prepare for Your First Prenatal Visit
There are a few important tasks for you to compete at least 48 hours before your first visit in our Client Portal:
Complete all of contact and demographic information for you and your partner (if applicable)
Upload of a photo of yourself for your chart by clicking the camera icon
Complete and submit your Health History
Complete all consent documents under the “Forms and Records” tab
Please note that we use our electronic medical record system for all consent documents, rather than having clients fill out documents on paper at the time of the appointment. This means that clients are responsible for ensuring their consent documents are signed before the start of the appointment.
If you are unable to complete your consent documents prior to your appointment, please plan on arriving 30-45 minutes early in order to complete your documents using the tablet available in our lobby.
What Happens at Your First Prenatal Appointment
At Andaluz, we want our clients to feel comfortable and be well informed during their time in our care. Our midwives devote an hour for your first appointment to obtain an accurate health history, to discuss your pregnancy and birth goals, and also get to know you as an individual.
Your midwife will:
Review your medical history, including past pregnancy history and how your current pregnancy was conceived
Take your vitals, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and weight
Use a fetal doppler to listen to your baby’s heartbeat if you are further than 10 weeks
Perform a physical exam
Discuss nutrition, diet, and exercise
Discuss the current and past state of your mental health
Discuss aspects of your social life that can impact your pregnancy, including stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, and marijuana use
Answer any questions you have about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, as well as provide you with resources so that you may continue to learn between appointments
Establishing Your Pregnancy as Low-Risk
Your first appointment at the birth center also allows our midwives to evaluate your eligibility for out-of-hospital birth. Our midwives care for low-risk pregnancies, and an important part of your prenatal care is ensuring that you fall into the low-risk category.
Most people will pass our client risk assessment, however there are a few pre-existing conditions which will disqualify you from care at the birth center. Some of these absolute risk factors include: carrying multiples (twins or triples), Type 1 diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes requiring insulin, and a history of multiple cesarean births.
It is important to note that advanced maternal age alone is not considered an immediate disqualification. We also welcome the transfer of care for low-risk individuals at any stage of pregnancy.
Arriving for Your Appointment
When you arrive at the birth center for your first prenatal appointment you’ll be greeted by our clinic coordinator. We have water, coffee, and a variety of teas available for refreshment. After checking in for your appointment, your midwife will come greet you and take you to one of our birth rooms, which also serve as our space for routine prenatal visits.
You won’t be asked to change into a gown. Pelvic exams aren’t routine for your first prenatal appointment unless you have a specific concern.
You are welcome to bring a support person with you. If this is not your first baby, your children are also always welcome to accompany you.
Will I have an ultrasound?
We do not offer diagnostic ultrasound at the birth center. If you haven’t had an early ultrasound yet, you will be asked for the date of your last menstrual cycle to help establish your due date.
While a first trimester ultrasound is not required for care at the birth center, they are always recommended. Ultrasounds performed before 14 weeks are used to establish the most accurate due date and to ensure pregnancy viability. Your midwife can send a referral to a local radiology clinic if you decide to opt in for a first trimester ultrasound.
Will I have a blood draw?
A routine blood sample will be collected during your first prenatal visit to run a series of tests called an OB panel. This comprehensive panel combines essential tests including blood typing, complete blood count, infectious disease screening, and metabolic assessment. The blood tests check your overall health, and can help identify health issues that may need treatment during pregnancy.
If you are considering genetic testing, such as noninvasive prenatal testing, this often takes place between 9 and 14 weeks with a simple blood test. This screening can provide helpful information about your baby’s health, though it is optional and based on personal preference or past pregnancies. Genetic testing sometimes has an additional fee and specific costs should be discussed with your provider and your insurance.
Ready to schedule your first visit?
Contact us today to your first prenatal appointment and get scheduled for your in person tour, and start your journey with confidence.
The First appointment is just the beginning of an incredible journey. By taking small steps now, you will set yourself up for a healthy, well-informed, and supported pregnancy. We are here to guide you every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions About First Prenatal Appointments
When should I schedule my first pregnancy appointment?
Most providers recommend between 10 and 12 weeks, but some parents come in as early as 6 weeks.
Can I get genetic testing at my first appointment?
Genetic testing is usually done between 9–14 weeks, and is available at the birth center. Please contact your insurance provider for more information, since these tests may have an extra cost.
What should I bring to my first prenatal visit?
Bring your ID, insurance card, medical history, and any questions you have.