Pregnancy · 5 min read
What to expect at your first prenatal visit
By the Foley OB & Aesthetics team · Published
The short answer
Your first prenatal visit is usually the longest of your pregnancy. Your provider reviews your health history, checks your blood pressure and weight, orders routine blood and urine tests, and estimates your due date. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends starting prenatal care in the first trimester, ideally before 10 weeks after your last period.
When should I book my first prenatal visit?
Call as soon as you think you’re pregnant. At Foley OB in Mililani, the first visit is where we confirm your pregnancy, review your health history and plan your care together.
What to bring
- The first day of your last menstrual period, which helps set your due date.
- A list of every medication, vitamin and supplement you take.
- Your health conditions, past surgeries and vaccination records.
- Details of past pregnancies, including miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
- Your insurance card and your completed new patient forms.
You can download the new patient forms from our patient resources page and fill them out before you arrive.
What happens during the visit
- A conversation about your personal and family health history, lifestyle and stress.
- Blood pressure, weight and height.
- A physical exam, which may include a pelvic and breast exam.
- A urine sample to check for infection and confirm the pregnancy.
- An estimated due date, based on your last period and sometimes an ultrasound.
- Time for your questions, including genetic screening options.
Routine lab tests early in pregnancy
ACOG lists several tests that are usually done early: a complete blood count, blood type and Rh factor, a urinalysis and urine culture, and screening for infections such as rubella, hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis. Your provider will explain which tests you need and why.
How often you’ll be seen after that
A typical schedule at Foley OB is monthly visits from weeks 6 to 28, every two weeks from weeks 28 to 36, then weekly until delivery. Higher-risk pregnancies may be seen more often.
Switching OBs during pregnancy
You can transfer your care at any stage. Send us your medical records request form and our team will take it from there. Learn more about prenatal care at Foley OB, or call 808-762-0261 to book your first visit.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your provider about your own health.
