Before Your Visit
Pro Tip
Bring your medication list and dates for your last period and prior pregnancies. If you track blood pressure, weight, or symptoms, bring those notes too.
What to Bring to Your First Prenatal Appointment
- Medication/supplement list with doses, medical & surgical history, family history.
- Menstrual history and prior pregnancy details; any previous labs or imaging.
- Insurance card and photo ID; clinic forms if requested.
During Pregnancy: What to Expect
First Trimester (up to 12 weeks)
- Medical and family history review, physical exam, initial prenatal labs.
- Dating ultrasound often 8–12 weeks; discuss genetic/chromosomal screening options.
Second Trimester (13–28 weeks)
- Regular checks of blood pressure, weight, and baby's heartbeat.
- Anatomy ultrasound 18–20 weeks; screening labs as indicated.
- Gestational diabetes screening 24–28 weeks.
Third Trimester (29 weeks to delivery)
- Visits every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly.
- Discuss birth plan, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery; Tdap vaccine commonly offered.
- Group B strep screening around 35–37 weeks; late-term monitoring as needed.
Remember
Call your clinic if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, concerning headaches, decreased baby movement, or signs of preterm labor.
Vaccines & Common Questions
- Vaccines: flu (seasonal) and Tdap (often in third trimester) are commonly recommended.
- Ask about: which tests to expect next, safe medications, nutrition and weight gain goals, exercise and travel, birth preferences, and postpartum support.
After Your Visit
Follow Through
Schedule ordered tests, read your visit summary, and call if anything feels unclear. Keep a running list of symptoms and questions between visits.
Important
If you have urgent symptoms (severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, sudden swelling, heavy bleeding, or reduced fetal movement), contact your provider right away or seek emergency care.