You've found out you're pregnant and you set your prenatal appointment. You're excited or maybe not (that's normal) and now you're wondering what to expect at your upcoming visit with your provider?
Tests, and lots of them. Prenatal visits are used as a time to make sure that mom and baby are doing well. It's also a time to check the health of both of you to see if there are any conditions that could potentially affect how the pregnancy goes.
First prenatal visit testing
This visit is probably one of the more lengthy ones. They usually want to schedule you around the 8 to 10 week mark so that an ultrasound can be done to confirm your due date. You'll have two more that are a little longer than this one. One is the biophysical profile appointment. This doesn't happen until around 20 weeks and then your glucose testing appointment, between 24-28 weeks. During this visit you'll list all of your history, your family's history, and your partners history. You'll get a full exam that includes:
Pregnancy confirmation test (urine)
Weight
Blood pressure check (Every visit to rule out Pre-eclampsia)
Pelvic exam
Breast exam
Pap smear (if you're due)
STD testing (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea)
Blood testing that is done
You'll also have blood tests done. Pregnancy is a time to try to get used to needles. You'll pretty much become a pin cushion. Just kidding, but they will draw blood pretty often. What are the blood tests checking you for?
Blood type and RH factor (If you're negative you will receive something called a Rhogam injection; This is very important because a negative blood type can build up antibodies that could dangerously affect the pregnancy)
More STD testing (HIV, Syphilis, Hep B)
Anemia
Measles, chicken pox (to see if you have immunity)
Muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis
"A baby fills a special place in your heart that you never knew was empty" – Unknown
Other first trimester testing
Chromosomal testing (to determine if your baby is at risk for down syndrome or birth defects.
Ultrasounds (women that are high risk may have many of these)
If you or your partner have any risk factors in their medical history, genetic counseling and testing are offered, to determine if certain things are hereditary. I remember talking with my provider during my last pregnancy in 2020. I told her that I had the sickle cell trait. I was tested and I found out that I did not have this trait, I had been told all my life that I did. However, I did have the Alpha-thalassemia trait. Her father had to be tested as well, and he had it! (I will do a blog on this later, but it could lead to mild anemia)
It's a lot!
This may seem like a lot! It can seem overwhelming. Trust me, I felt the same way. However, one thing to remember is to advocate for yourself. All of these tests are recommended but you always have the right to say NO! If you don't feel like certain testing is needed, speak up. Providers work for you, not the other way around. If you're unsure about certain tests, ask questions for clarification.
You've got everything within you to do this!
First trimester testing comes with many different things, but you can do this! As always, sending you peace, love, and light! Until next time......
Tiffany Underwood
Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula
Certified Health Coach - Pregnancy Support
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