Your First Obstetrical Appointment
After you have selected your midwife or doctor, you will want to set up your first visit. This is generally scheduled during or right after your 10th week of pregnancy.
You will be asked to give a urine sample which will be used to determine if you have any kidney or bladder infection, and will also be tested for sugar and protein. Excess of sugar or protein in the urine can indicate a metabolic problem.
You will be weighed, measured for height and your blood pressure will be taken. You will receive a full physical exam which will include listening to your heart and lungs, assessing your breasts and abdomen.
You will be asked to give a blood sample which will be used to test for several tests including sexually transmitted diseases, Rh incompatibility and blood type. Usually, one needle stick is all that is necessary unless privacy laws require you to have an HIV test done separately.
You will be asked questions about your medical history. Included will be questions about your:
- typical menstrual cycle and when the last one started
- use of contraceptives
- details of previous pregnancies
- medications you are taking, both prescription and over the counter
- any allergies, diseases or other medical conditions you may have had or now have, including past surgeries
- work environment and lifestyle behaviors such as exercise, diet, smoking and drinking habits
- sexual history and any risks for sexually transmitted diseases
Finally, you will be asked to lie back on the table and put your feet in stirrups for a pelvic examination. During the exam, focus on relaxing and try to breath deeply to prevent discomfort.
First, a speculum will be inserted into your vagina. The speculum is an instrument that allows your midwife to see your cervix and any changes to it. Before removing the speculum, your midwife will probably do a Pap smear (take a small swipe of material from your cervix) which may hurt, but you are probably already familiar with the process. You may also receive tests for sexually transmitted diseases regardless of your health history.
After removing the speculum, your midwife will insert two gloved fingers into your vagina to check your cervix and to assess the size of your uterus and ovaries. This will be done with two fingers inside you and a hand on the outside of your abdomen. She may also assess the size of your pelvis by feeling for specific bones. When she is done she may use the doptone to see if she can hear your baby's hartbeat, although it may not be audible until your next visit.
Subsequent visits with the midwife will be less lengthy and invasive. Generally your weight and blood pressure will be measured. You will be asked to give a urine sample to check for protein, sugar and infection. Your midwife will palpate your uterus (feel the uterus and baby by touching your abdomen), measure how big your uterus is by seeing how high it is compared to your pubic bone, and listen to your baby's heartbeat.
You May Also Be Interested In:Learn about epidurals so you can make an informed decision. Explore the list of Recommended Childbirth Books and other products. Find out about childbirth in other cultures and explore how culture changes your perceptions of pregnancy and childbirth. Find out ways to keep a pregnancy journal. Assess your pregnancy weight gain to see if it is healthy. |
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