1T - What to Expect

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Registered: 05-18-2006
1T - What to Expect
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 10:12am






Questions About Your First Trimester

What happens during the first prenatal medical visit?


  • Your pregnancy will be confirmed and a due date calculated.
  • This visit will involve a complete history and a physical exam. Your general health will be assessed and you will receive a pelvic examination to view the cervix and assess the structure of your pelvis for the future delivery.
  • Your practitioner will inquire about your past medical history. Be prepared to discuss your family history for chronic diseases or risk of genetic disorders.
  • Your practitioner will want to know the outcomes of any previous pregnancies.
  • They will ask about any medications you may have used, as well as use of street drugs or alcohol.


What tests will need to be done, and why?


  • You will have a Pap smear to check for abnormal cervical cells.
  • Your urine will be checked for glucose, protein, blood cells and bacteria.
  • You will have blood drawn to determine your blood type and Rh (Rhesus) factor. They will do blood counts to make sure you are not anemic. Your blood will also be screened to make sure you are immune to Hepatitis B, and Rubella (German measles).
  • You may be screened for sexually transmitted diseases.
  • You may be screened for genetically carried diseases.
  • You should have a TB (tuberculosis) skin test.