Pregnancy care - first trimester You should schedule your first prenatal visit soon after you learn that you are pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will: Your doctor or midwife will listen for your baby's heartbeat, but may not be
able to hear it. Most often, the heartbeat cannot be heard or seen on ultrasound until at least 6 to 7 weeks. During this first visit, your doctor or midwife will ask you questions about: You will have many visits to talk about a birthing plan. You can also discuss it with your doctor or midwife at your first visit. The first visit will also be a good time to talk about: You will also be given prenatal
vitamins with iron if you are not already taking them. Follow-up Prenatal VisitsIn your first trimester, you will have a prenatal visit every month. The visits may be quick, but they are still important. It is OK to bring your partner or labor coach with you. During your visits, your doctor or midwife will:
At the end of each visit, your doctor or midwife will tell you what changes to expect before your next visit. Tell your doctor if you have any problems or concerns. It is OK to talk about them even if you do not feel that they are important or related to your pregnancy. Lab TestsAt your first visit, your doctor or midwife will draw blood for a group of tests known as the prenatal panel. These tests are done to find problems or infections early in the pregnancy. This panel of tests includes, but is not limited to:
UltrasoundsAn ultrasound is a simple, painless procedure. A wand that uses sound waves will be placed on your belly. The sound waves will let your doctor or midwife see the baby. You should have an ultrasound done in the first trimester to get an idea of your due date. The first trimester ultrasound will usually be a vaginal ultrasound. Genetic TestingAll women are offered genetic testing to screen for birth defects and genetic problems, such as Down syndrome or brain and spinal column defects.
Women who may be at higher risk for these genetic problems include:
In one test, your provider can use an ultrasound to measure the back of the baby's neck. This is called nuchal translucency.
Another test, called chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can detect Down syndrome and other genetic disorders as early as 10 weeks into a pregnancy. A newer test, called cell free DNA testing, looks for small pieces of your baby's genes in a sample of blood from the mother. This test is newer, but offers a lot of promise for accuracy without risks of miscarriage. It may reduce the need for an amniocentesis, and so is safer for the baby. There are other tests that may be done in the second trimester. When to Call the DoctorCall your provider if:
ReferencesGregory KD, Ramos DE, Jauniaux ERM. Preconception and prenatal care. In:.Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5. Hobel CJ, Williams J. Antepartum care. In: Hacker N, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 7. Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A. Antenatal and postnatal care. In: Magowan BA, Owen P, Thomson A, eds. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 22. Symonds I. Early pregnancy care. In: Symonds I, Arulkumaran S, eds. Essential Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18. Williams DE, Pridjian G. Obstetrics. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 20. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 4/19/2022 Reviewed by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What kind of ultrasound is done at first prenatal visit?Your First Ultrasound
It's typically done between 7 and 8 weeks to verify your due date, to look for a fetal heartbeat, and to measure the length of the baby from “crown to rump.” At this ultrasound, you'll also learn whether you're having one baby, pregnant with twins, or more!
Do they normally do a ultrasound at your first visit?No matter which type of provider you choose, an initial appointment usually includes lab tests and an ultrasound, though in some circumstances the provider may schedule the ultrasound at a later date.
What happens at the first prenatal visit?Your doctor will give you a full physical exam, including checking your weight and blood pressure. You will also have a breast and pelvic exam. Your doctor will do a Pap test (unless you've had one recently) to check for cervical cancer and any sexually transmitted infections.
Do they check for heartbeat at first prenatal appointment?Hearing the Fetal Heartbeat
The fetal heartbeat is usually first detectable between 10 and 12 weeks, so depending on how far along you are, you may be able to hear the heartbeat at your first prenatal appointment.
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