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What to Expect at the First Prenatal Visit

You got a positive pregnancy test —congratulations are in order! Now it’s time to plan your first prenatal visit. You might be feeling nervous (or is that morning sickness already?!), and you probably have lots of questions, but not to worry—your provider will be there every step of the way. In the meantime, you might want to brush up on what to expect at your first pregnancy appointment. Ready for answers? We’ve consulted with ob-gyns on all the important info.

When Should You Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit?

After you get that positive test, you can take a day or two to soak in the news and celebrate, but it’s a good idea to book that first prenatal visit with your chosen ob-gyn or midwife pretty soon after. (If you haven’t picked a provider yet , you’ll want to get on that ASAP!)

Andrea Braden , MD, IBCLC, an ob-gyn and founder of the lactation company Lybbie , advises to “be on the safe side and give the office a call as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.”

When Will Your First Prenatal Visit Happen?

It’s ideal to schedule your first prenatal visit for when you’re around 7 to 8 weeks pregnant, says Braden. Doctors recommend this timing because that’s when an ultrasound can likely detect baby’s heartbeat . (The earliest a fetal heartbeat can be detected is around week 6, according to Cleveland Clinic .)

If you’ve had complications in an earlier pregnancy, you may want to go in earlier than 7 to 8 weeks. “Sometimes we want to watch these early pregnancies closer because with a history of complications, you have an increased risk of having complications in a subsequent pregnancy,” notes Braden.

On the other hand, if you miss the 7-to-8-week mark, Braden says the goal would be to get you in before 12 weeks, when the first trimester ends. “After that point, just get in as soon as you can because there will be some catching up to do!” she adds.

How Can You Prepare for Your First Pregnancy Appointment?

Want a handy checklist for your first prenatal appointment? Here’s what you need to prepare, according to the experts.

• The date of your last menstrual period (LMP). During your first pregnancy appointment, your ob-gyn will compare the LMP to an ultrasound to determine your due date , says Braden. “If the last period was irregular or unpredictable, sometimes you need to know the first day of the period before that one,” she adds.
• Your medications and medical history. Gather a list of medications and dosages to bring to your provider to discuss their safety during pregnancy, advises Michael Platt-Faulkner , DO, an ob-gyn at St. Elizabeth Physicians in Northern Kentucky. “Writing down any significant personal medical or surgical history and family history of genetic diseases is also helpful information for your visit,” he adds.
• Your pharmacy information. Your doc might prescribe prenatal vitamins or other medications, depending on your medical history, so make sure you have a convenient pharmacy in mind.
• Any questions about symptoms or other concerns. Those first-trimester symptoms—nausea, fatigue, peeing all the time—can cause anxiety. Plus, figuring out what to eat (and not to eat) and questions like “ Can I have coffee while pregnant? ” can be confusing. Platt-Faulker suggests writing all your questions and concerns down for your provider, so you don’t forget them in the heat of the moment.
• Somewhere to track the rest of your pregnancy appointments. “There will be a lot of information coming at you,” says Braden. “You want to have a place to write down future appointments and take any notes.”

What Happens at Your First Prenatal Visit?

What happens at your first prenatal visit can vary widely depending on your state and the type of practice you’re visiting, says Braden. In some practices, you get both an ultrasound and a consultation during your first pregnancy appointment, while other providers’ offices split up these to-dos.

Here’s generally what to expect at your first prenatal appointment.

Your provider may perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, help determine your due date, check baby’s heart rate and check for any complications, according to Cleveland Clinic . “Oftentimes, an early-pregnancy ultrasound may use a vaginal probe and can be mildly uncomfortable—which can be helpful to know in order to be best prepared for your visit,” says Platt-Faulkner. By about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, your provider will be able to hear baby’s heartbeat with a small device called a Doppler ultrasound, according to Mayo Clinic .

Medical history

“Your provider will review your pregnancy, medical and surgical histories in detail,” says Platt-Faulkner. “Your ob-gyn will [also] review how any medical diagnoses, pregnancy complications or surgical history may affect your pregnancy.” Your provider will also take a look at your medication list and discuss any pregnancy-related safety concerns with the medications you’re taking. Omoikhefe Akhigbe , MD, an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in Maryland, adds that your provider may also discuss whether there are any specialty doctors you should start seeing or continue to see.

Lifestyle discussion

Your provider will discuss the lifestyle choices you plan to make during pregnancy. (Remember that, for starters, that means no smoking or alcohol .) “You’ll learn about foods that are safe to eat in pregnancy and the way to keep yourself healthy,” says Braden. “They will answer questions about exercise, diet, nutrition, rest, common symptoms and how to treat them and what to do if you do have discomfort in pregnancy.”

Genetic testing

At your first pregnancy appointment, your provider might perform or discuss future genetic testing. “There are genetic tests that are time-sensitive and can be done as early as 10 weeks,” says Braden. “There are some that are done with an ultrasound around 12 or 13 weeks pregnant, and some that are done in the second trimester. Depending on your history and what you desire, that’ll likely be brought up.” There are some specific tests your provider may offer based on your age or family history too, she adds.

Blood testing

You’ll likely get blood drawn during your first prenatal visit. You’ll be tested for a variety of conditions, including anemia, hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV, as well as for your blood type and Rh factor .

Urine testing

For starters, your provider might test a urine sample to confirm your pregnancy, as well as to test kidney function and screen for the presence of protein, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic .

Physical exam

You can expect a full physical exam at your first prenatal visit, which may include a pelvic examination and a breast exam. “If you’re due for a pap smear and you’re over 21 years of age, then you can expect that you’ll have a pap smear screening test done for cervical cancer along with an HPV test if indicated,” says Braden. “Typically, we also test for sexually transmitted infections at the time of the first prenatal visit.”

Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit

You’re likely full of questions—and that’s completely normal! Make sure to write them down—and bring this list to your first prenatal appointment in case you feel like you’re forgetting something.

• Questions about symptoms. Of course, you should bring any questions about symptoms to your appointment. Akhigbe says it’s also important to ask “when and where to call for an urgent question, what constitutes an emergency, what is an urgent question and what is a routine question that could probably wait for normal business hours.”
• Questions about testing. Which tests will you need during pregnancy? What will your insurance pay for? “Ask about common resources to use and where you can find the evidence-based information about your pregnancy and guidelines and information about tests,” advises Braden. A lot of people also want to know when they’ll find out baby’s sex , she adds. (Spoiler alert: With non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) , you can find out as early as 10 weeks.)
• Questions about your ultrasound plan. How many ultrasounds will you get? “Sometimes it depends on insurance, sometimes it depends on your medical history and sometimes it depends on your provider. Do they do them in-house or at a different center?” says Braden.
• Questions about lifestyle choices. Your doctor will review information about how to eat a healthy pregnancy diet with you, but if you have any specific concerns—such as about drinking alcohol or eating sushi—be sure to let them know.
• Questions about logistics. You’ve got a long journey ahead of you! Your provider will likely “review their practice structure, visit schedule and confirm the hospital where you’ll deliver,” says Platt-Faulkner. But if they’ve missed anything, Akhigbe recommends asking follow-up logistical questions, like how many providers you’ll see and which doctor is most likely to deliver baby. (Remember, there are no guarantees!)

There’s a lot of information to take in at your first prenatal visit. It might seem overwhelming, so make sure to bring questions, take notes and do whatever else you need to feel comfortable. Bringing your partner or a good friend along for the ride can help ease some nerves too. “If you have a support person that will be going along this journey with you, it’s always great to bring them to this visit if that’s allowed,” says Braden.

While it might feel like a lot to take in, know that your provider is there to make sure you and baby are healthy during your first prenatal visit and throughout your whole pregnancy—and that you’re making a wonderful first step in your pregnancy journey.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

15 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Checklist: Your First Trimester To-Dos

When Do You Start Showing in Pregnancy?

Omoikhefe Akhigbe , MD, is an ob-gyn and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Maryland. She earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee.

Andrea Braden , MD, IBCLC, is an ob-gyn, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of the lactation company Lybbie . She earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama School of Medicine.

Michael Platt-Faulkner , DO, is an ob-gyn at St. Elizabeth Physicians in Northern Kentucky. He earned his medical degree from the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University.

Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development , March 2023

Cleveland Clinic, Ultrasound in Pregnancy , September 2022

Mayo Clinic, Prenatal Care: 1st Trimester Visits , August 2022

Nemours KidsHealth, Prenatal Tests: First Trimester , July 2022

Cleveland Clinic, NIPT Test , October 2022

Cleveland Clinic, Your First Prenatal Appointment: What to Expect , December 2022

Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process .

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Get answers to all of your pregnancy questions and learn what you can do before, during, and after pregnancy to give your baby a heathy start to life.

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Preparing for labour and birth

Have a look at our guide on where to give birth, what to include in your birth plan, what to pack in your hospital bag, and lots more.

Healthy eating in pregnancy

Read about why eating a healthy, nutritious diet is important if you're pregnant, or planning a pregnancy.

Vitamins and supplements in pregnancy

Find out what vitamins and supplements you need when you're pregnant and why – plus where to get them and what to avoid.

Smoking and alcohol during pregnancy

If you are pregnant, or planning to be, now is the time to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Find out why and where you can get support to give up.

Exercising in pregnancy

Gentle exercise is good (and safe!) for you and your baby. Find out what and how much you can safely do, as well as what to avoid.

Mental health and pregnancy

Your mental health is as important as your physical health – but it's easy to overlook when there is so much going on. Read about how to look after yourself.

Advice for partners

Have a look at our tips on how you can support your partner during pregnancy.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness can affect you at any time of the day or night, or you may feel sick all day long. Read our tips on coping with morning sickness.

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Preeclampsia: Know the Risk Factors and Signs

Preeclampsia is a serious complication that happens in pregnancy, usually near term, but can occur as early as 20 weeks or even after delivery. It is most commonly characterized by hypertension ( high blood pressure ) and protein in the urine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preeclampsia happens in about 1 in every 25 pregnancies in the United States.

Catching It Is Critical

Preeclampsia can be life-threatening for both mom and baby, so catching and treating it early is very important to lower the chances of further problems.

“It’s called preeclampsia because it happens before a condition called eclampsia, which are seizures that happen because someone has swelling their brain,” says Lauren Theilen, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Utah Health. “Poorly controlled preeclampsia can have dangerous effects on many different parts of the body.”

Besides eclampsia, untreated preeclampsia can lead to the following:

• Leakage of fluid into the lungs
• Swelling or tearing of the liver
• Kidney dysfunction
• Low blood platelet count
• Heart disease
• Placental dysfunction or failure
• Baby not getting enough oxygen
• Low birth weight

Recognizing the Symptoms

Regular prenatal appointments are important to check your blood pressure. Monitoring it regularly, especially later in pregnancy, is crucial to catching preeclampsia.

Other symptoms include:

• Swelling of the hands, feet, and face
• Sudden weight gain over one or two days
• Headaches that don’t go away with usual treatments
• Vision changes, such as blurred vision or seeing spots
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant
• Urinating less

It is also possible to have preeclampsia with no symptoms at all.

“It’s important to keep up with blood pressure surveillance because some people, even with severe preeclampsia, might not feel any different.” Lauren Theilen, MD

Know if You’re at Risk

An exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, so it’s difficult to accurately predict who will develop preeclampsia and who won’t. However, some risk factors make it more likely. If you have any of the following risk factors, be sure to communicate with your prenatal care team so they can monitor your pregnancy accordingly:

• History of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• First-time pregnancy
• Chronic hypertension
• Pregnancy with multiples (twins, triplets, or more)
• Advanced maternal age (over 35 years)
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
• Socioeconomic factors

“Even people without risk factors will sometimes get preeclampsia, but knowing those risk factors can be helpful in identifying those who would benefit from preventive treatments like aspirin,”Theilen says. “I would encourage all pregnant people to talk to their prenatal care provider about whether they should take aspirin because it’s the only thing that we know reduces the risk of preeclampsia.”

Treatment After Diagnosis

Preeclampsia ranges from moderate to severe, but the only way to cure the condition is to deliver the baby. If you have severe preeclampsia, your doctor will likely recommend preterm delivery before 37 weeks.

“Because of all the potential bad things that can happen to moms and babies, sometimes delivery has to be recommended earlier than would be ideal,” Theilen says. “We’re balancing the risks related to prematurity against the risks of stillbirth and major maternal health problems associated with a preeclampsia diagnosis.”

Mild cases of preeclampsia can be monitored outside the hospital with frequent blood pressure checks, fetal well-being checks, and lab work. Severe cases of preeclampsia should be treated with blood pressure medication and more frequent checks of maternal and fetal well-being in the hospital. Recommended delivery timing depends on the severity of the disease.

Awareness of what preeclampsia is, its signs and symptoms, and whether you have risk factors can help you get the proper prenatal care for a healthy pregnancy.

“Pregnant patients can bring any signs or symptoms to the attention of their health care team and advocate for themselves if they feel like something is not quite right,” Theilen says. “That way we can make sure we detect preeclampsia and take appropriate care of it.”

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Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy

More foods can affect your health or your baby's health than you might realize. Learn what not to eat when you're pregnant.

You want what's best for your baby. That's why you might do things like add sliced fruit to your fortified breakfast cereal, top your salads with chickpeas or snack on almonds. But do you know what foods not to eat during pregnancy? Here's some basic information about eating during pregnancy.

Don't eat seafood high in mercury

Seafood can be a great source of protein. And the omega-3 fatty acids in many fish can help your baby's brain and eye development. But some fish and shellfish have levels of mercury that could be harmful. Too much mercury could damage your baby's growing nervous system.

The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it's likely to contain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says not to eat the following while pregnant:

• Bigeye tuna.
• King mackerel.
• Orange roughy.

So what's safe? Some types of seafood have little mercury. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advises pregnant people to eat 8 to 12 ounces (224 to 336 grams) of seafood a week. That's 2 to 3 servings. Here are some options:

• Black sea bass.
• Freshwater trout.
• Light canned tuna.

Don't eat raw, undercooked or tainted seafood

To avoid harmful bacteria or viruses in seafood:

• Don't eat raw fish and shellfish. Examples of raw or undercooked foods to avoid include sushi, sashimi, ceviche and raw oysters, scallops or clams.
• Don't eat uncooked seafood that's refrigerated. Examples include seafood labeled nova style, lox, kippered, smoked or jerky. It's OK to eat smoked seafood if it's in a casserole or other cooked dish. Canned and shelf-stable versions also are safe.
• Watch for local fish advisories. If you eat fish from local waters, check for fish advisories to see how often you can safely eat those fish. Make sure to do this when water pollution is a concern. If you're not sure about the safety of fish you have already eaten, don't eat any more fish that week.
• Cook seafood well. Cook fish to an inside temperature of 145 F (63 C). Fish is done when it flakes with a fork and looks milky white throughout. Cook shrimp, lobster and scallops until they're milky white. Cook clams, mussels and oysters until their shells open. Throw away any that don't open.

Don't eat undercooked meat, poultry or eggs

During pregnancy, you're at a higher risk of food poisoning from bacteria. This is called foodborne illness. How your body reacts to food poisoning when you're pregnant might be worse than if you weren't pregnant. Although it's rare, food poisoning may affect the baby, too.

To prevent foodborne illness:

• Fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. Use a meat thermometer to make sure.
• Cook hot dogs and lunch meats until they're steaming hot. Or don't eat them at all. They can be sources of a rare but serious foodborne illness known as a listeria infection.
• Don't eat pates and meat spreads that are stored in a refrigerator. Canned and shelf-stable versions are OK.
• Cook eggs until the egg yolks and whites are firm. Raw eggs can have harmful bacteria. Don't eat foods that may be made with raw or partly cooked eggs. Examples include homemade eggnog, raw batter and dough, tiramisu, freshly made or homemade hollandaise sauce, homemade Caesar salad dressing and homemade ice cream.
• Don't eat ready-made meat salads or seafood salads. These include ham salad, tuna salad and chicken salad.

Don't eat unpasteurized foods

Many low-fat dairy products can be a healthy part of your diet. These include skim milk, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese. But don't eat or drink anything that contains milk that hasn't gone through a process called pasteurization. Products that have unpasteurized milk could cause foodborne illness.

Avoid soft cheeses, such as brie, feta and blue cheese, unless the label says they're pasteurized or made with pasteurized milk. Don't drink juice or cider that isn't pasteurized.

Don't eat unwashed fruits and vegetables

To get rid of harmful bacteria, wash all raw fruits and vegetables well. Don't eat any raw sprouts, including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean. They might have harmful bacteria. Be sure to fully cook sprouts.

Don't have too much caffeine

Caffeine can cross to the baby, but the effects on the baby aren't clear. To be safe, your health care professional might tell you not to have caffeine while pregnant. Or you may be told to limit caffeine to less than 200 milligrams (mg) a day.

An 8-ounce (240-milliliters, or mL) cup of brewed coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine. An 8-ounce (240-mL) cup of brewed tea has about 47 mg. And a 12-ounce (360-mL) cola with caffeine has about 33 mg.

Don't drink herbal tea

Not much is known about the effects of certain herbs on fetuses. As a result, don't drink herbal tea unless your health care professional says it's OK. That includes the types of herbal tea made for pregnancy.

Don't drink alcohol

No amount of alcohol has been proved safe during pregnancy. To be safe, don't drink any alcohol.

Consider the risks. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy leads to a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Drinking alcohol also may result in fetal alcohol syndrome. The syndrome can cause the face to form oddly and cause lower intelligence.

If you're worried about alcohol you drank before you knew you were pregnant, or if you think you need help to stop drinking, talk to your health care professional.

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• Eating healthy during pregnancy: Quick tips. Health.gov. https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/pregnancy/nutrition-and-physical-activity/eat-healthy-during-pregnancy-quick-tips. Accessed May 31, 2023.
• 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/. Accessed May 31, 2023.
• Meat poultry and seafood — Food safety for moms to be. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/meat-poultry-seafood-food-safety-moms-be. Accessed May 31, 2023.
• Healthy eating for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. MyPlate.gov. https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/pregnancy-and-breastfeeding#. Accessed June 1, 2023.
• People at risk: Pregnant women. FoodSaftey.gov. https://www.foodsafety.gov/people-at-risk/pregnant-women. Accessed May 31, 2023.
• Advice about eating fish: For those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding and children ages 1-11 years. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish. Accessed May 31, 2023.
• Alcohol. MotherToBaby. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/alcohol-pregnancy/. Accessed June 1, 2023.
• Landon MB, et al., eds. Nutrition during pregnancy. In: Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 1, 2023.
• Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much? Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much. Accessed June 1, 2023.

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Pregnant Francesca Farago Details Recent Hospital Visit Due to “Extreme Pain”

Francesca farago—who is expecting twins with fiancé jesse sullivan—shared that she went to the hospital with “extreme pain” amid her pregnancy..

Francesca Farago is on the mend. 

The Too Hot To Handle  alum, who is pregnant with her and fiancé   Jesse Sullivan ' s twins, recently shared she was recovering after a trip to the hospital. 

"Here's a little chaotic twin update," Francesca said in a May 24 TikTok , showing off some updated sonograms. "We went in for a 10 week and five day ultrasound. The twins looked amazing. Everything was great."

But things took a concerning turn for Francesca later that night. 

"I did my progesterone shot like I usually do," she shared. "I think I injected it into a vein or my sciatic or something—I was just in extreme pain. I thought I had a kidney stone. I thought I had appendicitis. I really didn't know."

The 31-year-old explained that she and Jesse—who shares 14-year-old son Arlo from a previous relationship—then headed to the emergency room for a check in. 

"We went to the hospital," she added. "We were at the hospital for like, six hours. We ended up leaving because they were being mean to us."

After they returned from the hospital without answers, Francesca and Jesse headed back to their fertility clinic the next day to check on their babies. 

As she put it, "We really wanted to make sure the twins were doing okay because I was in so much pain."

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Luckily, Francesca and Jesse's little ones were totally "unaffected" by the reality TV star's affliction. However, the duo is not quite out of the woods when it comes to their journey—as they need to find an OBGYN to deliver their babies, and Francesca continues to fight anxiety about her pregnancy. 

"I have been so stressed about the babies," she continued. "I don't know why. I just have so much anxiety that something is going wrong at all times even though they're thriving."

Francesca went on to detail several more ultrasounds and doctor's visits in her vlog, explaining that she and Jesse are on the hunt for the perfect doctor to deliver their kids. 

@francescafarago Twin update?? I can’t believe how developed they are?? ? original sound - Francesca Farago

"We have a very specific birth plan," she shared of their pickiness when it comes to a medical professional. "I feel like it's hard to find a doctor that aligns with more of a natural birth."

Despite the hurdles she's jumped through during her pregnancy, the Perfect Match  star's twins are perfectly healthy as she finishes the first trimester. 

Keep reading to see Francesca and Jesse's love story ahead of welcoming their first children together. 

June 2021: First Meeting

Though Francesca Farago tried her luck with love on a few reality dating shows, including Too Hot to Handle , she met her perfect match in Jesse Sullivan while hosting an event online.

“TikTok hired me to host an event for Pride Month,” Francesca told Elite Daily in 2023. “It was over Zoom. It was a TikTok live event with Willow Smith and the app’s LGBTQ+ Trailblazers. I interviewed three people and Jesse was one of them. We met on Zoom and just fell in love very quickly.”

Summer 2022: Social Media Official

And though her time on season one of Netflix’s Perfect Match (which aired in 2023) didn’t work out, Francesca knew that fate had bigger plans in store.

In fact, as the reality star shared in a TikTok, “Literally the minute I left that villa, I texted Jesse, and I was like, 'Hey, are you still single? I'm traumatized and do you want to hang out?'"

And the rest is history. Since then, the pair have shared insight into their romance on social media. “We’re just so in love, and I feel that’s obvious with what we post,” she told Elite Daily . “Some couples share a filtered version of the happy times, but they don’t post anything negative. We actually don’t have any negative times. It’s all positive.”

May 2023: Engagement

Two years after they first met, Francesca and Jesse were ecstatic to start a brand new chapter together.

“WE’RE ENGAGED,” Francesca shared in a May 2023 Instagram post, “a glimpse into the most magical night ever, obsessed with our family… what is life!!” Fast forward to early 2024, and the couple made it clear that they were keen on starting a family, even before their nuptials.

"We want a huge wedding, but I think it would be so cute if we had a little baby in our arms or two babies in our arms at the wedding," Francesca exclusively told Live From E! host Laverne Cox at the People’s Choice Awards that February. "So, hopefully we can have a baby first and then do the wedding after."

March 2024: Baby (Soon-to-be) on Board

And as predicted, Francesca and Jesse—who is dad to teenager Arlo from a previous relationship—announced they were expanding their family.

"We wanted to take this special day to celebrate this amazing milestone with all of you," Francesca wrote on Instagram March 31. "We've brought you with us through the loss, so we couldn't wait to bring you along for the win. I am still pretty newly pregnant, and there's so much more to come, but we are so excited to be growing our family with Arlo as the coolest older sibling! AHH IM PREGNANT!"

As for Jesse, he was more than excited to share the news. "We're pregnant!" the influencer, who came out as transgender in 2019, captioned a clip. "Its been such a struggle to get here, but we felt like TDOV was the perfect day to let you all in on our celebration. Im so proud of @Francesca Farago for fighting her way to get here, and I fall more in love with her every day. Thank you for following our journey, and heres to more trans joy!"

April 2024: Double the Love

A week after the pair confirmed Francesca is pregnant, Jesse shared they'll be adding not one but   two  more members to their family.

"We're having twins," Jesse wrote under his April 7 TikTok . "We know it's early but we're preparing for the best."

Khloe Kardashian Reveals Surprising Word Son Tatum Has Learned to Say

Tom cruise & katie holmes' daughter suri reveals her college plans.

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What to expect at your first prenatal appointment

Your kickoff prenatal visit sets the stage for the rest of your pregnancy. Here's what to expect at this information-packed first appointment and how you can prepare.

When to schedule your first prenatal visit

When will your first appointment be, what happens at the first prenatal visit, how to prepare for your first prenatal appointment, what questions to ask at the first prenatal visit.

As soon as you get a positive result on a home pregnancy test , book an appointment with an obstetrician, family physician, or midwife . Depending on the practice, it's normal for another provider in the office, like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, to handle your first visit.

If you haven't yet chosen a healthcare provider for your pregnancy, that's okay. It's still important to see someone now to start your prenatal care. You can always switch to another provider later. 

Many healthcare providers will schedule your first visit for when you're about 8 weeks pregnant . Some will see you sooner, particularly if you have an existing health condition, had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having new or severe symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain .

If you're taking any medications or think you may have been exposed to a hazardous substance, let your provider know as soon as possible.

The first visit will probably be the longest of your prenatal appointments (unless you have complications with your pregnancy along the way). At this and all future visits, don't be afraid to raise any questions or concerns you've been wondering about – it helps to keep a running list between appointments.

Here's what your provider will likely do during your first prenatal visit.

Take your health history. Your provider will ask questions about your gynecological health, personal medical history, and lifestyle habits. Topics commonly covered include:

• Whether your menstrual cycles are regular and how long they tend to last
• The first day of your last period (to determine your due date )
• Symptoms or problems you've noticed since your last period, whether they're related to pregnancy or not
• Current or past gynecological conditions, including sexually transmitted infections
• Details about previous pregnancies
• Current or past diseases and conditions
• Past surgeries or hospitalizations
• Mental health difficulties and diagnoses
• Whether you are being or have been abused , or have another situation that could affect your safety or emotional well-being
• Smoking, drinking, and drug use
• Medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbal drugs you take
• Drug allergies

Your healthcare provider will also ask about your family medical history. Many genetic issues and birth defects are at least partly hereditary, so learning about your family history helps your medical team keep an eye out for potential issues. Let your provider know whether a relative in your or your partner's family has a chromosomal or genetic disorder, had developmental delays, or was born with a structural birth defect.

It's also important to mention any potential exposure to toxins, especially if you live or work near toxic materials.

Check you out and run some tests. You can expect a number of standard exams and tests at your first prenatal visit. Some healthcare providers will do an ultrasound , but if you don't have any medical problems or concerns, it may not be part of the routine. Here's what's typical:

• A thorough physical exam
• A pelvic exam, including a Pap smear (unless you've had one recently) to check for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea or abnormal cells that could indicate cervical cancer
• A urine sample to test for urinary tract infections and other conditions

Your provider will also order blood tests to:

• Identify your blood type and Rh status
• Look for anemia
• Check for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and, in certain cases, hepatitis C
• Determine immunity to rubella (German measles) and chickenpox

Discuss any high-risk pregnancy concerns. Many people are considered to have high-risk pregnancies , meaning there's a higher-than-average chance of health issues during pregnancy, labor, and birth. High-risk groups include those who:

• Become pregnant for the first time at age 35 or older
• Become pregnant for the first time before age 18
• Have certain medical issues that develop during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes
• Have certain preexisting health problems, such as high blood pressure , thyroid disease , or type 1 or type 2 diabetes

High-risk pregnancies need extra care. While many potential complications are treatable or temporary, some can be dangerous to both you and your baby. Your provider will talk through the risks at your first visit and throughout your pregnancy – and don't be afraid to ask questions at any point.

Explain your options for prenatal genetic testing. Your provider will offer you various prenatal screenings that can give you information about your baby's risk for birth defects and chromosomal conditions. These tests include:

• Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) , also called cell-free fetal DNA testing. Performed at 9 weeks or later, it's used to examine the little bits of your baby's DNA present in your blood.
• A first trimester screen, also called a first-trimester combined test. Typically done between weeks 11 and 13, it consists of a blood test and a type of ultrasound called a nuchal translucency .
• A carrier screening if you haven't had one already. It's a simple blood or saliva test done to see whether your baby is at risk for any of 100 genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Finally, if you're high-risk, there are invasive genetic diagnostic tests that can tell you for sure whether your baby has Down syndrome or certain other conditions. These tests include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) , generally performed at 10 to 13 weeks, and amniocentesis , usually done at 16 to 20 weeks.

CVS and amniocentesis are invasive and may carry a small risk of miscarriage , so women who choose to have these procedures are usually those with a higher risk for genetic and chromosomal problems. Some moms-to-be choose to wait for the results of screening tests before deciding whether to have one of these diagnostic tests.

For more information, your provider can refer you to a genetic counselor .

Give you advice and let you know what's ahead. Your healthcare provider will give you information about eating well , foods to avoid , healthy weight gain , and prenatal vitamins . They'll also give you a heads-up about the common discomforts of early pregnancy and let you know which pregnancy symptoms require immediate attention .

Your emotional health is very important. Your provider may screen you for signs of depression during pregnancy . But don't wait to be asked. If you're feeling depressed or anxious, let your provider know so they can refer you to someone who can help.

The dangers of smoking , drinking alcohol, using drugs, and taking certain medications will be a topic of discussion, as well. If you need help quitting smoking or any other substance, your provider can recommend a program or counselor.

Other topics include the do's and don'ts of exercise , travel , and sex during pregnancy ; environmental and occupational hazards that can affect your baby; and how to avoid certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis . Your provider will also discuss recommended vaccinations , like the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine .

To help your visit go as smoothly as possible, try taking the following steps.

Review your medical history. Brush up on your health status so you can better answer questions. This includes information about your:

• Overall physical and mental health
• Current and past diseases, conditions and other health issues
• Current medications, including prescriptions, supplements, vitamins and herbal supplements and teas
• Fertility and pregnancy history
• Family medical history
• Partner's medical history

If possible, bring documentation along, such as immunization records or a list of your medications. You may even want to bring a baggie containing the medications themselves.

Take your partner, a family member, or friend. Another person can write down notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support during this information-dense first visit.

Get there on time or a little early. This can be helpful for filling out forms and reviewing your insurance. Make sure to bring your insurance information and cash or a credit card for any necessary co-pays.

Just as your provider will ask you questions at your first prenatal visit, it's a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions for your provider. Ask anything – and don't be shy. Again, try to keep a running list in the weeks before the appointment, so nothing important slips your mind.

Here are some questions to consider if your provider doesn't bring up the topic first.

• How much weight gain is healthy for me? The first prenatal visit is a great opportunity to learn about how your body will change. It's also a good time to ask about nutrition, including which foods to prioritize in your diet.
• What are the foods I should avoid ? Raw fish and unpasteurized cheeses are long-established no-no's for pregnant people, but ask your provider for a full list of what to skip, since the accepted wisdom has changed over the years. Ask about caffeine and alcohol, too. Coffee is typically alright in limited doses, but no amount of alcohol is considered safe when you're having a baby.
• Are prenatal supplements a good choice? Your provider will likely recommend a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid and iron, both of which are needed more during pregnancy.
• Can I exercise? What about sex? With some exceptions, both are usually okay when you're pregnant. They're important to discuss, however, since certain conditions may complicate matters.
• Is it safe to keep working? If you have a physically or emotionally demanding job , you may want to ask how you can ease the effects on your body and mind.
• Is travel okay? While planes, trains, and automobiles are typically safe well into pregnancy, people with particular complications may need to limit or avoid traveling.
• Which medications are safe to take? Ask about your current prescriptions, herbal products, teas, supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs you may use, such as pain relievers and cold medicines. Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are not recommended, for example.
• What are common symptoms of pregnancy? Your provider can tell you what to expect and how to cope. Remember to ask what symptoms are uncommon, too, and what red flags to watch for.
• What should I do in an emergency? Find out who to contact and where to go if you begin to experience new, unusual, severe, or long-lasting symptoms.
• Who will treat me over the course of my pregnancy? If your provider is part of a group practice, you may see other members of the group during appointments. They may even deliver your baby.
• Do you recommend taking prenatal classes? Whether they're in a hospital, at a university, online, or somewhere else, prenatal classes can be invaluable learning experiences for parents-to-be. On top of the usual childbirth classes you hear about, you can also find courses in everything from stress management to good nutrition and even breastfeeding.

Last but not least, ask about your next visit and schedule the appointment before leaving the office. Until your 28th week of pregnancy, you'll likely see someone every four weeks or so.

You may also want to ask whether future visits will be in-person or virtual. Certain practices offer virtual visits for low-risk patients, those whose providers aren't close by, or even higher-risk patients that need to be evaluated more often.

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Prenatal visits: What to expect and how to prepare

NIPT (Noninvasive prenatal testing)

What is the NT scan (nuchal translucency test)?

I'm pregnant: What do I do now?

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

March of Dimes. 2017. Prenatal Care Checkups.  https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-care-checkups.aspx Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

MedlinePlus. 2022. Prenatal care in your first trimester.  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000544.htm Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2022. Prenatal care: 1 st  trimester visits.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20044882 Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Your First Prenatal Visit.  https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/planning/first-prenatal-visit/ Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Kids Health. 2022. Prenatal Visits: First Trimester.  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tests-first-trimester.html Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Mount Sinai. 2021. Prenatal care in your first trimester.  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/prenatal-care-in-your-first-trimester Opens a new window  [Accessed January 2024]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Recommended Clinician Timeline for Screening for Syphilis, HIV, HBV, HCV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea.  https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/pregnancy/screening/clinician-timeline.html Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Alabama Perinatal Excellence Collaborative. 2015. APEC Guidelines for Routine Prenatal Care.  http://apecguidelines.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Routine-Prenatal-Care-6-30-2015.pdf Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Kids Health. 2019. Toxoplasmosis.  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toxoplasmosis.html Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2017. What is a high-risk pregnancy?  https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/high-risk Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Kids Health. 2022. What's a “High-Risk” Pregnancy?  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/high-risk.html Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2018. What are some factors that make a pregnancy high risk?  https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/high-risk/conditioninfo/factors Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

March of Dimes. 2020. Prenatal Tests.  https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-tests.aspx Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2022. Carrier Screening.  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/carrier-screening Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

March of Dimes. 2020. Chorionic Villus Sampling.  https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/chorionic-villus-sampling.aspx Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Office on Women's Health. 2021. Prenatal care and tests.  https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

MedlinePlus. 2021. What is noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and what disorders can it screen for?  https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/testing/nipt/ Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Voyage Healthcare. 2021. Prenatal Care Overview.  https://www.voyagehealthcare.com/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-first-prenatal-visit-guide Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Gifford Health Care. Undated. Preparing for Your Appointment.  https://giffordhealthcare.org/patients/preparing-for-your-appointment/ Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2023. Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20043844 Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2023. Nutrition During Pregnancy.  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2022. Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-vitamins/art-20046945 Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2022. Exercise During Pregnancy.  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2022. Sex during pregnancy: What's OK, what's not.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sex-during-pregnancy/art-20045318 Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Kids Health. 2022. Sex During Pregnancy.  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sex-pregnancy.html Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2023. Travel During Pregnancy.  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

March of Dimes. 2020. Over-the-counter medicine, supplements and herbal products during pregnancy.  https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/over-the-counter-medicine-supplements-and-herbal-products.aspx Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2024]

Where to go next

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for 2024

Stay protected against COVID-19 with current vaccination advice. Learn where you can find a vaccine provider and get the latest advice on vaccination.

Your primary course of vaccination

Your primary course of vaccination is the first time you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Most people now only need 1 first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as their primary course. You may need 2 doses if you are at high risk of severe illness. 

Talk to your usual healthcare provider to decide how many primary course doses you need. Most Australians have already received their primary course of vaccination.

Advice about regular COVID-19 booster vaccinations

Regular COVID-19 vaccinations (also known as boosters) are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. 

They are especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner. You can also use the booster eligibility tool to determine whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Find a vaccine service

The healthdirect Service Finder can help you find a vaccine provider near you. It also identifies clinics that cater to special requirements like ramp access and quiet spaces. 

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free to all people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card. 

It is safe and efficient to receive your COVID-19 vaccine alongside your flu vaccine or other routine vaccinations, including those for children over 5 years old and teens.

Possible side effects

The most frequently reported side effects include injection-site reactions, such a sore arm. Other reported side effects include:

• muscle pain
• fever and chills

These side effects typically last no more than a couple of days, and you will recover without any problems. Visit healthdirect for more information about side effects .

If you’ve had COVID-19

Regular COVID-19 vaccination is recommended even in individuals who have had a past infection.

There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may have had a recent COVID-19 infection.

Immunisation history

You can obtain proof of your vaccination by accessing your immunisation history statement.

Visit Services Australia for information on how to get immunisation history statements .

More information

If you have any questions about vaccines, talk to your regular healthcare provider. 

We encourage you to rely on credible information to make informed choices about the vaccine you receive. 

Like your other vaccinations, we encourage you to discuss COVID-19 vaccine options available to you with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide how frequently you have your regular dose with an individual risk–benefit assessment.

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Your First Prenatal Appointment

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When should I schedule my first prenatal visit? 

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Your First Prenatal Visit

If you did not meet with your health care provider before you were pregnant, your first prenatal visit will generally be around 8 weeks after your LMP (last menstrual period ). If this applies to you, you should schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you know you are pregnant!

Even if you are not a first-time mother, prenatal visits are still important since every pregnancy is different. This initial visit will probably be one of the longest. It will be helpful if you arrive prepared with vital dates and information. This is also a good opportunity to bring a list of questions that you and your partner have about your pregnancy, prenatal care, and birth options.

What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Appointment

Your doctor will ask for your medical history, including:.

• Medical and/or psychosocial problems
• Blood pressure, height, and weight
• Breast and cervical exam
• Date of your last menstrual period (an accurate LMP is helpful when determining gestational age and due date)
• Birth control methods
• History of abortions and/or miscarriages
• Hospitalizations
• Medications you are taking
• Medication allergies
• Your family’s medical history

Your healthcare provider will also perform a physical exam which will include a pap smear , cervical cultures, and possibly an ultrasound if there is a question about how far along you are or if you are experiencing any bleeding or cramping .

Blood will be drawn and several laboratory tests will also be done, including:

• Hemoglobin/ hematocrit
• Rh Factor and blood type (if Rh negative, rescreen at 26-28 weeks)
• Rubella screen
• Varicella or history of chickenpox, rubella, and hepatitis vaccine
• Cystic Fibrosis screen
• Hepatitis B surface antigen
• Tay Sach’s screen
• Sickle Cell prep screen
• Hemoglobin levels
• Hematocrit levels
• Specific tests depending on the patient, such as testing for tuberculosis and Hepatitis C

Your healthcare provider will probably want to discuss:

• Recommendations concerning dental care , cats, raw meat, fish, and gardening
• Fevers and medications
• Environmental hazards
• Travel limitations
• Miscarriage precautions
• Prenatal vitamins , supplements, herbs
• Diet , exercise , nutrition , weight gain
• Physician/ midwife rotation in the office

Possible questions to ask your provider during your prenatal appointment:

• Is there a nurse line that I can call if I have questions?
• If I experience bleeding or cramping, do I call you or your nurse?
• What do you consider an emergency?
• Will I need to change my habits regarding sex, exercise, nutrition?
• When will my next prenatal visit be scheduled?
• What type of testing do you recommend and when are they to be done? (In case you want to do research the tests to decide if you want them or not.)

If you have not yet discussed labor and delivery issues with your doctor, this is a good time. This helps reduce the chance of surprises when labor arrives. Some questions to ask include:

• What are your thoughts about natural childbirth ?
• What situations would warrant a Cesarean ?
• What situations would warrant an episiotomy ?
• How long past my expected due date will I be allowed to go before intervening?
• What is your policy on labor induction?

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Prenatal care in your first trimester

Trimester means "3 months." A normal pregnancy lasts around 10 months and has 3 trimesters.

The word prenatal means before birth. The first trimester starts when your baby is conceived. It continues through week 14 of your pregnancy. Your health care provider may talk about your pregnancy in weeks, rather than in months or trimesters.

Your First Prenatal Visit

You should schedule your first prenatal visit soon after you learn that you are pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will:

• Draw your blood
• Perform a full pelvic exam
• Do a Pap smear and cultures to look for infections or problems

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:

• Your overall health
• Any health problems you have
• Past pregnancies
• Medicines, herbs, or vitamins you take
• Whether or not you exercise
• Whether you smoke, use tobacco, drink alcohol or take drugs
• Whether you or your partner have genetic disorders or health problems that run in your family

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:

• Eating healthy , exercising, getting adequate sleep, and making lifestyle changes while you are pregnant
• Common symptoms during pregnancy such as fatigue, heartburn, and varicose veins
• How to manage morning sickness
• What to do about vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy
• What to expect at each visit

You will also be given prenatal vitamins with iron if you are not already taking them.

Follow-up Prenatal Visits

In 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:

• Check your blood pressure.
• Check for fetal heart sounds.
• Take a urine sample to test for sugar or protein in your urine. If either of these is found, it could mean that you have gestational diabetes or high blood pressure caused by pregnancy.

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.

At 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:

• A complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood typing (including Rh screen)
• Rubella viral antigen screen (this shows how immune you are to the disease Rubella)
• Hepatitis panel (this shows if you are positive for hepatitis A, B, or C)
• Syphilis test
• HIV test (this test shows if you are positive for the virus that causes AIDS)
• Cystic fibrosis screen (this test shows if you are a carrier for cystic fibrosis)
• A urine analysis and culture

Ultrasounds

An 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 Testing

All women are offered genetic testing to screen for birth defects and genetic problems, such as Down syndrome or brain and spinal column defects.

• If your doctor thinks that you need any of these tests, talk about which ones will be best for you.
• Be sure to ask what the results could mean for you and your baby.
• A genetic counselor can help you understand your risks and test results.
• There are many options now for genetic testing. Some of these tests carry some risks to your baby, while others do not.

Women who may be at higher risk for these genetic problems include:

• Women who have had a fetus with genetic problems in earlier pregnancies
• Women, age 35 years or older
• Women with a strong family history of inherited birth defects

In one test, your provider can use an ultrasound to measure the back of the baby's neck. This is called nuchal translucency .

• A blood test is also done.
• Together, these 2 measures will tell if the baby is at risk for having Down syndrome.
• If a test called a quadruple screen is done in the second trimester, the results of both tests are more accurate than doing either test alone. This is called integrated screening. If the test is positive, an amniocentesis or cell-free DNA test may be recommended.

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 Doctor

Contact your provider if:

• You have a significant amount of nausea and vomiting.
• You have bleeding or cramping.
• You have increased discharge or a discharge with odor.
• You have a fever, chills, or pain when passing urine.
• You have any questions or concerns about your health or your pregnancy.

Alternative Names

Pregnancy care - first trimester

Gregory 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.

Review Date 4/19/2022

Updated 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.

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The Ultimate Pregnancy Appointment Guide: What to Expect Week by Week at Your Prenatal Visits

Central to ensuring the health and well-being of you and your growing baby is seeing your care team regularly for touchpoints and milestones that are part of your pregnancy appointment schedule. Diana Kaufman, MD , UnityPoint Health, shares the recommended timeline for prenatal visits, and the importance of each test and discussion that’ll prepare you for a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Confirming Your Pregnancy

Every woman’s body is unique, but it’s a good idea to visit a doctor to confirm a pregnancy when you’re experiencing early symptoms, such as a missed period or you’ve received a positive home pregnancy test. Typically, this visit happens at 6-8 weeks of pregnancy.

Your doctor may confirm your pregnancy through urine tests, blood tests or ultrasounds.

Initial Prenatal Appointment: 5-12 Weeks

Your first prenatal visit consists of important screenings and discussions, so your healthcare team can create a care plan that ensures you and baby stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Prepare a few things for this visit, including:

• Complete medical history: It’s important for your doctor to know your past and present health conditions or concerns, medications and any history of disease, substance abuse or known genetic conditions in your family.
• Insurance information: This includes consents for care, your insurance carrier and other paperwork

Here’s what to expect at your first pregnancy appointment

• A physical, which will likely include a breast and pelvic exam.
• A urine sample is collected to check for certain infections and conditions that can occur during pregnancy. Urine tests may be taken at your following prenatal visits as well. Urine drug screening tests are also recommended for women, or their partners, with a history of substance use — including smoking.
• Routine testing that includes blood draws to check your blood type and complete blood count (CBC) and look for specific diseases including hepatitis, HIV, syphilis and checking for immunity against rubella. Other testing that may occur includes genetic screening and testing for diabetes.

Your care team will review prenatal educational materials with you and remedies for any unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting . Your team also will provide an estimated due date for baby.

It’s also important to take good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Changing hormone levels make your gums more sensitive to disease, which increases your risk for a low-birth weight or premature baby. Consider making an appointment to see your dentist during your first trimester.

Prenatal Appointment: Second Trimester (13 – 26 Weeks)

During weeks 13-26, you’ll see your doctor every four weeks. It’s a good idea to write down questions or concerns before your appointments to ensure they’re addressed.

At each appointment throughout the rest of your pregnancy, your care team will check the following:

• Blood pressure
• Position of baby
• Baby’s heartbeat

Here are some additional things to expect.

• Prenatal genetic testing: There are many different options for prenatal genetic testing. Your care team will review these with you.
• Pregnancy blood tests: These are tailored to your specific needs. Most patients are tested for anemia and diabetes of pregnancy between weeks 24-28. Other recommended tests will be reviewed with you.
• Ultrasound: It’s common to have an ultrasound in the first trimester to confirm the estimated due date. Ultrasound is also common at 20 weeks to check on baby's growth and development. Further ultrasounds could be needed if changes in your pregnancy make it necessary, such as concerns about baby’s growth or to see if baby is head down.
• Discuss preterm labor signs: Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy and requires medical attention. Knowing what to look for — such as contractions, changes in vaginal discharge  — is important for preventing potential complications.
• Childbirth classes: It’s a good idea to register for a class  to help you prepare for baby’s arrival.

When to Call Your Doctor

Pregnancy creates new and unfamiliar symptoms in many women. However, some symptoms need attention. Here’s when to call your doctor in the second trimester:

• Vaginal bleeding, even a small amount
• Leg pain with numbness or leg weakness
• Pain or tenderness in one of both calves that doesn’t go away
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Severe headaches that don’t go away with Tylenol
• Persistent changes in vision such as blurriness or floaters
• More than five contractions in an hour

Now, your visits to your care team become more frequent — happening every two weeks until you’re 36 weeks pregnant. Your care team continues to monitor you and baby. Here’s what else to expect:

Prenatal Appointments: Third Trimester (27 Weeks – Baby’s Arrival)

• Check fetal movement: It’s important to be aware of your baby's movements. If you notice a sudden change or absence of fetal movement, let you care team know.
• Rhogam injections: If an Rh-negative blood type was found during your initial prenatal visit, you’ll receive an injection to prevent immune system complications for future pregnancies. This usually happens at 28 weeks.
• Additional prenatal testing: Around 35-37 weeks, you’re checked to see if you carry group B streptococcus bacteria . This is one of many bacteria that can live on our skin and typically does not cause problems. However, it can infect a newborn when you deliver. Antibiotics are given during delivery to prevent infection in a newborn if you test positive.

Prenatal Appointments: 36 Weeks – End of Pregnancy

Once you’ve reached 36 weeks, you’ll see your doctor every week until you deliver. These visits are essential for ensuring the well-being of both you and your little one, as well as preparing for a safe and smooth delivery. In addition to routine physical examinations and checking baby’s heartbeat and movement, here’s what else you can expect:

• Cervical exams: If you’re having frequent contractions or preparing to be induced, your doctor will likely need to perform this exam.
• Discuss labor signs: You’ll likely discuss signs of labor with your doctor and when to go to the hospital.
• Discuss birth preferences: It’s not necessary to have a birth plan. Your care team has that covered. Our goal is to keep you and your baby healthy throughout the entire pregnancy and delivery process. However, if you have strong desires or needs for delivery, please discuss those during a prenatal appointment. It’s also helpful to write these things down and bring them to the hospital, since you may not be able to fully express your wishes during labor.

Postpartum Visits

After delivering baby, but before you leave the hospital, call your doctor to make your postpartum appointment, if it hasn’t been scheduled yet. This visit typically occurs around 6 weeks after you deliver. Other visits are scheduled based on your individual needs.

These visits are a time for your doctor to check on your healing , discuss normal or abnormal postpartum bleeding, talk about your well-being and any signs of postpartum depression or anxiety , discuss when it’s safe to start exercising again and address other questions or concerns you may have .

Our UnityPoint Health care team is here to care for you and baby throughout the entirety of your pregnancy and beyond. Call us  to schedule your first appointment or if you have questions about any future appointments.

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