first obgyn visit when pregnant

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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)?

What happens at second trimester prenatal appointments

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]

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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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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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32 MUST ASK Questions for Doctor During Your First Prenatal Visit

It’s time to head to your FIRST doctor’s appointment for your pregnancy. This is usually filled with excitement and a little bit of uncertainty.  Having a list of the most important questions to ask your doctor during your first prenatal visit, will ensure that you leave feeling prepared for this pregnancy!

Being a first-time mom, I had NO idea what to expect during pregnancy. I had a lot of questions and my midwife was more than happy to answer all of them.

I want you to know that it is normal to be curious about what to expect. If your provider isn’t willing to listen, you may want to think about switching to another doctor. This first appointment is a good time to get to know who will be caring for you and if you are both on the same page. 

Having a provider who is on your side and supports you in the birth you are wanting, will help you to have a positive experience … even if not everything goes to plan!

32 of the Most Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Your First Prenatal Visit

Like I said earlier, I had a LOT of questions. I found that bring a notebook helped me to leave feeling good about my appointment. Next time, I’ll start a journal as soon as I get a positive pregnancy test because it feels like FOREVER before your 8 week appointment.

I’m going to share the MOST Important Questions to ask your Doctor at your First Prenatal Visit from my experience as a first time mom. I hope this helps you!

Basic Questions To Ask

• Questions about Food + Vitamins 

Questions About Medications

Questions about symptoms + emergencies, questions about lifestyle, evaluate your provider.

I know how overwhelming it is to walk into your first prenatal appointment, especially if this is your first child. You have no idea what to expect and need some clarity on certain things. This appointment is really to see how your baby is doing and to talk about you and your spouse’s family history. 

Your doctor will be asking you a lot of questions and will probably answer a lot of your without even asking. That’s why I wrote my top 10 questions for my midwife, to ensure that I didn’t forget the most important things. Here are the 10 basic questions you should ask your provider at your appointment.

1. What Foods SHOULD/SHOULDN’T I be eating?

Most doctors will give you a list! But be sure that you ask about anything specific to your diet.

Check out my FAVORITE foods for the First Trimester

2. How much weight should I gain?

I want to encourage you to not worry about your weight. My midwife never once questioned my weight and even encouraged me not to worry about it. But, knowing how much they would like you to gain just gives you an idea of who you are doing.

3. What should exercise look like for me?

My doctor recommended a light workout a couple of days a week, but she encouraged me just to walk! I actually had to purchase a belly support band, which helped me to continue walking up until birth.

Here are some awesome workout for the First Trimester

4. How often do I come in for appointments?

For a low-risk birth, you will probably be every 4 weeks until the third trimester. I was unclear what the last trimester looked like and wished that I had gone a little more frequently. I went into labor at 36 weeks and feel like maybe they could have caught something if I was going every 2 weeks.

5. How many ultrasounds do I have? And at what weeks?

My doctor did 3 ultrasounds. (9 weeks, 12 weeks, and 20 weeks) It gave me peace of mind knowing what to expect and when.

6. When can I find out the gender?

This is everyone’s favorite question if they are finding out the gender! Most doctors and midwives do this at 20 weeks, but some do offer it sooner!

If you are really impatient to find out, SneakPeek offers Early DNA Testing – which I did at 9 Weeks!

It’s never too early to start planning your Gender Reveal, here are some unique ideas!

7. What are some normal pregnancy symptoms and what should I call you about?

I didn’t even have to ask for this, but my midwife went through random and weird pregnancy symptoms that were normal. She also gave me a few that were important for me to call her about.

8. What number should I call for basic questions?

My midwife’s office had a nurse’s line I could call for basic questions. She also offered to answer anything on the online portal. I typically did this because I wanted to hear her thoughts, not the on-call nurse. 

9. Where do I go + who do I call in an Emergency?

Obviously, we don’t want to think about the unexpected, but having the resources in case of an emergency will put your mind at ease. Your doctor should give you a list of numbers you can call along with facilities if need be.

10. Who will deliver my baby?

I didn’t realize HOW IMPORTANT this question was until after I gave birth. My midwife was there from my first appointment through delivering my daughter. If this is important to you, be sure to ask!

Like I said earlier, these are the questions I felt were the most important to ask my doctor at the first prenatal visit. But, there are obviously a lot more that come up. I’m going to give you a complete list of questions with everything from prenatal vitamins to symptoms.

You don’t necessarily need to write all these down. Most of them will be answered at your appointment, but if you feel like one really jumps out and feels important to you…. Definitely add it to your list!

Questions about Food + Vitamins  

Staying healthy throughout your pregnancy is really important for you and your baby! Make sure you ask lots of questions about what you can and can not have. This will not only help you to maintain a healthy weight but will also support your birth. (I truly believe this is one of the reasons I was able to have a natural birth )

• What vitamins should I be taking?
• Are there any supplements I should add to my diet?
• Can I have ….. (food you are curious about)?
• How much water should I be drinking?
• What can I drink instead of water?
• How much caffeine can I have?

Be sure to bring all the medications that you take regularly to this appointment. Your OB/Midwife may want to take a look at them to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.

• Should I continue to take the medications I’m currently on?
• Are there any medications I need to stop immediately?
• What over-the-counter medications are okay to take?

There is nothing worse than going to an appointment not asking about a symptom that is concerning you. I was too scared to ask about a few symptoms that felt silly at the time, but after I left I felt unsettled so I called my midwife. Do yourself a favor and ask if your symptoms are normal!

• Is this (symptom) normal?
• Do I have any increased risks for complications or conditions?
• Do you have any recommendations for (nausea, constipation, etc.)?
• What should I do if I have spotting?
• What if I feel cramping?

If I’m being completely honest, I was scared to have sex during the first trimester. I was completely embarrassed to ask my OB if it was okay and totally wished I did. Here are some important questions about your lifestyle that you can ask your doctor, so you can enjoy your pregnancy!

• Is it okay to continue having sex?
• What do I need to know about traveling while pregnant?
• When should I STOP traveling?
• Can I color my hair? Get my nails done? Get a message?
• What position should I be sleeping in?
• How long can I continue working during pregnancy?  
• How do you feel about (Natural Birth, Medicated Birth, C-section)?
• What are your thoughts on (Breastfeeding/Formula)

This first prenatal appointment is the perfect time to get to know your provider and see if they are the right fit for you. It’s SO much easier to switch doctors after this first appointment rather than later in pregnancy.

If you have any make or break questions be sure to ask them now so that you don’t waste you or your provider’s time. Welcoming a baby into this world is a big deal and you want someone who will support you the entire way!

(Check out my blog post on How to Choose a Provider for Your Pregnancy)

In Conclusion….

From the moment you find out you are pregnant, you will start thinking of a million questions. It’s important to really focus on the ones that matter for right now and not get overwhelmed with all the possible questions you could ask.

This first prenatal appointment is your provider to get to know you, your history, and to check in on baby! Don’t get carried away with concerns that won’t matter until later in your pregnancy. Use this appointment to get to know your provider, if you feel at all uncomfortable, it is easier to change now than later in your pregnancy! Best of luck… and congratulations mama!

Below is a Pinterest friendly photo… so you don’t lose this post!

Other Posts You Might Enjoy….

• How to Choose a Healthcare Provider for Pregnancy
• What foods to eat during the First Trimester
• 13 First Trimester Must-Haves

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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.

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics

• Prenatal Care

Work Out When Pregnant: Dos and Don’ts of Exercise

E xercise during pregnancy is a great way to help you and your baby have a healthy journey together. Whether you did regular physical activity before you became pregnant or want to start exercising now, there are important things to know about how to work out when pregnant safely.

About Workouts When Pregnant

Talk to your obstetric care provider about exercise at your first prenatal visit. 3 Healthy women are encouraged to get at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during pregnancy per week. However, there are a few conditions in which exercise may harm you or your baby. 1,4 If your OB care provider does give you the green light to work out when pregnant and you were already active before, you can discuss modification recommendations. If you were not physically active before pregnancy, they can help you develop a pregnancy workout routine to help promote your and your baby’s health. 2

If you already have a packed schedule, you may wonder how you can make time to get the recommended 150 minutes a week of exercise. 3 You can get creative and break it up into 30 minutes of activity at least five days a week. If that doesn’t sound feasible, try dividing 30 minutes into 10 minutes of activity three times daily. 3,4

Changes in Pregnancy

As your body undergoes significant changes, your ability to work out when pregnant may require some adaptations due to the following:

This pregnancy hormone helps soften your pelvic ligaments to make room for your growing baby. 2 Relaxin also loosens ligaments in other joints, making them more mobile, which can put them at an increased risk for injury. Try to avoid high-impact jerking movements that may strain your joints. 3

As your baby grows, the distribution of weight in your body changes, causing your center of gravity to shift forward. This can impact your ability to keep your balance when performing certain exercises. 2 To increase your stability and avoid falling, try to move mindfully and perhaps a bit more slowly during your prenatal workout. 3

During pregnancy, your body demands more oxygen. 4 You may notice some shortness of breath performing activities that you could previously do without much effort, such as walking uphill. This is due to an increase in progesterone, a pregnancy hormone that can cause you to breathe faster even in early pregnancy. As your uterus grows, this reduces the space your lungs have to expand, so feeling winded during exercise is common. 5 It is okay to scale back your workout intensity to breathe more comfortably.

The natural progression of pregnancy causes the average heart rate for pregnant women to increase. 3 Your heart must beat harder and faster, even without physical activity, To keep up with your body’s and baby’s oxygen demands. 4 During exercise, your pre-pregnancy target heart rate is no longer helpful in monitoring the intensity of your workout. Your goal is to exercise at a moderate level of intensity, which means you are sweating, but you can talk throughout your activity. 10

Benefits of a Workout When Pregnant

Here are some of the physical and psychological benefits you can gain when you exercise during pregnancy: 2,4,10

• Increased energy level
• Maintenance of or increase in physical fitness
• Less back pain
• Healthy weight management
• Quicker physical recovery after childbirth
• Stress reduction
• Better-quality sleep
• Prevention or relief from constipation
• Possible decrease in risk for developing gestational diabetes or
• Preeclampsia
• Lower risk of Cesarean delivery

The Dos: Workouts When Pregnant

Fatigue during pregnancy can make it hard to want to be physically active. To maintain motivation, you’ll want to choose things you will enjoy. There are lots of ways to work out that are safe to do when pregnant, such as walking, riding a stationary bike, and doing pregnancy exercises like prenatal yoga . 4 But what about other activities?

Can You Run While Pregnant?

If you were a runner before your pregnancy and have talked with your OB care provider, continuing to run should not hurt your baby’s health. 7 If you want to begin running during pregnancy , let your OB care provider know before starting a running regimen. 8

Can You Lift Weights While Pregnant?

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, strength conditioning with weights or resistance bands can be beneficial during and after pregnancy. Discuss weight lifting with your OB care provider for individualized weight amount recommendations. 9 After your first trimester , try to avoid overhead weight lifting to prevent worsening of lower back discomfort. 1

Can Pregnant Women Bowl?

Bowling is a low-impact activity, and as long as your OB care provider clears you, it should be safe. You may need to modify your form to keep your balance, as your growing belly causes your center of gravity to move forward. Also, remember that loosening joints increases your risk of injury, so bowl gently. 9

What About Swimming When Pregnant?

Swimming is one of the safest pregnancy exercises you can do, and many OB care providers recommend it for their patients who are healthy enough to do so. Swimming gives you the benefit of getting a good aerobic workout while being gentle on your joints and without having the risk of losing your balance and falling. 8

The Don’ts: Exercises To Avoid During Pregnancy

Certain activities are not recommended if you’re looking to work out when pregnant due to their increased risk of causing injury to you and your baby. These include anything that puts you at risk for:

• Getting hit in the abdomen. Examples include boxing, ice hockey, martial arts, and other contact sports. 2,3
• Falling. Examples include downhill skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and gymnastics. 3
• Overheating. Examples include exercising outside on a hot and humid day and “hot yoga” or “hot Pilates.” 3,4
• Experiencing extreme changes in pressure. An example would be scuba diving. 2
• Exercising at a high altitude. An example would be hiking above 6,000 feet if you don’t already live at a high altitude. 3

If you are uncertain if a specific workout is safe when pregnant, check with your OB care provider before trying it. Also, tune into your body. If you don’t want to work out on a day you had planned to exercise, it’s okay to rest and conserve your energy. 2

When Can You Work Out Again After Giving Birth?

After delivery, you and your OB care provider can discuss when it is safe to resume workouts. If you have an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, it may be as soon as a few days after giving birth if you are feeling up to it. If you have a C-section, you may need to take things more slowly, as this is a major abdominal surgery, and your body will need more time to recover. 4

Gradually increasing the intensity of exercise is vital postpartum . Physical activity postpartum has been shown to decrease the incidence of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression . Physical activity is also encouraged in lactating women and should not affect your milk supply. 10

If your OB care provider has given you the go-ahead, regular exercise during pregnancy is a great way to take care of yourself and your growing baby. Try to choose low-impact activities that you enjoy and make modifications as needed. This may mean reducing the intensity of your pre-pregnancy workouts or slowly building up your activity level if you weren’t physically active before pregnancy. 4 When deciding how to work out when pregnant and achieve the recommended two and a half hours or 150 minutes a week of exercise, make it fun, be safe, and appreciate what your body can do.

Here's What I'm Looking For in an Ob/Gyn Residency: Comprehensive Training

— access to abortion training in all states can help prevent the growing gaps in women's health.

by Samantha Kwock June 4, 2024

As a first-year medical student, I am interested in a career in obstetrics and gynecology. Yet, even in this early stage of my education, I am hesitant to consider applying for residency in states with abortion restrictions. I grew up in San Francisco, and when I became a woman of childbearing age, my abortion rights were protected by state law. As I consider my future training, I am confronted with the reality that this might not always be the case in a post- Dobbs U.S.

Currently, 21 states ban abortion or restrict the procedure to earlier pregnancy timelines than the standard set in Roe v. Wade . In 14 of those states, abortion is banned in almost all circumstances, including rape or incest in some places.

Regardless of your stance on abortion, it is important to understand the effects of the Dobbs ruling on ob/gyn residency programs, trainees' access to comprehensive training, and the subsequent impact on access to maternal care, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

Even before the Dobbs decision, states with the most restrictive abortion laws had the weakest maternal support, leading to worse maternal/child health outcomes compared to the rest of the nation. In a global context, the U.S. has a maternal death rate 10 times higher than the estimated rate of some other high-income nations. This is unsurprising considering that 36% of U.S. counties , particularly in the Midwest and South where abortion laws tend to be stricter, are maternity care deserts and lack ob/gyn providers and birth centers.

After the Dobbs decision, this shortage will likely increase, both due to current ob/gyn physicians leaving states that restrict abortion, and the decreased application of medical graduates to residency programs in these states. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, ob/gyn residency applications from MD-granting schools dropped 10% in states with total abortion bans and 6.4% in states with gestational limits on abortion.

Considering that the majority of physicians end up working in the state in which they complete training, lower application rates will likely further exacerbate the issue of women's health access in restricted states. In Idaho, almost a quarter (22% ) of practicing ob/gyn doctors have left since the abortion ban. With no ob/gyn residency or fellowship programs in-state and a drastic decrease in out-of-state applicants, Idaho is experiencing obstetric care deserts . Other states are seeing similar patterns.

As a first-year medical student, I am not the only one who feels this hesitancy to apply to programs in states with abortion bans. In a national survey of third- and fourth-year medical students, 58% reported that they were unlikely to apply to programs in restricted states, many attributing their decision to a desire to receive comprehensive ob/gyn training. This points toward a need to support complete ob/gyn training -- including abortion procedures -- in all states .

Maintaining Access to Comprehensive Training

Despite changes to federal law, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), which accredits residencies, has upheld its requirement for ob/gyn residency programs to offer training in abortion care, including spontaneous abortion and pregnancy loss. The curricula in restricted states varies with some offering out-of-state partnership. Meanwhile, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) created an online abortion care training module to be available in all states. This is essential.

A qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with leaders in the field has revealed concerns that decreased abortion training could lead to worse outcomes in other common procedures that use similar technical skills such as uterine manipulation or hysteroscopy. They also expressed concerns over the ability of ob/gyn programs in restricted states to recruit strong residency candidates, over time creating two tiers of training, with more qualified students only applying to states with protected abortion.

All ob/gyn residency programs must be able to offer abortion care training, both to recruit applicants and to maintain physician proficiency. Many programs in restricted states have partnered with clinics in nonrestrictive states to provide residents with the required training. However, some of these institutions have encountered obstacles, including difficulty organizing travel, delays in obtaining licenses in different states, and added expenses. For example, Indiana University's ob/gyn residency program offers abortion training through a partner clinic in Illinois. Certain aspects of the residents' lodging and food are funded, but Indiana University has to foot the unforeseen additional cost of $20,000/year.

How to Prevent a Widening Gap in U.S. Women's Health

Following the call to action from ACOG, medical societies and individuals must push for more federal funding to support ob/gyn programs in restricted states that are struggling to offer their residents comprehensive education. The Congressional Research Service has suggested using existing federal grant programs that support geriatrics and primary care as models for federal funding in ob/gyn training. Additionally, graduate medical education funding could be appropriated to fund visiting rotations for residents from restrictive states.

Ensuring that all institutions have adequate ob/gyn training can help decrease the hesitancy of medical school graduates to apply to programs in restricted states. Because these states are often the same regions with worse access to women's healthcare and poorer maternal/fetal outcomes, this is a crucial measure to prevent further provider shortages and improve maternal health outcomes.

Regardless of your stance on abortion, it doesn't appear Dobbs is going away, and it is imperative that we preserve training for future generations of physicians.

Samantha Kwock is a medical student at the University of Chicago, and a board member for the Bridgeport Free Clinic. She conducts qualitative research on the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who are pregnant.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this piece inaccurately referred to the ACGME as the American College of Graduate Medical Education.

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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."