Pregnancy

What Happens at the First Visit to the Doctor?

Pre-natal care begins with your first visit to the doctor, who usual is an obstetrician and/or gynecologist with experience as a surgeon most of the time. However, it can be a doctor in general medicine or a physician in any other medical or surgical area, including practitioners in any branch of Alternative Medicine.

During your first visit to the doctor, there is not much to worry about. You can consult a doctor in general medicine, who can recommend you to a specialist if he/she cannot assist you throughout all your pregnancy, or if your condition or pregnancy in particular, requires the attention of another physician.

As soon as you suspect or confirm with a pregnancy home-test that you are pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Most women feel more confidence when talking with a doctor they already know, than finding the specialist by themselves. Some women prefer to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician that they have heard about through family or friends while others wish to talk with their partner to decide.

Either way, the first visit must ensure that you and your baby are getting off to a good start with medical and pre-natal care, which provides you with education on pregnancy and childbirth, nutrition and fitness, plus support and counseling as well.

An early visit confirms your pregnancy and determines your overall health after a general examination. The doctor will ask you about your health history (if he/she is not your family doctor) and the history of other family members, including your partner.

Based on your own feedback to common questions about your lifestyle, the doctor can determine if you have any pregnancy risk factors based on your health, age, personal and family history or habits, such as addictions, and suggest avoidance and changes in some aspects of your life.

He is not the only who will ask; the first visit is your opportunity to ask the doctor all your concerns about your pregnancy and the right time to notify him/her about prescribed or over-the-counter medications that you are taking. If you have had surgeries or previous pregnancies, the doctor should know, the same as other medical conditions, including contagions and sexual diseases.

Between you and your doctor, a nutrition plan is developed, coordinated and implemented to provide you and your baby with all the nutrients, vitamins an minerals needed for a well-balanced pregnancy diet. An exercising routine is also discussed at this point, and alternatives to manage stress, morning sickness and other discomforts that will be treated later throughout the different trimesters of pregnancy.

The doctor will perform several tests during your first visit and will calculate your due date, suggesting a specialist for the next appointments if needed.