You’re anxiously waiting for several minutes before you can check your home pregnancy test and…. Boom. Positive!
Whether there are two lines, a plus sign, or a digital “Pregnant” screen staring back at you, you’re probably filled with a variety of emotions. And no matter what those emotions are, you’re probably wondering, “What should I do next?”
The first thing you should do is call your OBGyn and make an appointment. (And if you don’t have one yet and live in the Tucson area, call Copperstate!)
What happens at your first OBGyn appointment with Copperstate?
Your first OBGyn appointment after a positive pregnancy test is also referred to as your first prenatal care appointment. Your first prenatal care appointment typically occurs during weeks 8 and 12 of your pregnancy (this might be different if you’ve gone through IVF or other fertility treatments.)
During this first OBGyn appointment, you can likely expect the following:
Meeting your doctor.
You’ll get to meet your obstetrician face to face for the first time and get to know him or her. They will most likely be the one who will be with you throughout your entire pregnancy and delivery.
Confirmation of your pregnancy.
At the first visit, we will do an ultrasound to verify that the pregnancy is in the correct location, see the baby’s heartbeat, confirm the number of babies (could be more than one!) and do measurements to determine your most accurate due date.
Physical exam, including:
- Pelvic exam
- Pap smear (if the patient is due for one)
- Breast exam
- Blood work
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Urine screen for protein and glucose
Time for you to ask lots of questions.
Your first visit is a great time to ask your doctor as many questions as you can (especially if this is your first pregnancy.) You’ll also be informed of future testing that will be available to you, and be given a few pamphlets with important information about your prenatal care and pregnancy.
Because your first OBGyn appointment can be a little overwhelming, we recommend writing down any questions you can think of before your appointment. If your partner attends, they will be allowed to ask questions as well.
Schedule your next prenatal care appointment.
Depending on your doctor, you will probably schedule your next prenatal appointment for a few weeks in the future. At the second appointment, your doctor may use a doppler so you can listen to your baby’s heartbeat. So exciting!
Not all obstetrics and gynecologists offices are the same. Depending on your doctor and health circumstances, your first OBGyn visit might vary a little bit.
Keep in mind that it’s good to have some expectations upon meeting your doctor for the first time, but try to maintain an open mind and a flexible attitude. After all, pregnancy can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful, and keeping an open mind will help you to better handle any unexpected surprises in your journey.
Have you *finally* gotten your BFP? Are you looking for an OB/Gyn in the Tucson area? Let us join you on your pregnancy journey. Book an appointment today!
Resources:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-happens-at-prenatal-care-appointments-2759791