Once in a while I will get the all too familiar question, “why did you go into OB/GYN?”  While there are several reasons, the most obvious to me is that pregnancy is one of the only times that people are happy to see the doctor.

 

This becomes obvious to the happy couple at the time of the first Obstetric visit for the pregnancy.  While the purpose for the visit is joyous, there will naturally be some anxiety involved as well.  So, my intent is to explain what will take place at this visit to hopefully make the first time expectant mother feel more at ease.

 

As with most doctor visits the first part of the evaluation consists of the “history and physical”.  The “history” means that the physician or nurse will take an in depth survey of your past medical conditions, with specific attention paid to past gynecologic and obstetric history as well as current medications.  The physical exam is familiar to most patients, and will consist of evaluation of the heart, lungs, extremities, pelvic exam and breast exam.  If you have had a recent PAP smear, it may be possible to bypass this part of the exam although a chlamydia culture may still need to be done.

 

Based on your last menstrual period, your estimated due date will be calculated.  As a rule of thumb this can be done by taking the calendar date of your last period then subtracting 3 months and adding one week.  The doctor will also confirm that you are already taking prenatal vitamins, and if not they should be prescribed.  In addition any other necessary medications will be given, such as for relief of pregnancy related nausea and vomiting.

 

When all of this is completed I will perform an ultrasound.  Since most women present to my office at approximately 8 weeks of pregnancy (2 months) this will most likely need to be done vaginally. Don’t worry too much about this part of the exam as most patients say this does not even bother them as much as the PAP smear.

 

While some doctors may not necessarily perform the ultrasound on the first visit, I usually do.  This early ultrasound is very accurate for confirming that the selected due date is correct.  In addition, it provides the unique opportunity for the couple to see their developing baby and begin the bonding process well before it would be possible to hear the baby’s heartbeat externally.

 

Finally blood work will likely be ordered.  There are several points in the pregnancy that blood work will be done.  The blood work ordered at the first visit usually is a panel that includes blood count, blood type, screening for immunity to rubella (German measles), as well as screening for several infections including syphilis, hepatitis, and HIV.  Your next appointment will then be arranged, usually for one month later.

 

I hope that this will help guide you through your first visit, it really is and should be an exciting and joy filled time for all involved.