Your first prenatal visit is a big deal! It’s when your pregnancy is confirmed (or denied) and so many emotions come with that- excitement, joy, fear and anxiety!
It’s the moment everything becomes real!
First, you wondered if you were pregnant, then you took a pregnancy test, and now your pregnancy test came out positive!
There’s a lot running through your mind, so many questions!
You scheduled your first prenatal appointment and now you are wondering if it’s too early to go to a first prenatal visit at 6 weeks?!
I’ve got you covered!
Let’s get into it.
As a disclaimer, I am not a doctor or a trained professional in this field. I am simply a first-time mom that had so many questions during my pregnancy. Therefore, I would like to share everything I have learned with other first-time moms so that they know what to expect every step of the way.
How to Prepare for First Prenatal Visit?
When I first went to my prenatal appointment, I was six weeks pregnant. I had that appointment booked two months in advance for an annual pap smear with a new doctor because of her excellent reviews.
So I didn’t know what to expect from the new office or the appointment!
But now that I do, here’s what you should know:
1. If you have any medications you regularly take, take them with you or write down the names because your doctor will ask you for them.
2. You will need to know important medical history details in your and your partner’s family, like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, autism, and many others.
3. Wear something easy to get out of because you may be getting a transvaginal ultrasound!
4. Bring your ID and Insurance card.
5. If you have any questions, write them down and bring them!
Here are some good questions to ask at your first prenatal visit.
First Prenatal Visit at 6 weeks
If this is your first time at that doctor’s office, arrive at your appointment at least 15-20 minutes early because you’ll have some paperwork to fill out (Fun ,Fun).
They Will First, Ask For A Urine Sample
You will have to leave a urine sample at the beginning of every appointment for your pregnancy.
The reason for this is to test for:
- Bladder infections
- Kidney Infections
- Diabetes
- Dehydration
- Sugar and protein levels (to detect possible Preeclampsia or Gestational Diabetes. The protein levels can change throughout pregnancy; therefore, they track it at every visit. So try not to miss any prenatal appointments.)
Second, You Will Be Taken To A Private Exam Room
The physician assistant or your doctor will first check your blood pressure and weight.
They will then go over:
- Your medical History
- First day of your last period
- Any miscarriages or abortions in the past? If yes, how many and when?
- How many pregnancies have you had?
- What medications are you taking?
- Is the baby’s father in the picture?
- Does the baby’s father have any medical conditions?
- Any recent cramping, bleeding, vomiting, or dizziness?
They will ask you these questions to ensure you get the best medical care for yourself and your baby. The information is then given to your doctor to go over with you later in the visit.
Third, Transvaginal Ultrasound
The physician’s assistant told me that I would be going into the next room to have a transvaginal ultrasound done.
This is when they insert a wand into your vagina to see the embryo (baby).
A transvaginal ultrasound is done because the embryo is too small to be seen through a traditional abdominal ultrasound.
I was warned that it was still too early in the pregnancy to see anything on the ultrasound at six weeks. Usually, they wait until the mom is 7 to 8 weeks pregnant.
The physician assistant gave me a hospital gowns and asked me to get undressed from the waist down. She told me the sonographer would come to get me to do the ultrasound.
The sonographer knocked on my door and asked me to go with her.
I was so nervous! I was worried it would hurt or that they wouldn’t see a baby.
The sonographer asked me to lay back and informed me she would insert the wand into my vagina to better view the embryo and that I would feel some pressure.
She repeatedly told me to relax my legs!
I couldn’t help it. I was nervous!
The wand was a little uncomfortable too, especially with her moving it around in many directions.
Forth, Transvaginal Ultrasound Results
My OB doctor came in and introduced herself to me.
She then continued to share that they couldn’t see the embryo yet, most likely because it was too early into the pregnancy.
My doctor also warned me not to be discouraged if for any reason, the pregnancy does not progress or if I had a miscarriage because it happens in first-time moms and pregnancy in general.
I won’t lie; this information scared me!
I told myself not to get attached to this pregnancy. But of course, a small part of me was already making plans with this baby growing inside me.
The doctor told me to come back at around 7 to 8 weeks for another ultrasound.
Last Thoughts After First Prenatal Visit at 6 weeks!
After leaving the doctors office that day, I didn’t really want to talk about this first prenatal visit to anyone because I didn’t want to entertain any of the negative thoughts going on in my head.
I got pregnant on the first try and I thought for sure this was too good to be true!
I was having a pity party!
When I should’ve just been PATIENT!
Charlie told me, “all we can do is take it one day at a time and stay positive!.”
Which is true!
So if you get this kind of news, don’t have a pity party like I did!
Stay positive until your next 8 Weeks Prenatal Visit!
FAQ
Can I Eat Before My First Prenatal Visit?
Yes! You should eat as you normally would especially since they may be drawing blood at your prenatal appointment.
Should My Husband Come To My First Prenatal Visit?
Yes, Of course! It’s a big moment for the both of you!
But with all the COVID things that have been going on just double check with your health care provider to make sure it’s ok with them.
Comment below if this post was helpful!