The first prenatal visit is less a single test and more a conversation that sets the tone for months of partnership. At Merrifield OB-GYN we use that hour to date the pregnancy, understand your medical and obstetric history, and make sure you leave knowing what happens next—not just what was drawn in a lab tube.
Write down the first day of your last menstrual period if you know it, a list of prescriptions and supplements, and any prior pregnancies including losses. If you have records from another gynecologist, bring what you have. Wear clothing that is comfortable for blood pressure. Eat a light meal unless we have told you otherwise for a specific lab.
We ask about chronic conditions such as hypertension, thyroid disease, or diabetes because they change how we monitor a pregnancy. We ask about prior cesarean birth, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and postpartum mood changes. Family history of genetic conditions may lead to a discussion of carrier screening—always as an offer, never as a demand.
Medications are checked against pregnancy safety data. Some are continued, some are switched, and some are paused with a plan. This is also when we talk about foods to limit, alcohol and nicotine, and which symptoms should prompt a same-day message rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
Not every first visit includes a speculum exam. When an exam is recommended, we explain why and proceed only with consent. Many patients have a viability or dating ultrasound around this time. Seeing a heartbeat is memorable; we will also explain what we cannot yet see and when the anatomy survey typically happens later in the second trimester.
Common first-trimester labs include a complete blood count, blood type and antibody screen, infectious disease screening recommended in United States obstetric care, and urine studies. Genetic screening options are reviewed in language that distinguishes screening from diagnosis. You should never feel rushed into a test you do not understand.
If this article raises more questions than it answers, that is a good sign you are engaged in your care. Request a visit through our appointment form and a representative will contact you. We do not publish clinic telephone numbers on this website.
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