Learning that you're pregnant can be exciting. You and your partner have probably shared some wonderful moments since finding out, and maybe you have even reached out to tell a few close friends or family members. In all of your excitement, though, there is one important thing you need to do for the health and well-being of your future child: book a prenatal visit with an obstetrician. Here's a closer look at that process and what the first visit will entail.

How to Book the Appointment

If you have a gynecologist, you can call them to book your first prenatal visit. Most gynecologists are also obstetricians and can guide and care for you throughout your pregnancy. However, if your gynecologist does not also do obstetrics, they can refer you to someone who does — there is typically a doctor in the same practice.

If you do not currently have a gynecologist, then the best way to find a good obstetrician is to ask your primary care doctor. They should be able to give you a list of obstetricians who accept your insurance and who they work with regularly. You can read a few reviews, call and talk to these doctors, and choose the one you feel most comfortable with. 

Generally, the obstetrician will want to see you for your first prenatal visit when you're around 6 weeks pregnant, assuming you have had a positive home pregnancy test and are fairly confident you're pregnant.

What to Expect at the Appointment

This first appointment is pretty simple. Your doctor will confirm your pregnancy via a blood test. They will also request a urine sample, which they will analyze to ensure the levels of protein and sugar in your urine are normal.

Your doctor will also note your height and weight, feel the shape and size of your uterus, and give you a projected due date based on the size of the fetus and the date of your last period. 

At this first appointment, your obstetrician may spend a lot of time talking about your lifestyle and any lifestyle changes you should make to ensure a healthy pregnancy. You may also be prescribed prenatal vitamins, told to avoid alcohol, and asked to keep your exercise within healthy limits. There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions, too.

Your first prenatal visit can be both exciting and overwhelming, but now that you have a better idea of what to expect, you can be prepared.

Contact a center, such as Desert Rose OBGYN PC, for more information.