Finding out you’re pregnant is a moment you’ll always remember. And one of the very first things to do after a positive test is schedule your first prenatal appointment. While it’s exciting, it can also feel a little daunting — especially if you’re not sure what to expect.
At Unified Premier Women’s Care, we want your first prenatal visit to feel informative, comfortable, and reassuring. Here’s a thorough overview of what happens at that appointment and how to prepare so you can make the most of it.
When Should You Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit?
Most OB/GYN practices schedule the first prenatal visit between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy, though this can vary. If you have a history of miscarriage, fertility treatment, or a high-risk condition, your provider may want to see you earlier.
As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, call our office to get on the schedule. Early prenatal care matters — it’s when key early assessments take place and when you can establish a relationship with your care team before the busy middle trimester arrives.
If you’re a new patient, our new patient scheduling page makes it easy to get started.
| “I felt very comfortable with Dr. Robbins. She was able to explain what blood tests I would prefer to do as a new patient that’s 12 weeks and 3 days. She explained to me what blood tests look for. She made me feel comfortable while she talked with my husband and I about our pregnancy.” – Unified Premiere Women’s Care Patient Testimonial |
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Coming prepared helps the visit run smoothly and ensures your care team has the information they need. Plan to bring:
- Your insurance card and a photo ID
- The date of your last menstrual period (LMP) — this is used to calculate your due date
- A list of all current medications, supplements, and vitamins
- Your personal and family medical history (especially relevant conditions like diabetes, hypertension, genetic disorders, or a history of pregnancy complications)
- Your partner’s relevant family medical history, if applicable
- A list of any symptoms or concerns you’ve already noticed
- Any questions you’ve been collecting since your positive test
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything. We’ll gather what we need together.
What Happens at the First Prenatal Visit?
The first prenatal appointment is one of the longest of your pregnancy — often an hour or more. Here’s what typically takes place:
Medical History and Health Review
Your provider will go through your complete medical and reproductive history. This includes your menstrual cycle history, any previous pregnancies, surgeries, chronic conditions, allergies, and a review of your current medications. This is also a good time to mention if you’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns — pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders are common, and early awareness helps us support you proactively.
Physical Exam
A full physical exam is typically performed, including a pelvic exam and a Pap smear if you’re due for one. Blood pressure, weight, and height will be recorded as your baseline measurements.
Lab Work
First-trimester bloodwork is comprehensive. Expect to have blood drawn to assess:
- Blood type and Rh factor
- Complete blood count (to check for anemia)
- Immunity to rubella and chickenpox
- Hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV status
- Thyroid function
- Glucose levels
- Genetic carrier screening (for conditions like cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and others)
A urine sample will also be collected to check for infection, protein, and glucose.
Ultrasound
Many providers perform an early ultrasound at the first visit to confirm the pregnancy is intrauterine (in the uterus, not ectopic), hear the heartbeat, and get an early estimate of gestational age. If an ultrasound isn’t done at this first visit, it will typically be scheduled shortly after.
Prenatal Education and Planning
Your provider will walk you through what to expect in the coming weeks and months, including:
- Nutrition guidance and prenatal vitamins (if you haven’t started folic acid yet, it’s not too late)
- Foods and substances to avoid during pregnancy
- Exercise recommendations
- Common discomforts like nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness — and how to manage them
- When to call the office vs. go to the hospital
- Vaccine recommendations, including Tdap, flu, and RSV (see our obstetrics page for more on prenatal vaccine timing)
We also encourage you to explore our classes for additional education and community throughout your pregnancy.
Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit
Don’t leave without getting answers to what matters most to you. Here are some questions worth bringing:
- What is my estimated due date?
- How often will I have prenatal appointments?
- Which hospital will I deliver at? (Unified Premier Women’s Care physicians deliver at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.)
- Are there any risk factors I should know about based on my health history?
- What are the signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy I should watch for?
- When will I find out my genetic carrier screening results?
- What’s the best way to reach your office if I have questions between visits?
Write your questions down in advance — it’s easy to forget them once you’re in the room.
First Trimester Milestones
After the first visit, your prenatal care will continue on a regular schedule — typically every 4 weeks through 28 weeks, then more frequently as your due date approaches. Key first-trimester milestones to look forward to include:
- Weeks 10–13: First-trimester screening (nuchal translucency ultrasound and blood tests for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome)
- Week 12–14: End of the highest-risk period for miscarriage; many families begin sharing their news
- Weeks 15–20: Anatomy scan scheduling and, for many moms, the exciting possibility of finding out the baby’s sex
Your Pregnancy Journey Starts Here
Our pregnancy services and obstetrics team are dedicated to making your experience in Marietta as informed, comfortable, and supported as possible. Our all-female physician practice means you’ll always see a provider who understands your experience deeply and personally.
| “Dr. Goh listens, provides options and is very helpful. She helped me have an easy and informed pregnancy.” – Unified Premiere Women’s Care Patient Testimonial |
Ready to Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit?
Congratulations on your pregnancy! We can’t wait to meet you and be part of this journey.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, Schedule your first prenatal appointment today or call us at (770) 427-0285.