First Prenatal OBGYN Visit - What to Expect
The first prenatal visit is a foundational step in establishing care for a healthy pregnancy. It allows your provider to assess your overall health, confirm your pregnancy, and begin building a care plan tailored to your individual needs. While it’s common to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty, having a sense of what the visit entails can help ease anxiety and ensure you’re prepared.
This initial appointment is often longer and more comprehensive than future visits. It provides an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and receive early guidance that supports both you and your baby through the months ahead.
Key Takeaways
Your first prenatal visit usually takes place between 7-10 weeks of pregnancy.
Expect a full health history, physical exam, bloodwork, and possibly an early ultrasound.
Come prepared with questions and information about your medical history.
Partners are welcome but not required—choose what feels most supportive to you.
What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Appointment
Your first pregnancy appointment is typically longer than future visits, as it covers a lot of ground. This visit helps your provider confirm your pregnancy, estimate your due date, and gather information about your health and medical history.
Confirmation of Pregnancy
Even if you've taken at-home pregnancy tests, your OB-GYN will likely confirm your pregnancy with a urine or blood test during your first prenatal visit.
Health History Review
You'll go over your medical history, including:
Any chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
Previous pregnancies or losses
Family health history
Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, alcohol/tobacco use)
Your provider may also ask about your mental health history to ensure you have appropriate support throughout your pregnancy. If you’ve experienced anxiety, depression, or other concerns, this is the time to share that information so your care plan can be tailored to your needs.
Physical Exam
Your provider will conduct a general physical exam, typically including:
Blood pressure, weight, and height
Pelvic exam
Pap smear (if due for one)
Breast exam
These exams help establish a baseline and check for any signs of complications early on. Your provider may also check for any signs of infection or abnormalities that could affect your pregnancy.
Blood Tests and Lab Work
You can expect:
Blood type and Rh factor testing
Screening for anemia
Immunity to infections like rubella and chickenpox
Tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Urinalysis to check for protein, sugar, and signs of infection
These tests provide essential information about your health and help identify any risks that might need monitoring.
Ultrasound
Depending on your provider, you may have an early ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy location and estimate how far along you are.
In some cases, an ultrasound might not be offered until later unless there are specific reasons to perform one earlier, such as uncertainty about dates or symptoms like bleeding or pain.
Due Date Estimate
Your due date will be calculated based on your last menstrual period (LMP) and/or the results of your ultrasound. This estimate will guide future checkups and monitor your baby's growth and development.
When Should You Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment?
Once you get a positive pregnancy test, it's a good idea to call your OB-GYN right away. Most providers schedule the first prenatal visit between 7 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. Early care helps identify any risks and ensures you're on the right path from the start.
It’s also helpful to ask if you should begin taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid before your visit—many providers recommend doing so as soon as pregnancy is suspected.
Questions to Ask at First Prenatal Appointment
Come with a list! Some good ones include:
What symptoms are normal, and what should I be concerned about?
Are there prenatal vitamins you recommend?
What foods or activities should I avoid?
How often will my appointments be?
Can I continue my exercise routine?
What prenatal screenings or genetic tests do you offer?
When should I call the office if I have concerns?
You can also ask about travel restrictions, safe over-the-counter medications, and tips for managing morning sickness or fatigue in early pregnancy.
Preparing for Your First Prenatal Visit
What to Wear
Wear something comfortable and easy to remove if needed, especially for a pelvic exam. Two-piece outfits are usually easier than dresses.
Who Should Come?
Wondering if your partner or support person should come? There's no right answer. If having someone with you helps you feel supported, go for it. Some parents prefer to go on their own for privacy or scheduling ease.
If your partner is nervous or unsure what to expect, this is also a great opportunity for them to start learning alongside you.
How to Find an OB-GYN if You Don’t Have One
If you don’t already have a provider, here are a few tips:
Ask your primary care doctor or friends for recommendations.
Check with your insurance provider for a list of in-network OB-GYNs.
Look up reviews online, and don’t be afraid to call and ask questions.
You can also visit local community health centers or ask your state’s health department for resources, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured. Many clinics provide prenatal care at reduced or no cost.
Trust and comfort are key, so choose someone you feel at ease with.
Bottom Line
Your first prenatal visit is a major milestone, offering reassurance and setting you up for a healthy pregnancy. It’s the start of a partnership between you and your healthcare provider that will support you through each stage of pregnancy.
At Birthly, we know how overwhelming those early months can feel. That’s why our online classes cover everything from early pregnancy prep to delivery, postpartum care, and newborn basics. Whether you're gearing up for your first OB appointment or planning your birth preferences, Birthly's expert-led courses help you feel informed, prepared, and empowered.
First Prenatal Appointment FAQ
Should my partner come to the first prenatal appointment?
It’s totally up to you. Some people find it helpful to have support, while others prefer to go alone. Either is perfectly fine.
Do you get an ultrasound at your first appointment?
Often, yes—especially if you're unsure of your dates or have symptoms that need evaluation. But not all providers offer one this early.
When do you learn the sex of the baby?
Typically between 18-22 weeks via anatomy scan, though some opt for earlier blood testing.
When do you learn the official due date of the baby?
Your due date is usually calculated at your first appointment using your last period and/or early ultrasound measurements.
Sources
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/having-a-baby
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/routine-tests-during-pregnancy
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/prenatal-care-checkups
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/prenatal-care