Your First Pregnancy Visit: What to Expect
At Premier Care for Women, we know that confirming a pregnancy is an important milestone. Whether this is your first baby or a new addition to your growing family, your first visit sets the tone for your prenatal journey—and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
When to Schedule
We typically see patients for a pregnancy confirmation visit around 6–8 weeks, or shortly after a positive home pregnancy test.
What Happens at the First Visit?
This visit is designed to confirm the pregnancy and begin establishing a care plan tailored to your needs.
Urine Pregnancy Test
Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, we will confirm your pregnancy with a urine test performed in the office.
Review of Medical and Obstetric History
We’ll take time to talk through:
- Your personal and family medical history
- Previous pregnancies and deliveries
- Any current medications or supplements
- Allergies and health conditions
- Lifestyle habits (e.g., diet, exercise, substance use)
This helps us identify any potential risks and create a plan focused on a healthy pregnancy.
Physical Exam and Vital Signs
During this visit, we may perform a general physical exam, which could include:
- Checking your blood pressure, weight, and height
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Breast exam, if appropriate
- Pelvic exam (as needed based on history, symptoms, or timing)
The physical exam helps establish a baseline for your health and ensures any urgent concerns are addressed early.
STI Screening
We routinely screen for sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can affect pregnancy and delivery. This is done through a swab or urine sample.
Ultrasound Is Ordered
We do not perform an ultrasound at the first visit, but we will schedule one to be done within days or 1-2 weeks after your pregnancy confirmation visit. First-trimester ultrasound is used to:
- Confirm the location of the pregnancy (inside the uterus)
- Estimate gestational age
- Detect fetal heartbeat (when appropriate)
- Rule out concerns such as ectopic pregnancy or multiples
The physical exam helps establish a baseline for your health and ensures any urgent concerns are addressed early.
Early Pregnancy Counseling
We’ll provide guidance on:
- Normal pregnancy symptoms and when to call us
- Prenatal vitamins and folic acid
- Nutrition and food safety
- Safe activities and travel
- Environmental exposures to avoid
- Emotional and mental wellness in early pregnancy
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and we’ll provide educational materials to help you feel confident moving forward.
What Comes Next?
After your ultrasound confirms a healthy, intrauterine pregnancy, we will:
- Schedule your first full prenatal visit
- Complete routine lab work and blood tests
- Create a personalized prenatal care schedule
- Discuss options for genetic screening and other early testing, if desired
Your Journey Starts Here
At Premier Care for Women, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care throughout your pregnancy. From your first visit to delivery, we partner with you to support your health and the health of your baby—every step of the way.