Title: Prenatal care | Office on Women's Health
Headings: Prenatal care
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Prenatal care
Prenatal care
What is prenatal care?
Why do I need prenatal care?
I am thinking about getting pregnant. How can I take care of myself?
I'm pregnant. What should I do — or not do — to take care of myself and my unborn baby?
Health care do's and don'ts
Food do's and don'ts
Lifestyle do's and don'ts
Environmental do's and don'ts
I don't want to get pregnant right now. Should I still take folic acid every day?
How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?
What happens during prenatal visits?
I am in my late 30s and I want to get pregnant. Should I do anything special?
Where can I go to get free or reduced-cost prenatal care?
Did we answer your question about prenatal care?

Content: What happens during prenatal visits? During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor to: Ask about your health history including diseases, operations, or prior pregnancies
Ask about your family's health history
Do a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test
Take your blood and urine for lab work
Check your blood pressure, height, and weight
Calculate your due date
Answer your questions
At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy. Find out all you can about how to stay healthy. Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected. Most prenatal visits will include: Checking your blood pressure
Measuring your weight gain
Measuring your abdomen to check your baby's growth (once you begin to show)
Checking the baby's heart rate
While you're pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as blood work to check for anemia, your blood type, HIV, and other factors. Other tests might be offered based on your age, personal or family health history, your ethnic background, or the results of routine tests you have had.