Title: Prenatal care in your first trimester: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Headings: Prenatal care in your first trimester
Prenatal care in your first trimester
Your First Prenatal Visit
Follow-up Prenatal Visits
Lab Tests
Ultrasounds
Genetic Testing
When to Call the Doctor
Alternative Names
References

Content: Your health care provider may talk about your pregnancy in weeks, rather than in months or trimesters. Your First Prenatal Visit
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You should schedule your first prenatal visit soon after you learn that you are pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will: Draw your blood
Perform a full pelvic exam
Do a Pap smear and cultures to look for infections or problems
Your doctor or midwife will listen for your baby's heartbeat, but may not be able to hear it. Most often, the heartbeat cannot be heard or seen on ultrasound until at least 6 to 7 weeks. During this first visit, your doctor or midwife will ask you questions about: Your overall health
Any health problems you have
Past pregnancies
Medicines, herbs, or vitamins you take
Whether or not you exercise
Whether you smoke or drink alcohol
Whether you or your partner have genetic disorders or health problems that run in your family
You will have many visits to talk about a birthing plan. You can also discuss it with your doctor or midwife at your first visit. The first visit will also be a good time to talk about: Eating healthy, exercising, and making lifestyle changes while you are pregnant
Common symptoms during pregnancy such as fatigue, heartburn, and varicose veins
How to manage morning sickness
What to do about vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy
What to expect at each visit
You will also be given prenatal vitamins with iron if you are not already taking them.