If your period is late or you have missed it completely, your first thought may be that you could be pregnant. Therefore, taking a pregnancy test at home is smart. While at-home tests are 99 to 100 percent accurate, false positives can occur, which is why you should schedule an appointment with your ob/gyn. With this guide, you will learn what occurs during this first prenatal appointment.

Pregnancy Confirmation

Your urine will be tested to confirm that you are pregnant. In some instances, blood samples will be taken to provide a more accurate test to confirm the pregnancy.

Both tests measure levels of the hormone hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. If your urine or blood is showing higher levels of hCG, your body has formed a placenta, which indicates you are, in fact, pregnant.

Medical History

Once the pregnancy is confirmed, your obstetrician will want a detailed report of your medical history. If you are currently suffering or have previously suffered from any medical conditions or diseases or have undergone any surgical procedures, make sure to tell your obstetrician.

Also, if you are taking any medications, your obstetrician should know, since some medications may not be safe to take while pregnant.

You may also be asked to provide information on your family's medical history. For example, if your mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt experienced certain complications during their pregnancy or childbirth, this information could help your obstetrician develop a healthcare plan for you while you are experiencing your own pregnancy.

Physical Exam

A physical exam is also conducted during your first prenatal visit. This exam is not only necessary for ensuring you are physically and mentally capable of being pregnant but also for ensuring your unborn baby is in a healthy state.

General tests of the heart, lungs, and abdomen are usually conducted. A pap smear and even STD testing may be recommended, especially if you have not had these tests recently.

Scheduling

Finally, your obstetrician will attempt to calculate when your baby will be due.

This estimated guess may be based on the date of your last period and various times you engaged in sexual intercourse. Your obstetrician may also be able to calculate the due date by examining your cervix and uterus, which will require an internal exam similar to the one you undergo at the gynecologist.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience, but proper care is essential. This guide will help you prepare for your first prenatal visit. Visit relevant websites to find more information.