The first trimester is an exciting yet scary time for many moms-to-be. High Desert women who have just found out that they are expecting are likely to have a lot on their mind, including questions about their prenatal care and doctor’s appointments. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we have most of our patients come schedule their first prenatal visit between 8-10 weeks gestation. In some cases, some Victorville patients may be asked to make an appointment sooner if they have had fertility issues or pregnancy problems in the past.
What Can I Expect From my Prenatal Care During the First Trimester?
Your first appointment will be a longer appointment with the doctor.
Your medical history, birth control history, and your fertility history will be discussed with the OBGYN, and your doctor will provide you with information about taking care of yourself while you are pregnant. A pelvic exam may be done at this time and you also may have an ultrasound performed in order to measure the baby and to provide you with an estimated due date. Routine pregnancy lab tests are performed at the first visit.
The average pregnant woman will visit the doctor's office every four weeks during the first trimester.
At the second appointment, which occurs around 12 weeks, the doctor will ask that you provide a urine sample in order to check on your protein levels. Your weight and the growth of the baby will be checked. This appointment is typically the time when you will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat on the Doppler for the first time, although it depends on the baby’s size and location in the uterus.
Genetic testing is also available during the first trimester.
Certain ethnicities, such as Ashkenazi Jewish women or Northern European women, will have to undergo routine genetic testing. African American women and Mediterranean women will have to undergo hemoglobin testing. Women who are of advanced maternal age (anyone over the age of 35) will often have an amniocentesis performed.
In addition to this, the First Trimester Screening test is available to all moms who want to check for genetic diseases such as Down’s Syndrome and others. In some cases, genetic testing is highly recommended or even required. For other patients, genetic testing is simply an option and a choice that they have to make.
During the first trimester, women can expect to feel a lot different than they did prior to becoming pregnant. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, food aversions, and tender breasts. Small, frequent and nutritious meals can help women fight the symptoms of pregnancy, and plenty of rest is recommended. All women should begin taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as they find out they are expecting a baby.
Women who experience spotting, bleeding, or cramping during the first trimester should contact us at Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN for more information. Also contact the doctor’s office if you have a fever, pain with urination, chills, or abnormal vaginal discharge.
