1st Doctor Visit

Questions about your health history including diseases, operations, prior pregnancies, menstrual cycle, use of contraceptives and allergies.

Questions about your family's health history.

The questions you should be prepared to answer

1st Doctor VisitTHIS FIRST VISIT IS VERY

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT you should expect your doctor to do…..

a complete physical exam a pelvic exam with a pap

test (to screen for cervical cancer)

order lab tests check your blood pressure,

urine, and weight figure out your expected

due date answer your questions

Your doctor will check your weight, height and blood pressure. He or she will listen to your heart and assess your overall health.

Your doctor will examine your vagina and the opening to your uterus (cervix) for any infections or abnormalities. You may need a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Changes in the cervix and in the size of your uterus can help confirm the stage of your pregnancy.

• Establishing your due date early in pregnancy allows your doctor to monitor your baby's growth correctly. To estimate your due date, doctor will count ahead 40 weeks from the start of your last period.

• Your doctor will do blood tests to determine your blood type. Blood tests also can reveal whether you've been exposed to syphilis, measles, mumps, rubella or hepatitis B. You may be offered a test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Analysis of your urine can reveal a bladder or kidney infection. The presence of too much sugar or protein in your urine may suggest diabetes or kidney disease.

Healthy lifestyle choices can help give your baby the best start. Your doctor will talk to you about nutrition, prenatal vitamins, exercise and other lifestyle issues. You'll also discuss your work environment.

Weight gain

First Trimester(1-12 weeks) • During the first trimester, it

is normal to gain about one pound per month.

• So you should gain three pounds.

• During this time a woman might not even now that she is pregnant until she misses her period.

Weight gain

Second Trimester(13-26)• It is normal to gain about

one pound per week, or about three to four pounds per month during the second trimester.

• You should gain between 9- 12 pounds

Weight gain

Third Trimester(27-42)• Everyone gains weight at

different rates. On average, it is normal to gain about one pound per week, or three to four pounds per month, during the third trimester. By the end of your pregnancy you should have gained, on average, about 25 to 30 pounds. About 7 1/2 pounds of that weight should be the baby.

What to Expect…If your weight before pregnancy was healthy you should gain between 25 and 35 pounds, gaining 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and about 1 pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy for the finest growth of your baby.

• Calcium • Helps keep the mom’s and the babies bones and teeth strong.

• If you don’t have enough your baby will start taking your calcium form your bones

• Not having enough can cause osteoporosis.

• Folic Acid• 600-1,000 micrograms

• Is taken to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

• It should be taken daily.

• Iron • Helps the muscles of the baby and mom grow.

• It also increases the amount of red blood cells to prevent anemia.

• Lowers rick or low birth weight and premature birth

• Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA– Is an omega-3 fatty acid

• 200 milligrams

• Supports the development of the baby’s brain and eyes

Work Cited

UCSB Sex Info. Pregnancy by Trimester.3 March2010 <http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/pregnancy-by-trimester>

Love to know Corporation.Pregnancy Week by Week.3Mar2010<http://pregnancy.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Category:Pregnancy_Week_by_Week>

March of the Dimes Foundation. Vitamins and Minerals During Pregnancy.4 March 2010 <http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_514.asp>