Arranging the first meeting with your health care professional
- If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test and it’s confirmed your suspicions that you’re pregnant, the next step is to call your doctor or a midwife.
- Some doctors like to see you first to confirm for themselves that you’re pregnant. They may organise your first meeting (or book an appointment) with an appropriate health care professional such as a midwife or obstetrician. Other doctors will be happy for you to arrange this or will give you assistance such as contact details.
- Ideally, you should have met your health care professional for your first appointment by the time you’re eight weeks pregnant.
What will your health care professional want to know?
Your health care professional will be a great help during your pregnancy but to do this they’ll need a good clear understanding of your health and expectations for pregnancy and birth. That’s why your health care professional will need to ask a few questions about the following areas:
- Medical history and lifestyle: Your health care professional will want to take down details of your medical history and your partner’s. This will include details of any previous pregnancies and your family history. Your health care professional will also ask about your diet, whether you smoke, how much alcohol you drink and if you are taking any medication
- Dates: Your health care professional will also want to know the date of your last monthly period so she can calculate your due date. You may be offered a dating scan to check when your baby’s due if you are unsure of your last period
- Labour and birth: They should also give you some information about your birth options so you can start to decide what you want to happen when the time comes. Remember to tell your health care professional of your final choice and they’ll be able to help you prepare
- Feeding: Your health care professional will discuss your feeding options and will talk to you about the benefits of breastfeeding
What about tests and examinations?
- Blood Tests: You will be given a form to have some blood taken and be asked for a urine sample for a range of tests. Don’t worry, it’s all standard procedure
- Physical examinations: Your health care professional will feel your tummy to check your baby’s growth and also listen to their heartbeat using a hand-held device placed on your bump. Your weight and height will also be recorded
Your opportunity to ask questions – big or small!
You may have a million and one questions racing through your head so this first meeting with your health care professional is the perfect opportunity to get some answers. No matter how silly you think the question might be, if you don’t know the answer, it’s a question worth asking! Before you meet, you might like to jot down questions and things as they pop into your head like:
- Any questions or changes you've noticed that are causing you discomfort or concern
- What sort of screenings and tests will I need?
- What birthing options are available?
- How do I go about booking antenatal classes?
- What sorts of foods should I be eating and what foods should I avoid
- What sort of exercise is safe?
- What are the facilities and requirements of the hospital for delivery
How often will I see my health care professional?
During a first pregnancy it’s typical to have around ten to twelve appointments with your health care professional, which will become more frequent towards the end of your pregnancy. The exact scheduling and number will vary from area to area and will also depend on whether your pregnancy is high or low risk.
Remember, if something is worrying you, there’s no need to wait for your next appointment. Your health care professional should give you a contact number (usually for your local maternity unit) that you can call 24/7 for help.