a. The First Prenatal Visit

You probably have had the first prenatal visit. If not, make an appointment immediately. The first medical visit is usually longer than the following visits.

This visit consists of:

• A pregnancy test
• A pelvic and reproductive organ examination
• A complete physical check-up

The health care provider will listen to your heartbeat and check your blood pressure. Your height and weight will be recorded.

You will also have a conversation with your health care provider about your health and your family's health in order to establish your medical history.

During this first visit, the health care provider usually requests a series of lab tests. If you want more information about these tests and their purpose, consult the following table.