The first three months of your pregnancy are called the first trimester. It is important to start your pregnancy right by establishing a healthy prenatal care routine. You can start this routine by visiting your health care provider.
Your health care provider will need answers to several questions, so be prepared with personal information such as your social security number, medical background, and family background. You will be asked about your menstrual cycle, what you use for contraceptives, if you have had any previous pregnancies, and if you have any allergies or other medical conditions. Your health care provider will also ask if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications. If you are not asked, you should still tell your doctor about any family genetic disorders or family history of any congenital abnormalities.
You will also be asked when your last period was so the healthcare provider can establish the due date. He or she will do this by adding 40 weeks to the date of when you had your last period.
You will be given a physical exam. The doctor will need to know how healthy you are as well as how healthy the baby is. You will be weighed, have your blood pressure taken, and have your height recorded during this exam.
The doctor will also give you a pelvic exam and a pap test. From this exam, the doctor will determine if there are any infections or other abnormalities, such as cancer. The stage of your pregnancy can be determined by the change in your cervix and the size of your uterus.
You will also be given a blood test - not only to determine your blood type, but also the Rh factor which is a specific kind of protein that is on the surface of your red blood cells. The blood tests will also show if you have had any exposure to diseases like syphilis, measles, mumps, rubella, or hepatitis B.
Your urine will be tested for specific amounts of sugar and protein. Too much sugar or protein in your urine indicates diabetes or kidney problems.
Your health care provider will talk to you about vitamins, exercise and other lifestyle changes that may need to happen, such as not smoking or drinking.