Your first doctor visit

Your first doctor visit includes questions about your past health and the health of your family. You'll be asked about your sexual history, lifestyle, work, and any medication you're taking.

The physical exam includes:

• A test to confirm you are pregnant
• Check of heart, lungs, eyes, breasts and thyroid
• Weight
• Height
• Blood pressure
• Pelvic exam
• Pap smear and culture of the cervix
• Blood test
• Urine test

The doctor or nurse will answer any questions or concerns you may have. It's a good idea to write down your questions ahead of time, and be sure to ask any questions that occur to you during the exam. The doctor or nurse will then talk to you about proper diet, exercise, medicine, sexual relations and any recommended lifestyle changes.

Number of doctor visits

After your first visit, you'll see the doctor:

• Every four weeks until you reach week 28
• Every two weeks until week 36
• After week 36, once a week until the baby is born

Later doctor visits take less time than the first visit. The doctor will:

• Measure the size of your uterus
• Take your weight
• Take your blood pressure
• Test your urine
• Check the baby's heartbeat
• Examine fetal movement