What happen during Prenatal Visits

Your first health care provider appointment should be once the pregnancy is confirmed (usually through a home pregnancy test). Regular prenatal check-ups ensure that you and your baby receive the best possible care and follow-up during your pregnancy.

Encourage your partner/support person to attend prenatal appointments to become familiar with the caregiver and to discuss his/her role in pregnancy, labour, and birth.

During the visit, your health care provider will:

• Ask you about your health before you got pregnant. 
• Ask you about your health during your pregnancy. 
• Give you a physical examination. 
• Check your weight
•  Check your blood pressure. 
• Discuss what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy. 
• Discuss what you can do to have a healthy baby.
•  Listen to your baby’s heart rate. 
• Measure the growth of your uterus. 
• Talk to you about where you will give birth. 
• Answer your questions. 
• Discuss your concerns.

Give you information on group programs for pregnant women and helpful community services.

Your health care provider will also talk to you about common tests and procedures offered during pregnancy. You and your partner/support person should get enough information about tests and procedures to make informed choices. 

Ask questions to know:

• The benefits of having the tests.

• The limitations.

• The risks for your baby and for you.

• The alternatives.

• What the tests cannot tell you.

• What happens if you do not have the tests.