Pregnancy and Antenatal Care
Your first antenatal visit: what to expect and what to ask
Why it helps to book early, what usually happens at the first appointment, and the questions worth bringing with you.
Why book early
Antenatal care is the routine care you receive from a health professional during pregnancy. The World Health Organization recommends that the first antenatal contact happens within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and that women have at least eight contacts over the course of pregnancy.
Starting early gives your healthcare provider time to understand your health, confirm how far along you are and spot anything that needs extra attention.
What usually happens
Every clinic works a little differently, but a first visit often includes:
- Questions about your health, past pregnancies and family medical history
- Measuring your blood pressure and weight
- A urine test
- Blood tests, which may include your blood group, a check for anaemia and screening for some infections
- An ultrasound scan, where one is available
- Advice on nutrition, supplements and what to avoid
Questions you might ask
It is normal to feel shy about asking questions. Writing them down beforehand helps. You could ask:
- When is my next appointment, and how many should I expect?
- Which supplements should I take, and for how long?
- Which symptoms mean I should come back before my next visit?
- Who do I contact if I am worried, including at night or at weekends?
- Where do you recommend I plan to give birth?
What to bring
- Any previous medical or pregnancy records
- A list of medicines or supplements you take
- Your questions, written down
- Someone you trust, if you would like company