Your doctor will start by talking to you about your medical history and how you’ve been feeling. You’ll be weighed and have your blood pressure taken on every visit.
On your fist visit, you’ll also probably have a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb), and if needed a Pap smear to check for signs of cancer of the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and cultures to check for infections.
Urine and blood tests may be done on the first visit and again later. Urine tests are done to check for bacteria in your urine, high sugar levels and high protein levels (which can be a sign of preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure in pregnancy). Blood tests are done to check for low iron levels (anemia), certain infections including HIV and your blood type.
You may be offered a blood screening test , called the MSS (Maternal Serum Screen) to assess the risk that your baby may have for neural tube defect or Down Syndrome. If you are over the age of 36 or have some specific risk, you may also be offered an amniocentesis or CVS.
Often, an ultrasound may be done to help figure out when your baby is due or to check on your baby’s health and the position of the placenta in your uterus. Sometimes ultrasounds are used to follow the baby’s growth.
Other tests may be needed if you or your baby are at risk for any problems.