Finding out that you are pregnant can be an incredibly exciting time, especially if you have been trying for a baby for some time. If you are a first time mom, however, you might also be feeling a little scared about embarking on a new chapter of your life. Tasks like getting your nursery ready and finding clothes to fit your new body are stressful enough, not to mention the overwhelming thought of going to your first OB visit. Here are two things that will happen during your first prenatal visit, and why you shouldn't worry.

1: You Will Learn Your Baby's Due Date

If you are like most people, the first thing that you did once you popped positive for a pregnancy test was whip out your cell phone and download a due date calculator app. Although these fun little programs can usually give you a vague idea of when you should expect to deliver, don't be surprised if you get a completely different time frame once the doctor checks out your baby.

Most OB offices will schedule your first appointment sometime during your first trimester, and then administer an ultrasound in order to check the baby's heart rate and fetal development. Although you might be super attached to that date that your cell phone promised you, some studies have shown that about 40% of due dates are changed based on the results of a first ultrasound.

Doctors check the size of the baby, the condition of the embryonic sac, and the overall health of your womb during this first ultrasound. Using mathematical formulas and computer programs that measure your baby in comparison to normal embryonic growth patterns, they can tell exactly how old your little one is, right down to the day, to give you an accurate due date.

2: Your Doctor will Discuss Your Symptoms and Make a Treatment Plan

After your obstetrician has calculated your due date and checked on your little baby, he will talk with you about how you are feeling. If you are struggling with extreme fatigue or nausea, your doctor might prescribe safe medications to help you to cope with your day-to-day activities.

Your doctor will also talk with you about strange symptoms to report, such as vaginal bleeding, swelling, fevers, and abdominal pain. Doctors familiarize their new pregnancy patients with these symptoms, because they can indicate an early miscarriage. Once you have passed your first trimester, your risk for miscarriage drops significantly.

To make sure that your pregnancy is progressing as it should be, experts recommend visiting your doctor monthly until week 28, twice a month from weeks 29-36, and every week after that until you give birth.  

Understanding what will happen during your first prenatal appointment can help you to remain calm, so that you can enjoy this exciting time. You may also want to ask your OB about when you should start meeting with a pediatrician. Some clinics, like Pediatrics Unlimited, will allow you to have prenatal visits with your chose pediatrician, who will then work together with your OB to ensure your health and the health of your child. 

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