If you just found out you’re expecting, congratulations! You may be getting ready to call
our team at OBGYN Westside, PLLC, and schedule your first prenatal appointment.
We know your first appointment can be exciting, but we also know many of our parents have lots of questions 一 and that’s wonderful! Our team is happy to answer all of your questions during your first appointment at our office located on the Upper West Side of New York City.
To start, here’s a list of common questions we often hear during initial prenatal appointments.
While there are many due date calculators online, “When is my due date?” is still one of the first questions we hear. Our team provides you with a due date, which we later confirm with a dating ultrasound.
Another good question! When you’re pregnant, your diet needs a bit of a makeover. There will be foods to avoid (such as raw cheese or fish high in mercury), but there will also be additional requirements. For example, you may need a little extra protein, calcium, and iron when you’re pregnant.
How much you need to eat depends on how many babies you’re carrying and what trimester you’re in. You don’t need to figure this out on your own! Our team gives you specific guidance.
You and your provider discuss the various prenatal tests and screenings available for each trimester. Learn about the purpose of each test, their timing, and any potential risks or benefits associated with them.
Another great question! There’s a lot that changes between each trimester. Our team provides guidance on:
The bottom line: There’s a lot to expect during each trimester, and our team is here to help you navigate from your first prenatal appointment through your postpartum period.
Your body undergoes many changes throughout pregnancy, and many of those changes may have you wondering, Is this normal? Our team helps you learn the signs of a normal pregnancy as well as things that warrant a call to our office (or the After Hours hotline).
Our team here at OBGYN Westside, PLLC, boasts a low C-section rate, but we’re also prepared to perform C-sections should the need arise. In some high-risk cases, you may know that you need a C-section well before your due date arrives. No matter what your circumstances, we review all of your options with you.
When you arrive for your first prenatal appointment, you may already have morning sickness, which often kicks in around week six.
Feel free to ask about how to manage common discomforts such as morning sickness, back pain, and sleep disturbances. Your provider offers guidance and recommends safe interventions.
Not all medications and supplements are safe during pregnancy. Bring a list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you’re currently taking to your first prenatal appointment. In addition to reviewing your medications, we also provide guidance on prenatal vitamins if you haven’t already started taking them.
Consider writing down all of your questions on a piece of paper or in a note on your phone. As your appointment gets closer, add to your list. You can also include your list of prescriptions and vitamins to this list for your convenience.
If you just found out you’re pregnant, it’s time to make your first appointment! Your first appointment often falls between the sixth and eighth week of your pregnancy, or about six to eight weeks after your last menstrual period. Give us a call or book your appointment online today.
