You’ve taken the pregnancy test, and it shows a positive symbol. You’re ready to start sharing the exciting news with family and preparing for your new baby. But, before we congratulate you, let’s make sure you are indeed pregnant.
That’s the absolute first thing we do at your initial obstetrics appointment. Pregnancy test manufacturers claim 99% accuracy as early as the first day after a missed period, but that’s not entirely true. False negative AND false positives do happen.
The most accurate way to find out if you’re pregnant is to visit your obstetrician for a urine and blood test. The urine test will tell you within minutes if you’re pregnant, and the blood test will take a couple of days.
When the Pregnancy Test Is Positive
After the obstetrician confirms you’re pregnant, he will ask you questions to determine the next steps. If you’ve been trying to conceive, you may have already been taking prenatal vitamins. However, if this was a surprise pregnancy, the obstetrician may prescribe prenatal vitamins.
The obstetrician will take some time to understand your medical and psychological history. This will help the Dr. Jose S. Cisneros know what other steps must be taken to insure the health of you and your baby. For instance, if you are on medications for depression or anxiety, they may need to be changed to medications that are not a risk to the developing fetus.
A pap smear may be performed during the first appointment. This test can identify any issues that may interfere with the pregnancy, such as STDs. An ultrasound is usually not needed unless the patient believes she has been pregnant for several weeks. This can help the obstetrician identify a due date.
Bloodwork is necessary. Several laboratory tests will be done to ensure there are no diseases that could risk the development of the fetus.
The lab will test typically include the following:
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Hemoglobin/Hematocrit
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Sickle Cell
- Tay Sach’s
- Tuberculosis
- Rh Factor and Blood Type
- Rubella
In addition to the blood test, the obstetrician may ask you questions that could feel intrusive, but it’s only to ensure you and your baby’s health. Answer the questions honestly. This will help the obstetrician determine if anything needs to be done to minimize possible health risks.
Questions for the Obstetrician
Since this is your first obstetrician appointment, you may have some questions. If you don’t, here are some questions you may want to ask.
- Who do I call if I have questions?
- What should I expect to happen until my next appointment?
- Do I need to change the way I eat and exercise?
- What are some good books to read or websites to visit?
- What decisions will I have to make in the upcoming months?
You will have a day or so after making your obstetrics appointment, so just take some time to think about questions you may have for the doctor. Write them down because most people forget what to ask when they get into the patient room.
Scheduling Your First Obstetrics Appointment Is The First Step!
If you’re ready to schedule your first obstetrics appointment in Brownsville contact Brownsville Center of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Jose S. Cisneros MD FACOG has many years of experience helping woman just like you have healthy pregnancies and babies. Appointments can be made easily by calling 956-548-1959 or online by clicking here.