The first prenatal visit is one of the most informative visits in pregnancy. WHO recommends having it before 12 weeks. Here is what usually happens and why it matters.

Confirming how far along you are

Your doctor will estimate how far along you are from your last menstrual period and exam findings, and if needed, with ultrasound. Accurate dating is the basis for the rest of pregnancy care: it determines testing windows and the estimated due date.

Basic tests

WHO recommends the following for all pregnant women at the first visit:

• Full blood count - detects anaemia, which is common in pregnancy and can usually be corrected with iron
• Syphilis test - recommended for everyone; when found early, syphilis is treatable and can be prevented from harming the baby
• HIV test - with modern treatment, a positive result can be managed so the baby is born healthy
• Urine test or culture - detects asymptomatic bacteriuria; without treatment it can increase the risk of preterm birth, while treatment is usually a short antibiotic course

Medicines and chronic conditions

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal products, and about chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and others. Some medicines need to be replaced during pregnancy with safer alternatives, and your healthcare provider can do that without interrupting treatment.

Smoking and alcohol

Your doctor may ask about smoking and alcohol. Answer honestly - this is for care, not judgement. There is no known safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy, and stopping smoking at any stage improves outcomes. If quitting is hard, your healthcare provider can help you find support.

All recommendations should be personalized. This article does not replace medical advice.