What happens at your first antenatal visit?
At your first antenatal visit, the doctor talks through your health and history, estimates your due date, and records your weight, height and blood pressure. Routine blood and urine tests are arranged, and most women have an early ultrasound. You leave with advice on folic acid, diet and warning signs, and a clear plan for your next visits.
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Nervous and excited? That is normal
Congratulations on your pregnancy. If you have just booked your first antenatal visit and you are feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, that is completely normal. Knowing what the first appointment involves helps you arrive relaxed and prepared, so here is what usually happens.
Take Priya, a first-time mother (a composite example, not a real patient), who comes in at around eight weeks of pregnancy, thrilled about her positive test but full of questions. Her visit is typical of what most women can expect.
The conversation: your health and history
The visit usually begins with a friendly conversation. You will be asked about:
- The first day of your last menstrual period, which helps estimate your due date.
- Your general health: any long-standing conditions, previous pregnancies, surgeries, allergies, and the medicines you take.
- Your family's health history, because some conditions run in families.
Please bring any old reports and a list of your current medicines. Do not stop or start a medicine on your own because you are pregnant; ask your doctor first, as some medicines need to be continued and others changed.
The physical check
Next comes a gentle physical check. Your weight, height and blood pressure are recorded, because they give an important baseline for the months ahead: later readings are compared against them. Depending on your situation, the doctor may also do a basic examination.
Which tests are done at the first visit?
Some routine investigations are then arranged. These usually include blood tests for:
- Blood group, including whether you are Rh positive or negative, which affects some later care.
- Haemoglobin, to check for anaemia.
- Blood sugar, to pick up diabetes early.
- Thyroid function, because thyroid problems can affect a pregnancy. See thyroid disorders in pregnancy.
- Screening for certain infections, so that steps can be taken to protect you and your baby if needed.
A urine test is usually done as well. Most women also have an early ultrasound around this time, to confirm the pregnancy, check that it is in the right place and how many babies there are, and see that reassuring first heartbeat.
Lifestyle: a healthy start
You will also talk about everyday habits that help:
- Folic acid, which your doctor will recommend; ask exactly what to take and for how long.
- A balanced diet with enough protein, fruits and vegetables.
- Plenty of fluids, so that you stay well hydrated.
- Gentle, regular activity, and enough rest.
- No tobacco and no alcohol.
Early symptoms like nausea and tiredness are common and usually nothing to worry about, and your doctor can suggest ways to manage them. Tell your doctor if vomiting stops you keeping fluids down, because that needs to be seen promptly.
Warning signs to know from day one
Time is always spent on warning signs, because knowing them brings peace of mind rather than fear. They are not common, but it is always safer to check. Seek care promptly if you have:
- vaginal bleeding, especially if it is heavy;
- severe or constant abdominal pain;
- a severe headache with blurred vision;
- a high fever;
- a sudden leak of fluid; or
- in the later months, a noticeable drop in your baby's movements.
If any of these happens, go to the nearest hospital straight away or call an ambulance on 108; do not wait for your next appointment. Our guide to pregnancy danger signs explains each one.
No question is too small
By the end of the visit, you will have a clear plan for your next appointments and time to ask anything on your mind. There are no silly questions: this is your pregnancy, and understanding it is your right. It helps to write your questions down before you come, so that nothing is forgotten on the day.
What should you bring to your first visit?
- The date of the first day of your last period.
- Any old medical reports, including those from previous pregnancies, surgeries, scans or blood tests.
- A list of the medicines and supplements you take.
- Your pregnancy test result, if you have one.
- Your questions, written down.
- Your husband or a family member, if you would like company.
A calm, confident foundation
Think of this first visit as laying a calm, confident foundation. With regular care and a good partnership between you and your doctor, most pregnancies progress smoothly. If an existing condition or something in your history means your pregnancy needs closer watching, that is planned from the start; see high-risk pregnancy.
Where care happens
This guide is by Dr Mayur Pai, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), a fertility and laparoscopy specialist. Pai Hospital in Vasco, Goa, looks after women through pregnancy, from the first check-up to delivery, and handles deliveries and emergencies 24 hours a day. Free patient transport is available from across Goa and nearby areas.
Booking your first visit
For questions before your visit, message us on WhatsApp at +91 77989 73345. Antenatal check-ups are by appointment; to book your first visit, call +91 77989 73345, or +91 95459 20817, or +91 75582 52088. This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice; please consult your doctor about your own situation. More answers about pregnancy and delivery.
Your questions
When should I book my first antenatal visit?
Soon after a positive pregnancy test. Many women come in at around eight weeks, and it is sensible to come earlier if you have a long-standing health condition or had problems in a previous pregnancy. If you have bleeding or pain, do not wait for a booked visit; seek care straight away.
What should I bring to my first antenatal appointment?
Bring any old medical reports, including those from previous pregnancies or surgeries, and a list of the medicines and supplements you take. Note the first day of your last period, and write down the questions you want to ask.
Which tests are done at the first antenatal visit?
Usually blood tests for your blood group, haemoglobin, blood sugar and thyroid function, screening for certain infections, and a urine test. Most women also have an early ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, check its location and the number of babies, and see the heartbeat.
Is it normal to feel sick and tired in early pregnancy?
Yes. Nausea and tiredness are common in early pregnancy and are usually nothing to worry about. Tell your doctor if vomiting stops you keeping fluids down, because that needs to be seen promptly.
Do I need to take folic acid in pregnancy?
Folic acid is one of the first things your doctor will recommend. Ask your doctor exactly what to take and for how long, rather than guessing, and mention any other supplements you already use.
Or call +91 75582 52088 · 0832 251 3641
This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.