When to arrange a visit
Contact a practice as soon as you think you may be pregnant. ACOG recommends beginning prenatal care in the first trimester when possible, while acknowledging that timing depends on when pregnancy is recognized and access to care.
- Ask the office when it wants to schedule you and whether it accepts your plan.
- If you have a concern before the visit, ask the practice how to reach a clinician sooner.
What to bring
The office can tell you which records are useful. A list of current medicines and supplements, health history and the first day of your last period if known may help the conversation.
- Bring insurance information if you have it and ask about costs.
- Write down the questions most important to you; it is okay not to know every answer.
What might happen
Your care team may discuss your health, medications, pregnancy dating, available testing and a plan for future visits. The details depend on how far along you are and your circumstances.
- Ask what each proposed test is for and when results will be available.
- Ask which clinician to call for questions or symptoms between visits.
Do not wait for urgent symptoms
Some symptoms need immediate medical attention during pregnancy. Severe belly pain, bleeding more than spotting, trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting or other CDC urgent warning signs should not wait for a scheduled appointment.
- Seek medical care immediately for a warning sign.
- If you cannot reach the care team, go to an emergency department; call 911 for an emergency.
