Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Appointment

Key Takeaways:

• Most first prenatal appointments happen between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy

• The fetal heartbeat may not be audible at your first visit; it is often detected around 10–14 weeks with a doppler or ultrasound

• Bring a list of questions, your medical history, and any medications you're currently taking

You just saw that positive pregnancy test, and suddenly it all feels real. Maybe you're excited, maybe nervous, or maybe running through a mental checklist of what comes next. One of the first big steps? Scheduling your first prenatal appointment.

For most women, that call to an OB/GYN or midwife happens somewhere between "OMG!" and "Wait, how soon do I actually need to go in?" Whether you've been tracking ovulation closely or this pregnancy caught you by surprise, your first prenatal visit is an important milestone. It's where you'll get answers, ask questions, and start building a relationship with the healthcare provider who will guide you through the next nine months.

This is the beginning of your prenatal care journey, and there's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your pregnancy. So what actually happens at that first appointment, and how can you make sure you're ready for it? We'll cover everything you need to know in this guide.

Getting clear answers about what's safe during pregnancy will save you from frantic calls to friends or family. Here are the most important topics to cover during your first prenatal visit:

Medications, Supplements, and Common Ailments

Ask which of your current medications (and even skincare products!) are safe to continue, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Some medications need to be switched or stopped, while others are safe to continue. Common examples to discuss include allergy medications, antidepressants, and acne treatments.

Get a prenatal vitamin recommendation tailored to your needs, containing the right amount of folic acid (400-800 mcg daily), iron, and DHA. Also ask what you can take to manage headaches, colds, or other minor ailments. Generally, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered safe, while ibuprofen and aspirin are usually avoided unless specifically recommended by your provider.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Understanding the difference between typical pregnancy symptoms and warning signs helps you know when to reach out. If you're already feeling queasy, get specific recommendations for managing morning sickness. Your provider might suggest vitamin B6, ginger, small frequent meals, or prescription medications if needed.

Lifestyle, Diet, and Work

If you're already active, ask if you can continue your routine with modifications. If you're not currently exercising, your healthcare provider can suggest a safe routine. Discuss which foods to avoid beyond the obvious ones, and bring up any concerns about your work environment. You can obtain documentation from your provider if you need workplace accommodations.

Testing and Screening

Ask which genetic screening tests are recommended based on your age, medical history, and personal preferences. Options range from basic blood tests to comprehensive genetic panels. Confirm when you'll have the anatomy ultrasound (usually around 20 weeks) and what other tests to expect throughout pregnancy, including screenings for gestational diabetes, Group B strep, and anemia.

Your Specific Health Conditions

Your first prenatal visit will dive into specifics about your health history, like risk factors, past pregnancies, and conditions to monitor for a healthy pregnancy.

If you have diabetes, thyroid disorder, autoimmune conditions, or mental health concerns, discuss how pregnancy might affect these conditions and vice versa. If you're worried about a high-risk pregnancy, raise your concerns and ask what that means for your care, including whether consultations with specialists are recommended.

Beyond these practical questions, there's one thing almost every expectant parent wonders about at that first visit.

Will You Hear Your Baby's Heartbeat at Your First Visit?

Hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time is an exciting milestone. Most providers use a Doppler to listen for the heartbeat starting around 10-12 weeks, though it is most reliably audible at 12–14 weeks. Before that, the baby is still too small and tucked too deep in your pelvis for the Doppler to pick up the sound, so it’s normal if you don’t hear it at your first visit. 

Some practices may perform an early transvaginal ultrasound at the first visit, especially if you're unsure about dates or have a history of miscarriage. A heartbeat can sometimes be detected as early as 6 weeks this way, but not all providers do early ultrasounds routinely. If hearing or seeing the heartbeat early is important to you, ask about your provider's policy when you schedule the appointment.

Whether or not you hear the heartbeat at this first visit, your provider will outline the plan for your upcoming prenatal care.

At this first visit, your healthcare provider will outline your prenatal appointment schedule. For most low-risk pregnancies, it looks something like this:

• Monthly visits until 28 weeks

• Every two weeks from 28-36 weeks

• Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery

That's about 12-14 visits throughout your pregnancy. Ask about the policy for urgent concerns between visits, including:

• Which symptoms require a call versus an ER visit

• Who to contact after hours

Having this information early can prevent unnecessary stress later.

Planning Ahead: Third Trimester Topics to Mention Now

While these aren't urgent for your first visit, mentioning topics helps your provider understand your priorities:

What's your practice's approach to birth plans?

Knowing this early on will help you determine if this practice aligns with your preferences.

Can you help me get a breast pump and other supplies through insurance?

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover breast pumps, but the process can take time. Starting early ensures you have a pump when you need it. 

As a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider, Aeroflow Breastpumps can help you get a breast pump and other supplies for pregnancy and postpartum through your insurance. Fill out our eligibility form to see if you qualify! 

What resources do you recommend for childbirth and breastfeeding education?

Getting recommendations for classes, books, and support groups early gives you time to research and register. 

Whether you're interested in learning about nutrition across trimesters or childbirth, breastfeeding, and preparing for early postpartum baby care, Aeroflow Breastpumps has classes available through insurance that cover essential topics to support your pregnancy and postpartum journey.

Your first prenatal appointment can help set the tone for your entire pregnancy experience. Come prepared, but don't stress about remembering everything. Your care team knows this is a lot of information to absorb. They'll give you resources, review important information at future visits, and answer new questions as they come up.

Remember, your provider or midwife is experienced and knowledgeable. They've heard every question and seen every concern, and they're there to support you. No question is too basic, too embarrassing, or too anxiety-driven to ask.

This is the beginning of an incredible journey, and having a care team you trust makes all the difference. Take notes, bring your partner or support person, and remember that feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness is completely normal. You're already being a great parent by seeking information and advocating for your health and your baby's health!