If you take a pregnancy test and it comes back positive, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor to confirm the pregnancy. This appointment can be with your regular family practice doctor or with an obstetrician or midwife. Some doctors want you to come in when you are 6-8 weeks pregnant (measured from the date of the start of your last menstrual period. Most women do not have a positive home pregnancy test until at least week four (two weeks after conception), but even so, you may have to wait a few weeks until the doctor will see you. You can still take steps to help ensure a healthy pregnancy even before you see the doctor such a taking a daily prenatal vitamin and avoiding alcohol and foods or medications that can pose a risk to the developing embryo.
On your first visit to the doctor, you will be weighed and your blood pressure will be taken to determine baselines for these measurements. You may also be asked for samples of both urine and blood in order to confirm the pregnancy and to check for conditions that could make the pregnancy more risky such as diabetes, anemia, or certain infectious diseases.
Your doctor will probably start by talking to you about your medical history and how you’ve been feeling. You will also be given a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus and the cervix (the opening of the uterus at the back of the vagina). In many cases, an ultrasound may be performed to check on the size and position of the embryo and to determine their number (twins, etc). The ultrasound also determines if the embryo is viable (has a heartbeat) and can also help estimate the due date based on the embryo’s size. Other tests may be needed if you or your baby is at risk for any problems.
The doctor may also talk to you about things you can do to help keep your developing baby healthy. Some of these things may include taking a daily prenatal multivitamin; avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drug use; checking with a doctor before taking any medication or use any topical product; and eating a healthy, balanced diet.