Who ever thought going to the doctor would be something you're actually looking forward to? Your first prenatal appointment, usually sometime between 6 and 10 weeks, makes pregnancy feel oh-so real. From bloodwork and a pap smear to finding out your due date and possibly getting an ultrasound to see your baby for the first time, this appointment is jam-packed. With all the excitement, it can be hard to remember to ask all the questions you've had floating in your head since you saw your positive pregnancy test.
This list will prepare you for what your OB-GYN will likely ask you and what you should consider asking them at your first prenatal visit.
Questions Your Doctor May Ask You:
Your Medical History: Jot down if you've had any medical issues in the past, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, kidney disease, abnormal pap smears, anxiety, depression, etc., and plan to discuss them with your doctor. Gather any documents that pertain to your medical history, if applicable, as well.
Family Medical History (You + Spouse): Have a conversation with your spouse, if applicable, about their family's medical history. Were there any genetic disorders or birth defects in their family? Consider the same for your own family's medical history.
Your Gynecological History: When was your last period? What are your periods usually like (regular vs. irregular, cramping, PMS)? Which, if any, STDs have you had? When?
Fertility Treatments: Which, if any, fertility treatments have you used?
History of Previous Pregnancy: Have you ever been pregnant before?
Medications: Between now and your appointment, start a list of the medications you take or use, including those that are once-in-a-while and/or Over the Counter (e.g. Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Cortisone, Medicated Face Washes, etc.).
Diet: Be ready to answer questions about your caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine consumption. If you have any substance addictions (alcohol, tobacco, etc.), give them a call now and make a plan about how to quit.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
What should I look for in a prenatal vitamin? Do you recommend a brand?
Do you have advice for combating early pregnancy symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc)? Vitamin B6, Preggie Pops, Ginger Tablets?
Can I continue taking (x, y, z) prescribed medications? Are there any I should avoid?
Can I continue taking (x, y, z) over the counter medications (e.g. face wash, face cream, pain killers, etc.)? Are there any I should avoid?
Should I be taking any supplements (choline, fish oil, etc)?
How much exercise can/should I be doing?
Should I change my caffeine intake?
Throughout pregnancy, when should I call or go in to the hospital (e.g. bleeding, cramping, feeling faint)?
Which, if any, prenatal screening or testing do you recommend?
Which, if any, birth and/or parenting classes do you recommend? When should I take them?
Is my pregnancy considered high-risk? If so, what exactly does that mean?
What does a healthy weight gain look like for me?
What is my estimated due date?
When is my next appointment?
When is my next ultrasound?
Can my spouse come to the appointments? Ultrasounds?
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, when?
What extra precautions should I take if I'm not vaccinated or don't plan to become vaccinated?
Special Considerations:
If you have any substance addictions (alcohol, tobacco, etc.), make a plan with your doctor about how to quit.
If you have a job that requires heavy lifting or exposure to chemicals, talk to your doctor about whether your employer needs to make any accommodations for you.
WTFTM Tip: If you've been cruising through the past few years without a printer in your home, now is the time to invest. You can find them pretty cheap, and they turn out to be a lifesaver throughout pregnancy and baby's first year. 
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