Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life, although it can be filled with anxiety regarding the unknown. In normal, healthy pregnancies, the beginning stages are similar for many women. Prenatal care is an important part of every pregnancy, so it is important for a woman to find a doctor or midwife with whom she is comfortable.
Symptoms
During the early stages of pregnancy, a woman's body begins to undergo many changes. Hormones released during pregnancy such as progesterone, can cause breasts to be sensitive and increase in size. Nausea is another side effect of extra hormone production. Despite the term "morning sickness," nausea during the early stages of pregnancy may last all day, notes MayoClinic.com. As the body begins to change, blood supply increases to nourish the growing baby and the uterus grows, which can cause women to feel unusually tired. She might also feel lightheaded as her body adjusts to the additional blood volume.
Tests
At the beginning of pregnancy, a doctor or midwife will verify the pregnancy with either a blood or urine pregnancy test. Depending on the policies of the institution, repeat blood tests may be ordered to ensure that the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, or HCG, is increasingly appropriately to indicate a healthy pregnancy. If a Pap smear is due, one will be performed at the first prenatal appointment. During the Pap test, doctors often test for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, so proper treatment can be given if available. Routine urine testing is often performed to detect the presence of glucose, or sugar, protein, blood and bacteria. Storknet.com also notes that blood testing is done at the first appointment to check for blood type and immunity to certain diseases such as rubella. Women without immunity to rubella may be given the vaccine after the birth of the baby.
First Prenatal Appointment
The first prenatal appointment is a time for doctors or midwives to obtain a full history. Women are asked for their full medical history, as well as the history of the baby's father. A pelvic exam is generally performed to check the status of the cervix, and to check for any abnormalities such as fibroids or cysts. Prenatal vitamin samples may be given during this appointment, especially if the patient is seen by an obstetrician. Additionally, MayoClinic.com notes that an estimated due date is given, calculated either by the last period, or with the assistance of an early ultrasound.
Weight Gain
Weight gain during the beginning stages is far less than at the end stages. The American Pregnancy Association notes that during the first trimester, or first 13 weeks, women can expect to gain between 3 to 5 pounds. If severe morning sickness occurs, this amount may be less due to the inability to keep food down.
