What Happens at Your First Antenatal Appointment?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Whether you’ve been trying to conceive for a long time, or your positive test has been a complete surprise, it’s likely that you might have many questions and thoughts going through your head. The most practical thing to consider at this point is accessing midwifery care and your first antenatal appointment, most commonly known as the booking appointment. We’ve put a guide together to help you understand what to expect during your first antenatal appointment.

What is an antenatal appointment?

An antenatal appointment is a check-up to monitor the health and development of you and your baby throughout the pregnancy. During the appointment the midwife will take your blood pressure, dip your provided urine sample and, further along in the pregnancy, will ask about fetal movements and measure your bump. During your appointments the midwife will give you information regarding caring for yourself throughout your pregnancy, choices available to you for birth, and caring for your newborn. This information will be given to you at appropriate times as your pregnancy progresses.

What happens at the first antenatal appointment?

During your first antenatal appointment, your midwife will want to get to know you and see if there is any additional support you may need throughout your pregnancy. Your midwife will ask you a series of questions regarding your living conditions, housing and health habits such as smoking, drinking and drug intake. They will ask questions regarding your past medical history and your family’s health such as whether there is a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or thrombosis. They will ask about the father of your baby’s family health, such as whether there are any genetic disorders, learning difficulties or disabilities that run in the family. During the appointment, the midwife will assess whether it would be recommended that you see an obstetrician (a doctor who specialises in pregnancy) alongside the midwife throughout your pregnancy, and if so they can refer you to your local hospital. They will also discuss your screening options such as blood tests and ultrasound scans. Your midwife will take your blood pressure, dip stick test a urine sample and measure your height and weight. By the end of your appointment you should have a better idea of what your individualised antenatal care might look like, and be armed with information on supporting a healthy pregnancy.

All the information that is obtained and given by your midwife is documented in a set of handheld notes. It is important you take these with you were ever you go, even if you are going on holiday. Should you require any medical treatment, healthcare professionals will have the details of your medical history and your progressing pregnancy to hand.

How long is the first antenatal appointment?

Your first antenatal appointment is usually the longest appointment you will have with your midwife. It can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on how extensive your medical or previous pregnancy history is . There will be plenty of opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have regarding your pregnancy and your care. It is an exciting but nervous time, so don’t panic if you forget your question or think of something that you wanted to ask after your appointment. You can either ask your midwife at your next appointment or they will provide you with their contact details, so you can get in touch sooner.

When is the right month to start antenatal?

The short answer is, the earlier the better. Ideally it should be when you are less than 10 weeks pregnant, due to some of the screening tests that are offered, as well as lifestyle advice that is given (such as foods to avoid in pregnancy). However, it is not the end of the world if your first appointment can’t be completed before, as long as it is done as soon as possible.

If you would like to discuss antenatal care or make a booking please contact us on 0800 380 0579 or visit our costs page to find out more