Starting your antenatal clinic visit or contact early allows certain interventions to be performed early enough during the first trimester when most embryo and fetal development is taking place. Any underlying conditions will be checked and optimized, your doctor will also screen for diseases like syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that may hurt the fetal well-being and neonate if early interventions are not put in place. Your OB-GYN will offer treatment depending on the test results.
Folic acid and iron supplementation can be started early to ensure your haemoglobin level is adequate and thus avoid complications of anaemia in pregnancy (haemoglobin levels less than 11g/dl) as well as nutritional advice.

Here’s what you can expect during this important appointment:

• You will be registered; data regarding your identification will be collected. This will include your name. age or year of birth, marital status, residence, parity et cetera

• Your vital signs will be taken and recorded during triage and this includes your blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, weight and height to aid in body mass index calculation, oxygen saturation and breathing rate measurements.

• Other tests that may be ordered to establish your hemoglobin levels, blood group and rhesus typing, urine test, screening for hepatitis, syphilis, HIV, gestational diabetes in case you are at high risk.

 Do you require an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Learn more about the test here.

Comprehensive Health History: Your healthcare provider will take a detailed health history, including;

• Any complaints you may be having and the history of the complaints.

• Obstetric history: Past pregnancies, miscarriages, or complications.

• Gynecological history including contraception use, menstrual history, sexual health and history of sexually transmitted illnesses or STDs, cervical cancer screening history.

• Medical history: Chronic conditions, past surgeries, medications, and allergies. History of blood transfusion drug allergies et cetera;

• Family history: Any genetic disorders or health issues in your family.

• Lifestyle factors: Diet, exercise, substance use, and stress levels.

• Physical Exam A thorough physical exam will be conducted, which usually includes:

• Blood pressure check to monitor your health.

• Weight measurement to ensure healthy pregnancy weight gain.

• Your health provider will check whether you have any signs of anaemia or oedema (swelling), and examine your heart, chest, musculoskeletal system, breasts and abdominal examination.

• The abdominal examination will help your doctor note any previous surgical scars and therapeutic marks, signs of pregnancy like the darkened midline (linea nigra), check for any areas of tenderness, fetal movements that may be seen or even felt, the uterine size and compare whether it corresponds to your gestational age, and tell the fetal heart using a sonic aid (Fetal Doppler ultrasound) from 10 weeks gestation or a pinnards fetal stethoscope from 20 weeks’ gestation.

• Pelvic exam where your healthcare provider will assess your reproductive organs and check the size of your uterus.

• Laboratory Tests.

• Several lab tests will be done to assess your health and screen for potential issues, such as:

• Blood tests: To determine your blood type, Rh factor, and screen for conditions like anemia, infections (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis), and immunity to rubella, hemoglobin level and other blood cell parameters check

• Urine test: To check for urinary tract infections, kidney function, and protein levels.

• Genetic screening: You may be offered tests to screen for genetic conditions, especially if you have a family history or are of advanced maternal age.

• Confirmation of Pregnancy and Due Date:

• Your provider will confirm your pregnancy and estimate your due date, either through a physical exam or early first trimester ultrasound scan. The due date is typically calculated based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) or through an early ultrasound if your cycles are irregular

• Discussion of Prenatal Care Plan

• Finally, your provider will discuss your prenatal care schedule, including regular visits, ultrasounds, and testing throughout your pregnancy. They will also offer advice on nutrition, supplements, exercise, and managing pregnancy symptoms

• You will be booked for your next appointment thereafter.