
Your First Prenatal Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare

That positive pregnancy test usually brings excitement mixed with uncertainty about what comes next.
At Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, Farly Sejour, MD, FACOG, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team guide expectant mothers through their first prenatal appointments — answering questions about timing, what tests to expect, and how to prepare for this important milestone.
Your first visit happens earlier than many women realize, and the timing affects what we can accomplish during that initial appointment.
Schedule your dating scan between 8 and 10 weeks
Most women want to come in right after seeing those two pink lines, but waiting a few weeks gives us much better information. Around 8-10 weeks, we can see your baby clearly on an ultrasound, hear the heartbeat, and take accurate measurements for dating.
This timing allows us to confirm your delivery date status, check your baseline health, and address any issues early.
Women with health conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems should call us right away, though. These situations need immediate evaluation to adjust medications safely.
Expect your first visit to be the longest
Expect 60-90 minutes for your initial appointment. During this introductory visit, we gather information to create a complete health picture and start building your personalized prenatal plan for the next nine months.
Here’s what we cover during that first visit:
- Complete medical history, including previous pregnancies, surgeries, and medications
- Family health patterns from both sides that could affect your pregnancy
- Partner’s health history for genetic risk assessment
- Physical exam with weight, blood pressure, and general health check
- Pelvic exam to assess uterus size and reproductive health
The initial time investment helps us identify potential issues early and create a care plan to manage your specific situation.
Blood tests screen for problems that could complicate pregnancy
Comprehensive testing during your first visit looks for conditions that could affect you or your baby:
- Complete blood count to check for anemia
- Blood type and Rh factor
- Immunity to rubella, hepatitis B, and other infections
- Sexually transmitted infection screening
- Thyroid function
- Blood sugar levels
Some tests require fasting; we inform you before testing so you can skip breakfast. These results guide treatment decisions throughout your pregnancy.
Honest answers help us take better care of you
Some questions might feel personal, but we ask them because the answers address how we care for you. Everything you tell us stays confidential, but these details help us watch for complications and connect you with resources when needed.
Topics we discuss include:
- Substance use, including alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs
- Mental health history and current medications
- Previous pregnancy outcomes and complications
- Domestic violence or safety concerns
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) history and sexual health
Many women feel awkward discussing these topics, which is normal. Once you get to know us better over the first few visits, these conversations usually get easier. We ask because we want to help, not because we're keeping score.
We take extra time with first-time mothers
At Solace Women’s Care, we understand that first prenatal visits can feel overwhelming. Our team can answer questions and explain what to expect throughout your pregnancy.
Our providers coordinate care with specialists when necessary and help you understand which symptoms need immediate attention versus normal pregnancy changes. This partnership approach makes you confident in your pregnancy care decisions.
Start your prenatal care with providers who prioritize your comfort and understanding. Call our Conroe office at 936-441-7100 or message us online to schedule your first prenatal appointment with our experienced team today.
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