At the first antenatal appointment, a midwife or doctor usually confirms your pregnancy, checks your health, and plans your ongoing care. It often includes questions about your medical history, some basic checks, and sometimes blood and urine tests.

What usually happens

  • A review of your medical, pregnancy, and family history.
  • Questions about any medicines you take, previous pregnancies, and current symptoms.
  • Basic checks such as blood pressure, weight, and sometimes height or body mass index.
  • Blood and urine tests, depending on your clinic and your needs.
  • Screening discussions, including options for infections and genetic screening.
  • Time to ask questions and talk through any worries.

What may be given

  • Information about healthy pregnancy habits, such as stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol, and taking recommended supplements.
  • Your maternity notes or a record of your pregnancy care.
  • A follow-up appointment or scan booking, often for the 12-week scan if you have not had one yet.

What to bring

  • A list of medicines and allergies.
  • Details of any past pregnancies or health conditions.
  • Questions you want to ask, so you do not forget them.

One thing to know

The exact process can vary by clinic or country, but the first visit is usually longer than later ones because it sets up your care plan.

If you want, I can also turn this into a very short “what to expect in order” checklist.