Questions to bring to your first prenatal appointment

Write down the question you are most worried about and put it at the top of your list. A first prenatal visit is a chance to discuss your health history and plan care for the pregnancy. ^[1] You do not need to arrive with all the answers.

Start with the plan for your care

Ask who will provide your ongoing care, when your next visit should be and how the office handles questions between appointments. The schedule should come from your provider rather than a calendar you found online.

You could ask:

• Based on my dates and health history, what do you recommend next?
• Which tests are you offering, what do they look for and when will we discuss results?
• Who should I call if I develop a new symptom?
• What should I do if I need help when the office is closed?

Write down the contact instructions somewhere you can find them. A routine message and an urgent call may have different paths; ask the office to explain its process.

Bring the information you have

Your provider may ask about your health, prior pregnancies and family history. ^[1] If you do not know a detail, say so. Ask whether the office wants records from another provider and how to arrange that securely.

Make a list of medicines, vitamins and supplements to discuss. Ask before starting or stopping medicines on your own. ^[2] You can also ask which everyday concerns, such as food, exercise or work, need advice specific to your situation.

Ask about the practical arrangements

Before the appointment, ask what to bring, how long to allow, and whether you need any preparation. If you need language assistance, want a support person present or have questions about costs, raise those with the office instead of assuming arrangements are the same everywhere.

Ask for another explanation when something is unclear. Before leaving, check that you understand the next action, who is responsible for it and when it should happen.

Where Care Net fits

Care Net can offer pregnancy support in Vero Beach, but a Care Net visit does not replace ongoing prenatal care. Contact a prenatal provider directly about that care. Care Net's online request is for staff follow-up, not a confirmed appointment. ^[3]

We are a pro-life nonprofit that values every life and supports continuing a pregnancy, parenting and adoption. Care Net does not perform or refer for abortions. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 rather than waiting for an appointment response.