What To Know About Your First Prenatal Appointment

After spending a lot of time online looking up “surrogacy programs near me” and “how to be a surrogate” and going through the process of becoming a surrogate with a surrogacy clinic, you get some good news — your pregnancy test is positive.

As a surrogate mother, how do you prepare for your pregnancy? What should you expect on your first prenatal visit?

You Will Undergo Tests and Exams

Pregnant women usually go to their first prenatal checkup when they are 6 to 12 weeks pregnant. Their doctor will do a full physical examination by checking their weight, blood pressure level, and other vitals. They will also give a breast exam, pelvic exam, and a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and other issues. They will also take a blood sample to check your blood type, sugar levels, and protein levels, and also test for anemia, cystic fibrosis, thyroid dysfunction, and various other medical conditions.

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Lifestyle, Health, and Medical History

Your research on “surrogacy programs near me” and “how to be a surrogate” and spending time with our professionals at Joy of Life® Surrogacy should tell you how important being honest is to the medical professionals who are with you throughout your surrogacy journey. During your first prenatal appointment, your honesty is vital too. Your doctor will ask about your personal medical history and family medical history. They will want to know about your lifestyle and habits such as smoking, drug use, and alcohol use that may negatively affect your baby. They will want to know about any history of mental illness and your current mental and emotional state. They will need to know what your regular diet is like, how much exercise you get every day, and so on.

Determining Your Due Date

Your first prenatal appointment is an opportunity to know when you are due. You and your baby’s intended parents will surely want to know when you are expected to give birth, so your doctor will help give an estimation of your due date — the time when you will be 40 weeks pregnant. By having this information, everyone involved can do the necessary preparations to ensure that the baby is properly taken care of when it finally gets home. It is also essential in monitoring the growth and development of the baby, keep track of the progress and status of your pregnancy, and scheduling the necessary tests, procedures, and exams at the right times.

For more information about surrogacy, please contact Joy of Life today.