I just found out I'm pregnant (around 5 weeks). When should I book my first appointment and what will they check?
Book your first appointment between 8–10 weeks — that's when the doctor can confirm the heartbeat via ultrasound and do all the initial blood work. They'll check your blood type, haemoglobin, thyroid, blood sugar, and infectious disease markers. Bring your last period date (LMP) so they can calculate your due date accurately.
At my first appointment (9 weeks) they did a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the heartbeat and dating, prescribed folic acid + iron supplements, and took around 6 vials of blood for baseline tests. It felt like a lot but it's all routine! Write down your questions beforehand because in the excitement of seeing the heartbeat you'll forget everything.
Also: start taking folic acid NOW if you haven't already. The first 12 weeks are critical for neural tube development. Most doctors recommend 400–800 mcg daily. Don't wait for your appointment to start.
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