During the early stages of pregnancy, regular prenatal appointments and tests are essential for monitoring your health and the health of your growing baby. In this early period, here’s what you can expect:
- Blood Tests – Blood work is done routinely in this early stage. Your healthcare provider can explain what they are testing for based on your unique circumstances.
- Dating Ultrasound – An initial ultrasound is usually done between 7-11 weeks to get a more accurate sense of your baby’s due date. You may even see your little one for the first time during this ultrasound!
- Genetic Screening – Genetic testing can help identify the potential risk of chromosomal abnormalities in your baby as early as the first trimester. Since these are screening tests only, to have or not to have these tests is entirely your decision. There are several helpful resources HERE which can help inform your choice.
This early period can have a lot of tests and appointments to jumpstart your journey. In addition to discussing these with your provider, check out the trusted resources we’ve curated for you to help you feel informed and empowered when making the choices that are right for you.