Meeting with your doctor or health care provider before you become pregnant will help you take care of any health issues that could impact your pregnancy before they become issues.

To-Do List for Pre-Pregnancy Checkup:

Make sure any medications you're taking are safe for use during pregnancy (including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal or alternative medicines)
Have a pap test–the ideal time to schedule a pap test is before you start trying to conceive
Make sure your immunizations are up to date–rubella and chickenpox can be dangerous to the developing baby if contracted during pregnancy
STD screening (including HIV)
Hepatitis B screening
Discuss your past medical history (including past pregnancies) as well as that of your partner and family
Discuss your current lifestyle and health status

If you, your partner or close relatives have certain birth defects or disorders, you may need to see a genetic counselor and have special tests to see if these problems could be passed on to your baby if you get pregnant.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have concerns, this is a great opportunity to address them.

Generally, the first visit to your health care provider will be the longest. You will be seen by the nurse first. The nurse will:

Check your urine for protein, sugar, and any sign of infection
Check your weight
Check your blood pressure
Take a complete health history, which includes information about your current and past health
Blood work will be ordered by your nurse or health care provider
Testing for HIV will be offered. This may be discussed by your health care provider instead of the nurse, in some settings.