When to See Your Doctor

If possible, see your doctor before you get pregnant. A visit before pregnancy clears up questions about medications you are taking. You can have a Pap smear and any other tests your healthcare provider decides are necessary. With your healthcare provider, you can evaluate your current weight and set a target weight gain for your pregnancy. You will know you're in good health before getting pregnant; if you're not, you can make plans to get into the best shape you can before you get pregnant.

Your doctor may order a range of tests, including:

If you know you have other specific or chronic medical problems, such as diabetes, have these checked. If you have been exposed to hepatitis or AIDS, tests should be done for these.