Preparing Your Health History

by Kim Neyer | More from this Blogger

23 Nov 2010 04:25 PM

One of the major components of your first prenatal check up is the health history interview. It should feel somewhat familiar, since many doctors do this on your first visit, but the prenatal version is a little more detailed. To prepare, it may help to look over some of these questions beforehand in case you need to make a few phone calls to your mom or relatives.

What is your history with pregnancy? Have you been pregnant before? Have you ever had a miscarriage? Have you ever had an abortion? If you have had a baby before, how did you deliver? Did you have any complications? Were you on birth control when you conceived? How many children do you have? Have you ever suffered postpartum depression?

What is your health history? When did you first start menstruating? What were your cycles like? Have you ever had an abnormal pap? Have you ever been treated for a sexually transmitted disease? Have you ever had major surgery? Have you ever had high blood pressure? Do you have any medical conditions such as diabetes? Are you taking any current medications? (Remember to ask your mom or dad about your health history as a young child, since you may have had surgery that you do not remember.) Do you have any allergies? Are you on any medications? Have you ever been treated or hospitalized for any major disease of the heart, lungs, nervous system, stomach, intestines, kidneys, thyroid gland or pancreas? Do you smoke or drink alcohol?

What is your husband's health history? Does your husband have any health issues? Did he ever have any major illnesses as a child?

What are your families' health histories? Are there any conditions that run in the family, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes? Has anyone had multiples? Are there any birth defects in the family?

Related Articles:

What to Expect in Preconception Counseling

What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit

What To Expect At Your Prenatal Appointments

Learn more about Kim Neyer

Kim is a freelance writer, photographer and stay at home mom to her one-year-old son, Micah. She has been married to her husband, Eric, since 2006.

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