Five Things You Should Know Before Your First Obstetrician Appointment

Category: Educational, Women's Services
Posted On: Nov 18, 2025

Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing journey, but it can also bring a lot of questions and uncertainties. Whether you’re seeing your obstetrician for the first time during your pregnancy or attending a routine checkup, understanding what to expect during these appointments can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Dianne Chambers, MD, an OB/GYN with Norman Regional Health System’s Women’s Healthcare of Norman, shares five things you should know before your first obstetrician appointment. By familiarizing yourself with these key tips, you’ll be ready to navigate your pregnancy with knowledge and peace of mind.

1. Every pregnancy is different

First time moms should know that every pregnancy is different. “You’re going to have different symptoms than maybe your mom or grandma,” said Dr. Chambers.

That’s one of the reasons why it is so important for you to talk openly with your obstetrician and nurses. “It may be a symptom you’ve never heard of and we hear about it all the time,” said Dr. Chambers. Your OB and nurses will be able to help you understand what’s happening to your body, and talk you through the symptoms you are facing.

2. Flu and RSV vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy

This time of year brings cold and flu season along with Flu and RSV vaccines that help curb illnesses. “It is completely safe and it is recommended in pregnancy to have both of those vaccines,” said Dr. Chambers. “Both vaccines transfer from your placenta to the baby and help provide immunity for the first few months of life where they are not immune.”

Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines are safe to take during pregnancy, as long as they don’t contain ibuprofen. If you have doubts or questions about any medicines, you can always call your OB. They know what you can take and will let you know what they recommend.

3. OB appointments are short

What can you expect for your routine OB appointments? Well, they’re short and quick! Your OB is going to:

Check your weight
Check your urine for protein and glucose
Measure the baby
Listen to heart tones

Dr. Chambers added that your appointments are also a great time to ask your OB any questions you have.

4. Important questions your OB wishes you would ask them

One big piece to figure out during your pregnancy is your birth plan. “I don’t know where the misconception came along, but a lot of people are afraid to talk to their OBs about their birth plan. That’s our job. We know how to deliver babies, and we know how to deliver healthy babies,” said Dr. Chambers.

Dr. Chambers encourages you to talk openly about what you want, what you don’t want, and to share any misconceptions or fears you may have.

When your OB knows what’s going on in your head and what you’re thinking about, they can help you figure out the best plan and walk you through that process. Your OB should know what your birth plan is, and it should be something everyone agrees on.

5. What happens when it’s time to deliver your baby?

You’ve made it to the big day and you’re in labor! What will happen? What do you do? Don’t worry, you’re going to be taken care of!

When you arrive at Norman Regional Hospital, “you’re going to go to OB Triage,” said Dr. Chambers. Someone there in the OB Triage is going to check your cervix and make sure you’re in labor.

They will be able to let you know if it will go quickly or if it will be an all-day process. “Normally it’s an all-day process. Labor can take up to 24 hours,” said Dr. Chambers.

Your OB will stop by your room a few times throughout labor to check in on you, but they will not be there the whole time. Then, if they’re working or on-call when the time comes, they’ll get a phone call when it’s time to deliver your baby!

Navigating pregnancy with confidence

Navigating pregnancy is an evolving experience, and your obstetrician is there to guide and support you through every step of the process. From understanding your body’s unique changes to planning for labor and birth, staying informed and open with your obstetrician will help ensure a smooth and positive pregnancy journey.

Your obstetrician is there to answer questions, support you and help you take charge of your pregnancy. Your OB can provide clarity and reassurance regarding your concerns; no question is too small to ask. Embrace each milestone, and know that you’re never alone with our OB team on your side.

Our team of experienced physicians and providers will ensure you receive the personalized pregnancy support you need at Women’s Healthcare of Norman. Visit us online to learn more and call our office to schedule an appointment at 405-360-1264.