During the first prenatal visit, a prenatal health history is taken to give the doctor insight into any potential problems that may be faced during the pregnancy. The prenatal health history includes mother, father, siblings, children, and grandparents. Health problems facing other blood relatives may also be pertinent. When visiting the doctor for the first time, gather all available information to complete detailed prenatal health history. Even the smallest details of birth-related problems, difficulty with pregnancy, multiple births, and illnesses are important. 

Print out this checklist to take to your doctor or midwife!

Personal history

         Allergies
         Illnesses suffered as a child
         Previous medical conditions
         Chronic illnesses
         Hospital stays

Surgery history

         Minor surgical operations
         Major surgical operations
         Anesthesia history
         Accidents requiring hospitalization

Medication history

         Current prescription medications
         Current over the counter medications
         Previous prescription medications
         Medication based creams and lotions both prescription and non-prescription

Lifestyle history

         Smoking
         Drinking
         Eating habits
         Weight loss
         Weight gain

Previous pregnancy history

         Previous full-term pregnancies
         Previous aborted pregnancies
         Miscarriages
         Multiple pregnancies

Gynecology history

         Cycle- normal or abnormal
         Blood flow – normal or abnormal
         Endometriosis
         Pelvic inflammatory disease
         Other gynecological problems

Infectious diseases

         History of all infectious diseases both cures and ongoing

Current pregnancy history

         Date of last period
         Date of positive pregnancy test
         Cramping
         Bleeding
         Vaginal discharge

Complete parental and father medical history

         Chronic illnesses
         Pregnancy complications
         Multiple births
         Ethnic background