Finding out you are pregnant comes with excitement, questions, and a few time-sensitive to-dos. Your first prenatal visit sets the tone for a healthy pregnancy and a supportive care relationship. At Walnut Creek OB/GYN, led by Timothy A. Leach, MD, FACOG, MSCP, you will receive evidence-based guidance, a clear care plan, and a team that listens.
Here is what to expect, when to schedule, and how we coordinate your care through delivery at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.
How Soon Should You Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit?
Call us as soon as you have a positive home pregnancy test. We typically schedule the first prenatal appointment between 7 and 9 weeks of pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. This window allows us to:
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Confirm the pregnancy is located in the uterus
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Accurately estimate your due date
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Complete baseline lab work
If you have pelvic pain, bleeding, a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, conceived through IVF, or are unsure of your dates, let us know. We may schedule you sooner for lab work and an early ultrasound.
How Many Weeks Pregnant Do You See an Obstetrician?
Most patients first see an obstetrician around 8 weeks. If you have higher-risk factors, we may recommend earlier or more frequent visits to support a healthy pregnancy.
What Happens at Your First Prenatal Visit?
Plan for a visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your appointment includes:
Medical History & Intake
We review your health history, medications and supplements, allergies, family history, prior pregnancies, and mental health.
Physical Exam
This typically includes blood pressure, weight, and a pelvic exam if you are due for screening or have symptoms.
Dating & Early Ultrasound
Many patients receive a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the heartbeat, check the uterus and ovaries, and refine the due date. If it is too early to visualize clearly, we schedule a follow-up scan.
Lab Work
Baseline prenatal labs commonly include:
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Blood type and Rh factor
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Complete blood count (CBC)
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Rubella and varicella immunity
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Hepatitis B and C
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HIV and syphilis screening
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Urine culture
Additional labs such as thyroid testing may be ordered based on your history.
Genetic Screening Options
We review first-trimester screening options, including noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and carrier screening, so you can choose what aligns with your values.
Medication & Lifestyle Counseling
We cover safe medications, prenatal vitamins with folic acid, nutrition, nausea management, exercise, sleep, mental health, and workplace accommodations.
You will leave with a clear plan for next steps and guidance on when to call the office.
Do You Get an Ultrasound at Every Visit?
No. Ultrasounds are scheduled only when they add medical value. Most patients receive:
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An early dating scan
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A first-trimester nuchal translucency scan (if chosen)
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A detailed anatomy scan between 18 and 22 weeks
Additional ultrasounds are ordered if needed for growth monitoring, placenta location, or symptoms.
Typical Prenatal Visit Schedule
For uncomplicated pregnancies, visits usually follow this pattern:
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Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
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Every 2 to 3 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
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Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery
Your schedule may be adjusted based on your health or pregnancy needs.
Are Prenatal Visits Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans cover routine prenatal care, standard lab testing, and delivery services. Coverage varies by plan. Our administrative team can verify benefits and help estimate out-of-pocket costs for labs or optional genetic testing.
If you are looking for an insurance-accepted OB-GYN in Walnut Creek, our office can help you get started.
Coordinated Delivery at John Muir Medical Center
Your prenatal care takes place in our Walnut Creek office, with delivery coordinated at John Muir Medical Center. Dr. Leach holds a leadership role in OB/GYN at the hospital, supporting seamless communication and continuity of care through labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Learn more about our approach to Walnut Creek labor and delivery through our care team.
Our Approach: Personalized & Evidence-Based
Our patients describe us as calm, thorough, and easy to talk to. We follow the latest clinical guidelines, explain options clearly, and support informed decision-making. Many families return for future pregnancies because of the trust and continuity we provide.
Meet our team of OB-GYNs in Walnut Creek to learn more about our care philosophy.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
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The date of your last menstrual period
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A list of medications and supplements with doses
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Insurance card and photo ID
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Prior pregnancy or medical records (if available)
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A list of questions
Drink water before your visit in case a urine sample is needed.
Summary
Schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you receive a positive pregnancy test, ideally between 7 and 9 weeks. You can expect a full history, physical exam, early ultrasound when appropriate, lab work, and guidance on genetic screening and healthy pregnancy care. We coordinate your delivery at John Muir Medical Center and support you from your first visit through postpartum recovery.
To schedule your appointment, call Walnut Creek OB/GYN at (925) 935-6952 or visit our website to request a visit. We look forward to caring for you and your growing family.