It is so exciting to have the first antenatal visit with a couple during their first pregnancy.
By their expressions and their words, you can tell their incredible excitement and expectation that it is such a joyful time. But they have never been on this incredible journey before and you can also sense their nervousness and even fear.
I always tell a new couple at their first antenatal visit that this is one of the most important times of their lives. It’s “way up there” in importance along with finding the right partner in life. They agree. It is much more important than the job. They agree with that also and usually chuckle.
I tell them “I have two goals for you in my pregnancy care”. “The first goal is a good outcome”. They agree with this and are curious as to what I am going to say next as to the second goal. I then say ”the second goal is a good experience”. “While I can’t guarantee there won’t be any complications in the pregnancy and that it will work out exactly as planned, I do want you to have a very good experience. I want to support you and guide you through this pregnancy in such a positive and interactive way that you look back at it and say “wow, that experience was truly wonderful”. After all, whilst this is your first time, I’ve done this thousands of times before so you can draw on my experience and my support and trust on this wonderful this journey.”
