First pregnancy appointment: what happens and which tests

When should I book my first pregnancy appointment?

You can book an appointment as soon as your pregnancy test is positive. In France, the first appointment should take place before the end of the third month, that is before 14 weeks of pregnancy (weeks of amenorrhoea); the French National Authority for Health (HAS) advises booking it before 10 weeks, so that the first-trimester scan and screening can be arranged in time. Weeks are counted from the first day of your last period.

This appointment starts the care that will follow you until the birth, described on our page Giving birth in Paris. It is carried out by a doctor (obstetrician-gynaecologist or GP) or by a midwife. At the practice: appointments can be booked on Doctolib or on 01 43 79 59 79, with an average wait of one week to 10 days, except during holiday periods.

If you have bleeding, pain or a history of ectopic pregnancy, see a doctor sooner: an early scan may be needed. For the first questions after a positive test, see also "I have just found out I am pregnant".

What should I bring?

• your carte Vitale (French health insurance card) and your blood group card if you have one;
• previous blood test results for toxoplasmosis and rubella, and your last smear test;
• reports from previous pregnancies, births or operations;
• a list of the medicines you currently take.

What questions will I be asked at my first pregnancy appointment?

The conversation is the most important part. It shows whether your pregnancy needs standard care or closer monitoring, based on the risk situations defined by the French National Authority for Health (HAS).

• Your medical history: high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, epilepsy, autoimmune disease, mental health conditions, venous disease.
• Your surgical and gynaecological history: surgery on the womb, cone biopsy of the cervix, fibroids.
• Your previous pregnancies: miscarriages, caesarean section, premature birth, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, postpartum haemorrhage.
• Your medicines: some need adjusting straight away; do not stop them on your own.
• Your family history: genetic conditions, diabetes.
• Your lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, cannabis or other substances, your job and its demands, your social situation.

The doctor dates the pregnancy and calculates an expected due date. This date will be confirmed by the first-trimester scan.

What does the physical examination involve?

• weight, height and blood pressure;
• a urine dipstick test for sugar and protein;
• breast examination;
• gynaecological examination with a speculum and internal examination, if needed;
• a cervical screening smear test if yours is not up to date.

The gynaecological examination is not routine: it is offered depending on your situation and always with your consent.

Which blood tests are done in early pregnancy?

In France, some tests are compulsory; others are offered to everyone and carried out with your agreement.

Since 17 June 2025, the HAS has recommended universal cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening in the first trimester for all pregnant women whose status is unknown or negative, for an initial 3-year period followed by reassessment. If a recent infection is found, valaciclovir may be offered to reduce transmission to the baby. The timing of the blood tests is explained in our article on CMV and pregnancy. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) screening will be offered to you: it combines a nuchal translucency measurement on the scan with a blood test. It is never compulsory. See our article on Down syndrome screening.

What is the 12-week scan for?

It is carried out between 11 weeks and 13 weeks + 6 days. It is used to:

• check that the pregnancy is developing normally inside the womb and that the heart is beating;
• date the pregnancy precisely by measuring the crown-rump length;
• detect a twin pregnancy and determine the number of placentas;
• measure the nuchal translucency for Down syndrome screening;
• spot some abnormalities that are already visible at this stage.

If your first appointment is very early, the scan is booked for this window.

What paperwork is needed after the first pregnancy appointment in France?

The professional caring for you fills in the pregnancy declaration, which must be sent before the end of the third month to your Assurance maladie (French health insurance) office and to the family allowance office (CAF). It opens your rights: cover for tests, maternity leave, family benefits and protection of your job.

Remember to register with a maternity unit early, especially in Paris where places are limited. Dr Kadoch delivers his patients' babies in private maternity units, at the Maternité Sainte-Félicité (Paris 15th) and the Clinique Sainte-Thérèse (Paris 17th); how to register is explained at the consultation.

An early antenatal interview with a midwife or doctor will be offered to you. It is a chance to talk about your expectations, your worries and your situation, and to prepare for what comes next.

What should I do and avoid in early pregnancy?

• Stop smoking, alcohol and cannabis: there is no safe level of alcohol. Help to quit can be offered.
• No self-medication: always ask before taking any medicine, even over the counter. See medicines in pregnancy.
• Folic acid: a supplement is recommended in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects; your doctor will prescribe it.
• Diet: precautions against toxoplasmosis if you are not immune, and against listeria. See preventing toxoplasmosis.
• Physical activity: regular, moderate exercise is beneficial; avoid contact sports and those with a risk of falling.
• Vaccinations: some are recommended during pregnancy, at specific times. See vaccines during pregnancy.

When should I go to the maternity unit urgently?

In the first trimester, seek care straight away if you have bleeding together with pain on one side of the abdomen, shoulder-tip pain or feel faint: an ectopic pregnancy must be ruled out. Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down also needs prompt advice.

Some signs should not wait for your next appointment. Go directly to your maternity unit's emergency department (open day and night), at the unit where you are registered (Sainte-Félicité or Sainte-Thérèse), if you have:

• any vaginal bleeding, even light;
• a leak of fluid, clear or coloured, from the vagina;
• regular or painful contractions before 37 weeks;
• fewer or no movements from the baby (once you usually feel them);
• a fever of 38 °C or more, shivering, or burning when passing urine with back pain;
• severe headaches, vision problems, pain under the right ribs or in the pit of the stomach, sudden swelling of the face or hands;
• severe or constant abdominal pain, a fall or a blow to the abdomen;
• intense itching of the palms and soles of the feet, especially at night.

If you feel faint, have heavy bleeding or very severe pain, call 15 (SAMU) or 112 in France, or your local emergency number.

Frequently asked questions

General information article: it does not replace a medical consultation. In an emergency, call 15 or 112 in France, or your local emergency number.