Lab work before first prenatal visit???

So last time I was pregnant I lived 2 hours from where I do know and my midwives did not have me get bloodwork done before my first visit, they just saw you at 8 weeks and did a urine test in the office to confirm unless there was other issues.

This time the office I'm going to is making me get lab work done before they will let me schedule a prenatal visit with the OB? The same OB that told me to call and schedule my first prenatal visit as soon as I found out since I will be considered high risk?? Is this normal and I just haven't heard of it before now?