Navigating pregnancy involves regular check-ups to monitor your health and the development of your baby. Prenatal care is a series of appointments with a women’s health doctor throughout your pregnancy. These visits are structured to track progress, address your questions, and prepare you for delivery. Understanding the typical schedule and what happens during these appointments can help you feel more prepared for the journey ahead.
How often are visits?
The frequency of your prenatal appointments will likely change as your pregnancy progresses. A common schedule involves visits every four weeks for the first 28 weeks. Your provider will establish this timeline during your initial appointment. This regular contact allows for consistent monitoring during the early stages of pregnancy.
From week 28 through week 36, visits typically increase to every two weeks. This more frequent monitoring helps keep a close watch as you approach the final weeks of your pregnancy. After week 36, you will likely see your women’s health doctor every week until you deliver. This schedule helps prepare for labor and delivery.
What tests are done?
Throughout your pregnancy, your provider will perform various tests to check on you and your baby. These tests are scheduled at different stages of gestation. Each appointment usually begins with checking your weight, blood pressure, and a urine sample.
First Trimester
During your initial visit, your provider will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history. Blood tests are common to determine your blood type, Rh factor, and check for anemia or certain infections. You may also have an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy and estimate your due date.
Second Trimester
From weeks 14 to 27, your provider will continue to monitor your weight and blood pressure. They will measure your abdomen to track the baby’s growth, a measurement known as the fundal height. You will also listen to the baby’s heartbeat at each visit. An anatomy ultrasound is typically offered between 18 and 22 weeks to view the baby’s development.
Third Trimester
In your third trimester, appointments become more frequent. Your provider will continue checking your blood pressure, weight, and the baby’s position. A screening test for Group B streptococcus (GBS) is usually done between 36 and 38 weeks. Your provider will also discuss the signs of labor and your birth plan with you.
What questions should mothers ask?
Your appointments are a dedicated time to gather information and get answers. It can be helpful to write down your questions before each visit so you do not forget anything. Feel empowered to ask about anything on your mind, from physical symptoms to preparations for the baby’s arrival.
Some questions you might bring to your provider include:
- What lifestyle adjustments are recommended during pregnancy?
- What symptoms are typical, and which ones would require a call to the office?
- What are my options for labor and delivery?
- Who can I contact if I have questions between appointments?
Keep a running list of questions in a notebook or on your phone to bring to your appointments. Your healthcare team is there to provide you with information and support. Open communication helps you partner with your provider for your care.
Visit a Women’s Health Doctor
Regular prenatal care is a foundational part of a healthy pregnancy journey for both mother and baby. Seeing a women’s health doctor provides consistent and professional guidance from the first trimester through delivery. These check-ins create an opportunity to monitor progress and address any concerns that arise along the way. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, scheduling an appointment with a qualified provider is a positive first step.
