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Prenatal Visit Schedule: What To Expect During Each Appointment

Prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy and allows your doctor to regularly monitor you and your baby . But what should you expect when it comes to your prenatal visit schedule?

Basically, you’ll visit your doctor once a month at the beginning of your pregnancy and then once a week at the end of your pregnancy. That said, it’s important to schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you see a positive pregnancy test!

In this article, the experts at Mustela discuss how your prenatal visit schedule will most likely look and what to expect during each appointment.

Prenatal Visit Schedule: First Trimester

This is such an exciting time in your life! When you saw the positive pregnancy test , you were probably four to six weeks pregnant, so go ahead and call your doctor to schedule your first appointment.

During the first trimester , you will have your initial prenatal visit, and then your doctor will schedule your visits every four weeks or once a month.

Check with the doctor or staff for a printout of your prenatal visit schedule.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

Your first prenatal visit will be around six to nine weeks and will most likely be the lengthiest of all your appointments, so block out a good bit of time on your calendar.

Your doctor will ask a good bit of detailed questions and perform a pretty thorough check. Let’s take a look at what they’ll do during this appointment.

Medical History

Your doctor will ask questions about your:

• Last menstrual cycle so they can give you a due date
• Gynecological history
• Obstetrical history (any past pregnancies)
• Personal and family medical history
• Supplements or medicines you’re taking (if any)
• Lifestyle (use of tobacco products, alcohol, and caffeine; eating and exercising habits)
• Recent travel adventures
• Feelings of depression or anxiety (if any)

Your doctor will order various lab work to check your blood for:

• Blood type and Rh status
• Hemoglobin levels
• Infections such as hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV
• Thyroid levels
• Any other important screenings

Physical Exam

To give you and your baby the best care, your doctor will need to do a thorough physical exam, which most likely will also include a Pap smear to detect any abnormal cervical cells.

Your doctor’s observation also includes:

• Checking your blood pressure
• Measuring your height and weight to determine your recommended weight gain for a healthy pregnancy
• A breast exam
• A pelvic exam
• Screening your heart, lungs, and thyroid

Discuss any pregnancy discomforts , such as nausea and fatigue, with your doctor. Be honest with your doctor so they can take care of you and your baby to the best of their knowledge.

Some doctors also do an ultrasound during the first trimester to confirm or date your pregnancy. (Your first prenatal visit will vary based on the specific policies of your doctor’s office.)

What To Expect At Your 12-Week Appointment

You're nearing the end of your first trimester! During this appointment, you can expect your doctor to check the following:

• Weight and blood pressure
• Urine for sugar and protein levels
• Your baby’s heartbeat (This will be the first time you’ll hear it!)
• Size of your uterus
• Hands and feet for any swelling

Prenatal Visit Schedule: Second Trimester

Assuming you have a healthy pregnancy and no further examinations are necessary, this is what your prenatal visit schedule will look like during your second trimester :

• Four-month appointment (around 16 weeks)
• Five-month appointment (around 20 weeks)
• Six-month appointment (around 24 weeks)

What To Expect During Routine Appointments

Many of your appointments from here on out will look similar regarding what your doctor will check for. During these visits, you can expect your doctor to look at:

• Your baby’s heartbeat
• Your fundal height (The size of your uterus is used to assess fetal growth and development. Your doctor will get this measurement by measuring the length from the top of your uterus to the top of your pubic bone. This measurement should match how many weeks you are. Example: If you’re 20 weeks pregnant, your fundal height should equal 20 centimeters.)
• Hands and feet for swelling
• Any symptoms you’ve been experiencing

At this point in your pregnancy, you may notice your skin becoming dry and starting to stretch a bit. Don’t worry; it’s completely normal!

To tackle dry skin, try Mustela’s Stretch Marks Cream . This velvety, hard-working cream delivers immediate moisture and comfort to your skin!

And our Stretch Marks Oil treats recently formed stretch marks. It’s a fast-absorbing oil that hydrates your skin throughout your pregnancy!

What To Expect During Your 20-Week Sonogram:

Sometime around your 20-week appointment, your doctor will schedule an ultrasound to determine the gender of your baby! During this sonogram, your sonographer will take a look at:

• Baby’s size and all their major organs
• Amniotic fluid
• Location of placenta

Your sonographer passes this information to your doctor to give them a clear picture (literally!) of the overall health of your baby and your pregnancy.

Prenatal Visit Schedule: Third Trimester

During your third trimester , your prenatal visits will be every two weeks until the last month of your pregnancy, when you’ll have them every week. So that means your prenatal visit schedule will look like this:

What To Expect At Your Seventh- and Eighth-Month Visits

During your seventh and eighth months of pregnancy, expect your doctor to check the following:

• Urine for sugar and protein
• Your fundal height (top of your uterus)
• Size and position of your baby
• Feet and hands for swelling
• Varicose veins in your legs
• Glucose screen test (read below for more information)
• Group B strep test (read below for more information)
• Blood test for anemia
• Any symptoms you’ve been having

Glucose Screen Test

This test is used to determine if you have gestational diabetes. Once you arrive at your doctor’s office, be prepared to have your blood drawn first.

Next, you’ll drink a very sugary drink that tastes like flat orange soda. Some women enjoy the taste, while others feel a little queasy afterward!

After you consume the entire drink, you’ll wait one hour before having your blood drawn again. If your blood work comes back with elevated numbers, your doctor will order the next level of tests, which is used to officially diagnose gestational diabetes.

Should you need to take the second test (no studying required!), you’ll have to fast before the appointment. Just like with the initial round of tests, your doctor will draw your blood first and then have you consume the drink.

The only difference is this time, your blood will be drawn every hour for three hours. Be prepared to stay in your doctor’s office for three to four hours.

If the results from this test also come back elevated, your doctor will discuss management techniques for gestational diabetes.

But don’t let this information worry you. Most women who monitor their blood sugar levels and work closely with their doctor have perfectly normal pregnancies and healthy babies!

Group B Strep Test

Group B Strep (GBS) is bacteria that can be found in the vaginas of healthy women. (It’s not related to strep, the throat infection.)

If you are a carrier of GBS, your baby can catch the infection during delivery when they pass through the birth canal. While this bacteria isn’t harmful to you, it can be dangerous for your baby.

To check for GBS, your doctor will perform a test just like they would a Pap smear. If the test shows that you’re a carrier, you’ll receive antibiotics through an IV once you’re in labor. This way, you won’t pass the infection to your baby!

You’re routinely tested for GBS around the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy so your doctors can be prepared to give you the antibiotics at the onset of labor.

What To Expect During Your Ninth Month

Similar to months seven and eight, your doctor will closely monitor you and your baby during this time. Since you’re getting closer to your due date, expect a few additional observations from your doctor.

During your last month of pregnancy, they will take a look at:

• Your cervix by an internal examination to check for effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening)
• Baby’s heartbeat
• Baby’s size (At this point in your pregnancy, your doctor may give you an estimation of your baby’s weight. They can tell your baby’s presentation: head or bottom first, and their position: front- or rear-facing.)
• Any questions or concerns you may have about delivery

A Beautiful Pregnancy And Beautiful Skin

Throughout these nine months , your prenatal visits are special moments of checking on your sweet little baby. It’s exciting to see your belly grow with each visit! But that also means possible stretch marks.

The good news is that Mustela offers a line of prenatal products, including our Stretch Marks Cream and Bust Firming Serum , to soothe and hydrate your skin while you manage the busyness of your prenatal visit schedule.

Let Mustela help you start your beautiful pregnancy with beautiful skin!

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What to expect from third trimester prenatal appointments

During the third trimester, you’ll see your doctor every two weeks, then every week, to check for signs of preterm labor and assess your baby's growth and well-being. Here's exactly what will happen, and questions to ask your doctor. 

How often will you have prenatal appointments during the third trimester?

What happens at your third trimester appointments, third trimester testing, questions to ask your ob-gyn during your third trimester, remember to discuss postpartum considerations.

By the time you hit the third trimester ( 28 weeks through the end of pregnancy), you're probably anxious for the baby to arrive and want to get some much-needed rest while you can.

The good news is you'll meet with your doctor more frequently to check on the growth and development of your baby, so you'll have a better sense of when it might be "go" time. In the third trimester, you'll have a prenatal appointment every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, then you'll have a prenatal visit once a week during the last month until you deliver.

In some practices where multiple practitioners share the on-call pool, you may make your rounds to get to know everyone as your due date draws near. After all, there's a chance your doctor won't be available when you give birth.

Like your previous prenatal appointments, you can expect to get your blood pressure and weight checked. Some practices have you provide a urine sample to screen for protein, sugar, and infection. Your doctor will also evaluate the baby's heartbeat using a Doppler and measure the fundal height (the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus). At this stage, the measurement should match the number of weeks you're pregnant. So, if you're 37 weeks, your fundal height should be around 37 centimeters.

If your baby is measuring too small or too big , your doctor may order a third trimester ultrasound to evaluate their growth and your amniotic fluid levels. And if you have a high-risk pregnancy , your doctor may also order a third trimester ultrasound to do a biophysical profile (BPP) test, where they'll examine your baby's movement and fluid level.

Your doctor may also order an ultrasound if they aren't sure about your baby's position from an abdominal exam. If it turns out your baby is breech, you may be offered an external cephalic version, which are maneuvers done to try to turn your baby into a vertex (head-down) position.

Past your due date ? Your doctor may check your cervix to see if it's softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). The cervical exam may give an idea of what method of induction of labor to use if it's needed. (If you do have a pelvic exam late in pregnancy, you might have a little spotting afterward.) Generally, practitioners won't do cervical checks unless they feel it's necessary, so if you're not comfortable, you can decline them.

You were screened to check whether you're Rh-negative during your first trimester. If it turns out you are Rh-negative, you will be given an injection of Rh immune globulin (sometimes called RhIg or RhoGAM) to prevent your body from producing antibodies for the last part of your pregnancy.

And as always, your doctor will also discuss results from previous tests and follow up on issues that were brought up at your last prenatal appointment.

Some questions you can expect from your practitioner are:

• How are you feeling?
• Do you feel any unusual pain and aches?
• Are you experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions , which are false labor pains?
• Are you having contractions?
• How often do you feel your baby move?
• Do you have any sudden swelling?
• How is your mood?
• Are you getting enough sleep at night?
• How is your diet?

Whether or not they ask, let your doctor know about any symptoms you're having, even if they seem like the usual fatigue, moodiness, or aches and pains.

Be sure to also let your doctor know if you notice your baby is less active than usual (they may ask you to count your baby's movements for a set period of time each day).

Inside pregnancy: Weeks 28 to 37

A 3D animated look at a baby in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Group B strep

Between 36 and 37 weeks, your practitioner will swab your vagina and rectum to check for a common infection called group B strep . If your test is positive, you'll be given antibiotics during labor to help keep you from passing it on to your baby.

(If you've had a group B strep urinary tract infection during this pregnancy, you won't need this test because even though the infection was treated, you'll automatically get antibiotics during labor. Likewise, you'll be automatically treated during labor if you've previously had a baby infected with group B strep.)

Gestational diabetes

If you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes , your doctor will continue to monitor your blood glucose levels and ensure that you're following a healthy diet and exercise routine. Your doctor may also order a third trimester ultrasound to check your baby's growth and development.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (very high blood pressure) usually develops during the third trimester. Some of the signs of preeclampsia are sudden swelling in the face and hands and protein in the urine. Most of the time, patients with preeclampsia have no symptoms and it's incidentally diagnosed in the office with new onset high blood pressure. If you're past 37 weeks of pregnancy, then your doctor may want to deliver your baby. But if you're not at 37 weeks, your doctor will order an ultrasound and heart rate monitoring to check your baby's well-being. In severe cases, your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital and consider delivering your baby early.

Twins and multiples

Carrying twins, triplets, and higher-order multiples is considered a high-risk pregnancy. Because you're at risk for preterm birth , you may need more frequent prenatal appointments, sometimes weekly. You'll also need more tests, including an ultrasound and/or non-stress test, which tracks your babies' heart rate for a period of time. If you're experiencing symptoms of preterm labor, such as contractions, vaginal spotting, and abdominal cramps, be sure to alert your doctor.

Placenta previa

If you were found to have placenta previa, which is what happens when the placenta partially or totally covers the cervix, you'll have a third trimester ultrasound to check whether the previa has resolved. If it hasn't, you'll most likely have a C-section to deliver your baby safely. Some women with placenta previa experience heavy bleeding, and in this case, your doctor may recommend a C-section to deliver your baby earlier. You'll most likely be given corticosteroids to help your baby's lungs develop faster if your delivery is scheduled before 37 weeks.

Additional tests

Your blood may be checked again for anemia, particularly if you were anemic earlier in your pregnancy.

If you're at risk for sexually transmitted infections, you'll be tested again for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

Vaccination

You should get the Tdap vaccine to help protect you and your baby from pertussis (whooping cough). Even if you've been vaccinated before, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all pregnant women get a booster between 27 and 36 weeks.

If flu season is here or approaching, your practitioner should talk with you about the benefits of getting a flu shot if you haven't already had one. Your doctor will also talk to you about the COVID-19 vaccine , which helps protect you from the virus and lessens the severity of the illness if you become sick. Studies show that antibodies are also passed to the fetus.

Before your appointment, it's a good idea to write down any questions you may have for your doctor. This is also a great time to start thinking about your birth plan as well as what to expect postpartum. Here are some common questions you may want to ask:

• Where can I take childbirth classes?
• Where should I go if I'm in labor and ready to deliver?
• What are signs of labor that I should look out for?
• What happens if my water breaks or I go into labor in the middle of the night?
• What's the difference between my water breaking and leaking fluid/having discharge?
• How do Braxton-Hicks contractions feel, and how are they different from real labor contractions?
• How should I time my contractions?
• If my contractions are getting more intense and closer together, should I give you a call or head straight to the labor and delivery center?
• Will you be there throughout my labor or at my delivery?
• What exactly happens during delivery?
• How long should I expect to stay at the hospital?
• Does the hospital offer lactation support if I'm breastfeeding?
• Will the hospital reach out to my baby's pediatrician to transfer records after giving birth?
• When should I schedule a postpartum appointment?

Since you may not be in any shape to make important decisions right after delivery, now's the time to start talking about whether you want your baby boy circumcised, whether you plan to breastfeed, and what you'd like to do for contraception after you have your baby. (Of course, you can always change your mind between now and then.)

And if you haven't found a doctor for your baby, it's time to get started. Your practitioner can give you some names.

Finally, your practitioner may screen you for signs of depression during pregnancy. But don't wait to be asked. If you're feeling depressed or anxious, let your caregiver know. They can refer you to someone who can help.

They may also ask you about your support network at home after you've given birth and mention the signs of postpartum depression (PPD) . It's helpful to know how to distinguish normal " baby blues " brought on by fatigue and hormones from true postpartum depression. If you think you may be suffering from depression or anxiety, it's important to get help immediately.

Learn more about what to expect at your prenatal appointments:

• What to expect at your prenatal visits
• Your first prenatal visit
• Second-trimester prenatal visits

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Prenatal visits: What to expect and how to prepare

Your third trimester pregnancy guide and checklist

What happens at second trimester prenatal appointments

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

Kids's Health. Prenatal Tests: Third Trimester. [Accessed August 2021]

Mayo Clinic. Biophysical Profile https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biophysical-profile/about/pac-20393061 Opens a new window [Accessed August 2021]

Lamaze. Check Your Cervix at Prenatal Appointments? You Don't Have to — Here's Why Some Decline https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/check-your-cervix-at-prenatal-appointments-you-dont-have-to-heres-why-some-decline-1 Opens a new window [Accessed August 2021]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The Rh Factor: How It Can Affect Your Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-rh-factor-how-it-can-affect-your-pregnancy Opens a new window  [Accessed August 2021]

U.S. National Library of Medicine. High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressureinpregnancy.html Opens a new window [Accessed August 2021]

Mayo Clinic. Preterm Labor. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preterm-labor/symptoms-causes/syc-20376842 Opens a new window [Accessed August 2021]

Mayo Clinic. Placenta Previa. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/placenta-previa/symptoms-causes/syc-20352768 Opens a new window [Accessed August 2021]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html Opens a new window [Accessed August 2021]

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Your Prenatal Care Appointments

If you're pregnant, especially if it's for the first time, you may be wondering what will happen at your prenatal care appointments with your doctor or midwife . Here's a rundown of everything you can expect at each appointment, including tests and exams.

Your First Prenatal Care Appointment

Your first prenatal appointment will probably be your longest one. Here you will give your doctor, midwife, or nurse your complete health and pregnancy history. This information is important because it will give your practitioner a good idea of how healthy you are and what type of problems you are most likely to experience during your pregnancy. You will learn what your estimated due date is as well.

There are many areas that may be checked during your physical exam, including:

• Blood pressure
• Breast exam
• Pelvic exam
• Pregnancy test
• Ultrasound (if you're having pain or bleeding or underwent fertility treatments)
• Urine screen for protein and sugar

You will probably be seen for your first appointment between 8 and 10 weeks gestation, though you may be seen earlier if you're having problems or if it's your doctor or midwife's policy.

Your Second Appointment

Your second prenatal appointment usually takes place about a month after your first appointment, unless you're having problems or need specific prenatal testing that is best performed in a specific time range. Here is what will most likely happen during this visit:

• Blood pressure check
• Listen to a fetal heartbeat using a Doppler
• Record your weight
• Urine screen for sugar and protein

Your baby's first heartbeat can usually be heard with a Doppler between 8 and 12 weeks gestation. If you have trouble hearing the baby's heartbeat, you will probably be asked to wait until your next visit when your baby is a bit bigger. Sometimes an ultrasound will be ordered as well.

Additional Testing

Additional testing may be performed at this appointment as needed. There are some optional tests you, your doctor, or your midwife may request:

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) (diagnostic test for many genetic diseases)
• Early amniocentesis (diagnostic test for many genetic diseases)
• Nuchal fold test (screening for Down syndrome)

Be sure to discuss all of your options regarding these tests, including the risks and benefits, how the test results are given, and whether the test is a screening test or a diagnostic test.

Your Third Appointment

Towards the third prenatal visit, you're most likely around 14 to 16 weeks pregnant. You're probably feeling better and the most dangerous part of pregnancy is over. You are now probably feeling more confident in your pregnancy and sharing your good news .

It has been about a month since you've seen the midwife or doctor. Here's what this appointment may look like:

• Check your blood pressure
• Listen for baby's heartbeat
• Measure your abdomen, called "fundal height," to check baby's growth
• Urine sample to screen for sugar and protein

Optional Testing

You may also have the following prenatal testing done if you request it:

• Amniocentesis (diagnostic test for many genetic diseases)
• Neural tube defect (NTD)/Down syndrome screening by way of maternal blood work (several tests can be used including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), triple screen, and quad screen)

Your Fourth Appointment

You are most likely between 16 to 20 weeks at this point, and it has been about a month since your last appointment. You probably feel like you've grown a lot since your last appointment and you may now be wearing maternity clothes and possibly even feeling your baby move . Here's what this visit may involve:

• Measure your fundal height to check baby's growth

You may also have a  mid-pregnancy ultrasound screening  if you request it or if it's your doctor or midwife's policy.

Your Fifth Appointment

Between 18 to 22 weeks you'll likely have your fifth prenatal care visit. Here's what this appointment may involve:

• Check for swelling in your hands and feet
• Listen to the baby's heartbeat

Your Sixth Appointment

Your next prenatal care appointment will likely be between 22 to 26 weeks of pregnancy . You are probably still being seen monthly. Here's what this appointment may look like:

• Listen to the baby's heartbeat
• Measure your fundal height to check baby's growth
• Questions about baby's movements

Your Seventh or Eighth Appointment

Between 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy , you'll likely have another prenatal care appointment. Here's what may happen:

• Check blood pressure
• Questions about baby's movements

Other Testing and Information

You may have other tests or procedures ordered, like the glucose tolerance test (GTT) used to screen for gestational diabetes or the RhoGam , shot around 28 weeks of gestation for women who are Rh-negative. Your doctor or midwife may also give you information on screening for preterm labor on your own.

Your Eighth, Ninth Appointments and Beyond

Your next appointment will likely be between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. In fact, you're likely to have at least two prenatal visits during this period because you're now being seen every other week. Here's what these appointments may involve:

• Palpate to check baby's position (vertex, breech, posterior, etc.)

Screening for Group B strep (GBS) will normally be done between weeks 34 to 36. This involves rectal and vaginal swab. You will continue to be seen every other week until about the 36th week of pregnancy. At this point, your visits will likely be fairly routine with very few extra tests being performed.

Weekly Visits

Between 36 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, you're usually seen every week. Here's what these visits may entail:

You will continue to be seen every week until about the 41st week of pregnancy, at which point you may be seen every few days until your baby is born. Your visits are most likely fairly routine, with very few extra tests being performed.

You may also have an ultrasound to determine what position the baby is in at this point. Your doctor will also try to predict the size of your baby , but this is usually not very accurate. Because of this tendency for inaccuracy, it's not a great idea to have an induction of labor based on the predicted size of your baby.

If you're having a home birth , you may have a home visit during this time frame if your midwife doesn't do her normal prenatal visits there. You will be able to give her a tour of your home and answer questions she may have about where everything is located.

Overdue Pregnancy Visits

At 40 or 41 weeks of pregnancy, you may begin to see your midwife or doctor every few days. Here is what these visits may look like:

Since you are officially past your due date, your midwife or doctor may want to watch you and your baby more carefully until labor begins. This may include the following tests:

• Non-stress test (NST)
• Biophysical profile (BPP)

These tests will help determine if your practitioner needs to intervene with an induction of labor for the health of your baby or let your pregnancy continue.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What Happens During Prenatal Visits ?

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What are some common complications of pregnancy ?

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy .

Mayo Clinic Staff.  Prenatal Care: 1st Trimester Visits . Mayo Clinic.

By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor.

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RELATED TOPICS

INTRODUCTION

This topic will discuss prenatal care in the second and third trimesters. Other important issues related to prenatal care are reviewed separately:

● Prenatal care issues at the first visit and in the first trimester: (See "Prenatal care: Initial assessment" .)

● Specific issues related to prenatal care for patients with multiple gestations: (See "Twin pregnancy: Overview" and "Triplet pregnancy" .)

● Prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic: (See "COVID-19: Overview of pregnancy issues", section on 'Prenatal care' .)

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

• Pregnancy week by week

Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits

Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. During the first trimester, prenatal care includes blood tests, a physical exam, conversations about lifestyle and more.

Prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you choose a family physician, obstetrician, midwife or group prenatal care, here's what to expect during the first few prenatal appointments.

The 1st visit

When you find out you're pregnant, make your first prenatal appointment. Set aside time for the first visit to go over your medical history and talk about any risk factors for pregnancy problems that you may have.

Medical history

Your health care provider might ask about:

• Your menstrual cycle, gynecological history and any past pregnancies
• Your personal and family medical history
• Exposure to anything that could be toxic
• Medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements
• Your lifestyle, including your use of tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and recreational drugs
• Travel to areas where malaria, tuberculosis, Zika virus, mpox — also called monkeypox — or other infectious diseases are common

Share information about sensitive issues, such as domestic abuse or past drug use, too. This will help your health care provider take the best care of you — and your baby.

Your due date is not a prediction of when you will have your baby. It's simply the date that you will be 40 weeks pregnant. Few people give birth on their due dates. Still, establishing your due date — or estimated date of delivery — is important. It allows your health care provider to monitor your baby's growth and the progress of your pregnancy. Your due date also helps with scheduling tests and procedures, so they are done at the right time.

To estimate your due date, your health care provider will use the date your last period started, add seven days and count back three months. The due date will be about 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. Your health care provider can use a fetal ultrasound to help confirm the date. Typically, if the due date calculated with your last period and the due date calculated with an early ultrasound differ by more than seven days, the ultrasound is used to set the due date.

Physical exam

To find out how much weight you need to gain for a healthy pregnancy, your health care provider will measure your weight and height and calculate your body mass index.

Your health care provider might do a physical exam, including a breast exam and a pelvic exam. You might need a Pap test, depending on how long it's been since your last Pap test. Depending on your situation, you may need exams of your heart, lungs and thyroid.

At your first prenatal visit, blood tests might be done to:

• Check your blood type. This includes your Rh status. Rh factor is an inherited trait that refers to a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Your pregnancy might need special care if you're Rh negative and your baby's father is Rh positive.
• Measure your hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells that allows the cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide from other parts of your body to your lungs so that it can be exhaled. Low hemoglobin or a low level of red blood cells is a sign of anemia. Anemia can make you feel very tired, and it may affect your pregnancy.
• Check immunity to certain infections. This typically includes rubella and chickenpox (varicella) — unless proof of vaccination or natural immunity is documented in your medical history.
• Detect exposure to other infections. Your health care provider will suggest blood tests to detect infections such as hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV , the virus that causes AIDS . A urine sample might also be tested for signs of a bladder or urinary tract infection.

Tests for fetal concerns

Prenatal tests can provide valuable information about your baby's health. Your health care provider will typically offer a variety of prenatal genetic screening tests. They may include ultrasound or blood tests to check for certain fetal genetic problems, such as Down syndrome.

Lifestyle issues

Your health care provider might discuss the importance of nutrition and prenatal vitamins. Ask about exercise, sex, dental care, vaccinations and travel during pregnancy, as well as other lifestyle issues. You might also talk about your work environment and the use of medications during pregnancy. If you smoke, ask your health care provider for suggestions to help you quit.

Discomforts of pregnancy

You might notice changes in your body early in your pregnancy. Your breasts might be tender and swollen. Nausea with or without vomiting (morning sickness) is also common. Talk to your health care provider if your morning sickness is severe.

Other 1st trimester visits

Your next prenatal visits — often scheduled about every four weeks during the first trimester — might be shorter than the first. Near the end of the first trimester — by about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy — you might be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a small device, called a Doppler, that bounces sound waves off your baby's heart. Your health care provider may offer a first trimester ultrasound, too.

Your prenatal appointments are an ideal time to discuss questions you have. During your first visit, find out how to reach your health care team between appointments in case concerns come up. Knowing help is available can offer peace of mind.

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• Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Initial assessment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Prenatal care and tests. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Cunningham FG, et al., eds. Prenatal care. In: Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Lockwood CJ, et al. Prenatal care: Second and third trimesters. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/anc-positive-pregnancy-experience/en/. Accessed July 9, 2018.
• Bastian LA, et al. Clinical manifestations and early diagnosis of pregnancy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 9, 2018.

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The Ultimate Pregnancy Appointment Guide: What to Expect Week by Week at Your Prenatal Visits

Central to ensuring the health and well-being of you and your growing baby is seeing your care team regularly for touchpoints and milestones that are part of your pregnancy appointment schedule. Diana Kaufman, MD , UnityPoint Health, shares the recommended timeline for prenatal visits, and the importance of each test and discussion that’ll prepare you for a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Confirming Your Pregnancy

Every woman’s body is unique, but it’s a good idea to visit a doctor to confirm a pregnancy when you’re experiencing early symptoms, such as a missed period or you’ve received a positive home pregnancy test. Typically, this visit happens at 6-8 weeks of pregnancy.

Your doctor may confirm your pregnancy through urine tests, blood tests or ultrasounds.

Initial Prenatal Appointment: 5-12 Weeks

Your first prenatal visit consists of important screenings and discussions, so your healthcare team can create a care plan that ensures you and baby stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Prepare a few things for this visit, including:

• Complete medical history: It’s important for your doctor to know your past and present health conditions or concerns, medications and any history of disease, substance abuse or known genetic conditions in your family.
• Insurance information: This includes consents for care, your insurance carrier and other paperwork

Here’s what to expect at your first pregnancy appointment

• A physical, which will likely include a breast and pelvic exam.
• A urine sample is collected to check for certain infections and conditions that can occur during pregnancy. Urine tests may be taken at your following prenatal visits as well. Urine drug screening tests are also recommended for women, or their partners, with a history of substance use — including smoking.
• Routine testing that includes blood draws to check your blood type and complete blood count (CBC) and look for specific diseases including hepatitis, HIV, syphilis and checking for immunity against rubella. Other testing that may occur includes genetic screening and testing for diabetes.

Your care team will review prenatal educational materials with you and remedies for any unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting . Your team also will provide an estimated due date for baby.

It’s also important to take good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Changing hormone levels make your gums more sensitive to disease, which increases your risk for a low-birth weight or premature baby. Consider making an appointment to see your dentist during your first trimester.

Prenatal Appointment: Second Trimester (13 – 26 Weeks)

During weeks 13-26, you’ll see your doctor every four weeks. It’s a good idea to write down questions or concerns before your appointments to ensure they’re addressed.

At each appointment throughout the rest of your pregnancy, your care team will check the following:

• Blood pressure
• Position of baby
• Baby’s heartbeat

Here are some additional things to expect.

• Prenatal genetic testing: There are many different options for prenatal genetic testing. Your care team will review these with you.
• Pregnancy blood tests: These are tailored to your specific needs. Most patients are tested for anemia and diabetes of pregnancy between weeks 24-28. Other recommended tests will be reviewed with you.
• Ultrasound: It’s common to have an ultrasound in the first trimester to confirm the estimated due date. Ultrasound is also common at 20 weeks to check on baby's growth and development. Further ultrasounds could be needed if changes in your pregnancy make it necessary, such as concerns about baby’s growth or to see if baby is head down.
• Discuss preterm labor signs: Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy and requires medical attention. Knowing what to look for — such as contractions, changes in vaginal discharge  — is important for preventing potential complications.
• Childbirth classes: It’s a good idea to register for a class  to help you prepare for baby’s arrival.

When to Call Your Doctor

Pregnancy creates new and unfamiliar symptoms in many women. However, some symptoms need attention. Here’s when to call your doctor in the second trimester:

• Vaginal bleeding, even a small amount
• Leg pain with numbness or leg weakness
• Pain or tenderness in one of both calves that doesn’t go away
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Severe headaches that don’t go away with Tylenol
• Persistent changes in vision such as blurriness or floaters
• More than five contractions in an hour

Now, your visits to your care team become more frequent — happening every two weeks until you’re 36 weeks pregnant. Your care team continues to monitor you and baby. Here’s what else to expect:

Prenatal Appointments: Third Trimester (27 Weeks – Baby’s Arrival)

• Check fetal movement: It’s important to be aware of your baby's movements. If you notice a sudden change or absence of fetal movement, let you care team know.
• Rhogam injections: If an Rh-negative blood type was found during your initial prenatal visit, you’ll receive an injection to prevent immune system complications for future pregnancies. This usually happens at 28 weeks.
• Additional prenatal testing: Around 35-37 weeks, you’re checked to see if you carry group B streptococcus bacteria . This is one of many bacteria that can live on our skin and typically does not cause problems. However, it can infect a newborn when you deliver. Antibiotics are given during delivery to prevent infection in a newborn if you test positive.

Prenatal Appointments: 36 Weeks – End of Pregnancy

Once you’ve reached 36 weeks, you’ll see your doctor every week until you deliver. These visits are essential for ensuring the well-being of both you and your little one, as well as preparing for a safe and smooth delivery. In addition to routine physical examinations and checking baby’s heartbeat and movement, here’s what else you can expect:

• Cervical exams: If you’re having frequent contractions or preparing to be induced, your doctor will likely need to perform this exam.
• Discuss labor signs: You’ll likely discuss signs of labor with your doctor and when to go to the hospital.
• Discuss birth preferences: It’s not necessary to have a birth plan. Your care team has that covered. Our goal is to keep you and your baby healthy throughout the entire pregnancy and delivery process. However, if you have strong desires or needs for delivery, please discuss those during a prenatal appointment. It’s also helpful to write these things down and bring them to the hospital, since you may not be able to fully express your wishes during labor.

Postpartum Visits

After delivering baby, but before you leave the hospital, call your doctor to make your postpartum appointment, if it hasn’t been scheduled yet. This visit typically occurs around 6 weeks after you deliver. Other visits are scheduled based on your individual needs.

These visits are a time for your doctor to check on your healing , discuss normal or abnormal postpartum bleeding, talk about your well-being and any signs of postpartum depression or anxiety , discuss when it’s safe to start exercising again and address other questions or concerns you may have .

Our UnityPoint Health care team is here to care for you and baby throughout the entirety of your pregnancy and beyond. Call us  to schedule your first appointment or if you have questions about any future appointments.

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An OBGYN Answers 17 Questions to Help You Prepare for Postpartum

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Prenatal care and tests

Medical checkups and screening tests help keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy. This is called prenatal care. It also involves education and counseling about how to handle different aspects of your pregnancy. During your visits, your doctor may discuss many issues, such as healthy eating and physical activity, screening tests you might need, and what to expect during labor and delivery.

Choosing a prenatal care provider

You will see your prenatal care provider many times before you have your baby. So you want to be sure that the person you choose has a good reputation, and listens to and respects you. You will want to find out if the doctor or midwife can deliver your baby in the place you want to give birth , such as a specific hospital or birthing center. Your provider also should be willing and able to give you the information and support you need to make an informed choice about whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed.

Health care providers that care for women during pregnancy include:

• Obstetricians (OB) are medical doctors who specialize in the care of pregnant women and in delivering babies. OBs also have special training in surgery so they are also able to do a cesarean delivery . Women who have health problems or are at risk for pregnancy complications should see an obstetrician. Women with the highest risk pregnancies might need special care from a maternal-fetal medicine specialist .
• Family practice doctors are medical doctors who provide care for the whole family through all stages of life. This includes care during pregnancy and delivery, and following birth. Most family practice doctors cannot perform cesarean deliveries.
• A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) and certified professional midwife (CPM) are trained to provide pregnancy and postpartum care. Midwives can be a good option for healthy women at low risk for problems during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. A CNM is educated in both nursing and midwifery. Most CNMs practice in hospitals and birth centers. A CPM is required to have experience delivering babies in home settings because most CPMs practice in homes and birthing centers. All midwives should have a back-up plan with an obstetrician in case of a problem or emergency.

Ask your primary care doctor, friends, and family members for provider recommendations. When making your choice, think about:

• Personality and bedside manner
• The provider's gender and age
• Office location and hours
• Whether you always will be seen by the same provider during office checkups and delivery
• Who covers for the provider when she or he is not available
• Where you want to deliver
• How the provider handles phone consultations and after-hour calls

What is a doula?

A doula (DOO-luh) is a professional labor coach, who gives physical and emotional support to women during labor and delivery. They offer advice on breathing, relaxation, movement, and positioning. Doulas also give emotional support and comfort to women and their partners during labor and birth. Doulas and midwives often work together during a woman's labor. A recent study showed that continuous doula support during labor was linked to shorter labors and much lower use of:

• Pain medicines
• Oxytocin (ok-see-TOHS-uhn) (medicine to help labor progress)
• Cesarean delivery

Check with your health insurance company to find out if they will cover the cost of a doula. When choosing a doula, find out if she is certified by Doulas of North America (DONA) or another professional group.

Places to deliver your baby

Many women have strong views about where and how they'd like to deliver their babies. In general, women can choose to deliver at a hospital, birth center, or at home. You will need to contact your health insurance provider to find out what options are available. Also, find out if the doctor or midwife you are considering can deliver your baby in the place you want to give birth.

Hospitals are a good choice for women with health problems, pregnancy complications, or those who are at risk for problems during labor and delivery. Hospitals offer the most advanced medical equipment and highly trained doctors for pregnant women and their babies. In a hospital, doctors can do a cesarean delivery if you or your baby is in danger during labor. Women can get epidurals or many other pain relief options. Also, more and more hospitals now offer on-site birth centers, which aim to offer a style of care similar to standalone birth centers.

Questions to ask when choosing a hospital:

• Is it close to your home?
• Is a doctor who can give pain relief, such as an epidural, at the hospital 24-hours a day?
• Do you like the feel of the labor and delivery rooms?
• Are private rooms available?
• How many support people can you invite into the room with you?
• Does it have a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in case of serious problems with the baby?
• Can the baby stay in the room with you?
• Does the hospital have the staff and set-up to support successful breastfeeding?
• Does it have an on-site birth center?

Birth or birthing centers give women a "homey" environment in which to labor and give birth. They try to make labor and delivery a natural and personal process by doing away with most high-tech equipment and routine procedures. So, you will not automatically be hooked up to an IV. Likewise, you won't have an electronic fetal monitor around your belly the whole time. Instead, the midwife or nurse will check in on your baby from time to time with a handheld machine. Once the baby is born, all exams and care will occur in your room. Usually certified nurse-midwives, not obstetricians, deliver babies at birth centers. Healthy women who are at low risk for problems during pregnancy, labor, and delivery may choose to deliver at a birth center.

Women can not receive epidurals at a birth center, although some pain medicines may be available. If a cesarean delivery becomes necessary, women must be moved to a hospital for the procedure. After delivery, babies with problems can receive basic emergency care while being moved to a hospital.

Many birthing centers have showers or tubs in their rooms for laboring women. They also tend to have comforts of home like large beds and rocking chairs. In general, birth centers allow more people in the delivery room than do hospitals.

Birth centers can be inside of hospitals, a part of a hospital or completely separate facilities. If you want to deliver at a birth center, make sure it meets the standards of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, The Joint Commission, or the American Association of Birth Centers. Accredited birth centers must have doctors who can work at a nearby hospital in case of problems with the mom or baby. Also, make sure the birth center has the staff and set-up to support successful breastfeeding.

Homebirth is an option for healthy pregnant women with no risk factors for complications during pregnancy, labor or delivery. It is also important women have a strong after-care support system at home. Some certified nurse midwives and doctors will deliver babies at home. Many health insurance companies do not cover the cost of care for homebirths. So check with your plan if you'd like to deliver at home.

Homebirths are common in many countries in Europe. But in the United States, planned homebirths are not supported by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG states that hospitals are the safest place to deliver a baby. In case of an emergency, says ACOG, a hospital's equipment and highly trained doctors can provide the best care for a woman and her baby.

If you are thinking about a homebirth, you need to weigh the pros and cons. The main advantage is that you will be able to experience labor and delivery in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Since there will be no routine medical procedures, you will have control of your experience.

The main disadvantage of a homebirth is that in case of a problem, you and the baby will not have immediate hospital/medical care. It will have to wait until you are transferred to the hospital. Plus, women who deliver at home have no options for pain relief.

To ensure your safety and that of your baby, you must have a highly trained and experienced midwife along with a fail-safe back-up plan. You will need fast, reliable transportation to a hospital. If you live far away from a hospital, homebirth may not be the best choice. Your midwife must be experienced and have the necessary skills and supplies to start emergency care for you and your baby if need be. Your midwife should also have access to a doctor 24 hours a day.

Prenatal checkups

During pregnancy, regular checkups are very important. This consistent care can help keep you and your baby healthy, spot problems if they occur, and prevent problems during delivery. Typically, routine checkups occur:

• Once each month for weeks four through 28
• Twice a month for weeks 28 through 36
• Weekly for weeks 36 to birth

Women with high-risk pregnancies need to see their doctors more often.

At your first visit your doctor will perform a full physical exam, take your blood for lab tests, and calculate your due date. Your doctor might also do a breast exam, a pelvic exam to check your uterus (womb), and a cervical exam, including a Pap test. During this first visit, your doctor will ask you lots of questions about your lifestyle, relationships, and health habits. It's important to be honest with your doctor.

After the first visit, most prenatal visits will include:

• Checking your blood pressure and weight
• Checking the baby's heart rate
• Measuring your abdomen to check your baby's growth

You also will have some routine tests throughout your pregnancy, such as tests to look for anemia , tests to measure risk of gestational diabetes , and tests to look for harmful infections.

Become a partner with your doctor to manage your care. Keep all of your appointments — every one is important! Ask questions and read to educate yourself about this exciting time.

Monitor your baby's activity

After 28 weeks, keep track of your baby's movement. This will help you to notice if your baby is moving less than normal, which could be a sign that your baby is in distress and needs a doctor's care. An easy way to do this is the "count-to-10" approach. Count your baby's movements in the evening — the time of day when the fetus tends to be most active. Lie down if you have trouble feeling your baby move. Most women count 10 movements within about 20 minutes. But it is rare for a woman to count less than 10 movements within two hours at times when the baby is active. Count your baby's movements every day so you know what is normal for you. Call your doctor if you count less than 10 movements within two hours or if you notice your baby is moving less than normal. If your baby is not moving at all, call your doctor right away.

Prenatal tests

Tests are used during pregnancy to check your and your baby's health. At your fist prenatal visit, your doctor will use tests to check for a number of things, such as:

• Your blood type and Rh factor
• Infections, such as toxoplasmosis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including hepatitis B , syphilis , chlamydia , and HIV
• Signs that you are immune to rubella (German measles) and chicken pox

Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife may suggest a number of other tests, too. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as screenings for gestational diabetes, Down syndrome, and HIV. Other tests might be offered based on your:

• Personal or family health history
• Ethnic background
• Results of routine tests

Some tests are screening tests. They detect risks for or signs of possible health problems in you or your baby. Based on screening test results, your doctor might suggest diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests confirm or rule out health problems in you or your baby.

Understanding prenatal tests and test results

If your doctor suggests certain prenatal tests, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Learning about the test, why your doctor is suggesting it for you, and what the test results could mean can help you cope with any worries or fears you might have. Keep in mind that screening tests do not diagnose problems. They evaluate risk. So if a screening test comes back abnormal, this doesn't mean there is a problem with your baby. More information is needed. Your doctor can explain what test results mean and possible next steps.

Avoid keepsake ultrasounds

You might think a keepsake ultrasound is a must-have for your scrapbook. But, doctors advise against ultrasound when there is no medical need to do so. Some companies sell "keepsake" ultrasound videos and images. Although ultrasound is considered safe for medical purposes, exposure to ultrasound energy for a keepsake video or image may put a mother and her unborn baby at risk. Don't take that chance.

High-risk pregnancy

Pregnancies with a greater chance of complications are called "high-risk." But this doesn't mean there will be problems. The following factors may increase the risk of problems during pregnancy:

• Very young age or older than 35
• Overweight or underweight
• Problems in previous pregnancy
• Health conditions you have before you become pregnant, such as high blood pressure , diabetes , autoimmune disorders , cancer , and HIV
• Pregnancy with twins or other multiples

Health problems also may develop during a pregnancy that make it high-risk, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia . See Pregnancy complications to learn more.

Women with high-risk pregnancies need prenatal care more often and sometimes from a specially trained doctor. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a medical doctor that cares for high-risk pregnancies.

If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you might worry about your unborn baby's health and have trouble enjoying your pregnancy. Share your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor can explain your risks and the chances of a real problem. Also, be sure to follow your doctor's advice. For example, if your doctor tells you to take it easy, then ask your partner, family members, and friends to help you out in the months ahead. You will feel better knowing that you are doing all you can to care for your unborn baby.

Paying for prenatal care

Pregnancy can be stressful if you are worried about affording health care for you and your unborn baby. For many women, the extra expenses of prenatal care and preparing for the new baby are overwhelming. The good news is that women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies. Every state in the United States has a program to help. Programs give medical care, information, advice, and other services important for a healthy pregnancy.

Learn more about programs available in your state.

You may also find help through these places:

• Local hospital or social service agencies – Ask to speak with a social worker on staff. She or he will be able to tell you where to go for help.
• Community clinics – Some areas have free clinics or clinics that provide free care to women in need.
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program – This government program is available in every state. It provides help with food, nutritional counseling, and access to health services for women, infants, and children.
• Places of worship

More information on prenatal care and tests

Read more from womenshealth.gov.

• Pregnancy and Medicines Fact Sheet - This fact sheet provides information on the safety of using medicines while pregnant.

Explore other publications and websites

• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) (Copyright © March of Dimes) - Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that can diagnose or rule out certain birth defects. The test is generally performed between 10 and 12 weeks after a woman's last menstrual period. This fact sheet provides information about this test, and how the test sample is taken.
• Folic Acid (Copyright © March of Dimes) - This fact sheet stresses the importance of getting higher amounts of folic acid during pregnancy in order to prevent neural tube defects in unborn children.
• Folic Acid: Questions and Answers - The purpose of this question and answer sheet is to educate women of childbearing age on the importance of consuming folic acid every day to reduce the risk of spina bifida.
• For Women With Diabetes: Your Guide to Pregnancy - This booklet discusses pregnancy in women with diabetes. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and you are pregnant or hoping to get pregnant soon, you can learn what to do to have a healthy baby. You can also learn how to take care of yourself and your diabetes before, during, and after your pregnancy.
• Genetics Home Reference - This website provides information on specific genetic conditions and the genes or chromosomes responsible for these conditions.
• Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women - This publication provides information on routine and other vaccines and whether they are recommended for use during pregnancy.
• How Your Baby Grows (Copyright © March of Dimes) - This site provides information on the development of your baby and the changes in your body during each month of pregnancy. In addition, for each month, it provides information on when to go for prenatal care appointments and general tips to take care of yourself and your baby.
• Pregnancy Registries - Pregnancy registries help women make informed and educated decisions about using medicines during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and currently taking medicine — or have been exposed to a medicine during your pregnancy — you may be able to participate and help in the collection of this information. This website provides a list of pregnancy registries that are enrolling pregnant women.
• Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Bone Health - This publication provides information on pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, lactation and bone loss, and what you can do to keep your bones healthy during pregnancy.
• Prenatal Care: First-Trimester Visits (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) - This fact sheet explains what to expect during routine exams with your doctor. In addition, if you have a condition that makes your pregnancy high-risk, special tests may be performed on a regular basis to check the baby's health.
• Ten Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy (Copyright © Lamaze International) - This easy-to-read fact sheet provides 10 simple recommendations to help mothers have a healthy pregnancy.
• Ultrasound (Copyright © March of Dimes) - This fact sheet discusses the use of an ultrasound in prenatal care at each trimester.

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• OB-GYN & Prenatal Care

What to Expect at the First Prenatal Visit

You got a positive pregnancy test —congratulations are in order! Now it’s time to plan your first prenatal visit. You might be feeling nervous (or is that morning sickness already?!), and you probably have lots of questions, but not to worry—your provider will be there every step of the way. In the meantime, you might want to brush up on what to expect at your first pregnancy appointment. Ready for answers? We’ve consulted with ob-gyns on all the important info.

When Should You Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit?

After you get that positive test, you can take a day or two to soak in the news and celebrate, but it’s a good idea to book that first prenatal visit with your chosen ob-gyn or midwife pretty soon after. (If you haven’t picked a provider yet , you’ll want to get on that ASAP!)

Andrea Braden , MD, IBCLC, an ob-gyn and founder of the lactation company Lybbie , advises to “be on the safe side and give the office a call as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.”

When Will Your First Prenatal Visit Happen?

It’s ideal to schedule your first prenatal visit for when you’re around 7 to 8 weeks pregnant, says Braden. Doctors recommend this timing because that’s when an ultrasound can likely detect baby’s heartbeat . (The earliest a fetal heartbeat can be detected is around week 6, according to Cleveland Clinic .)

If you’ve had complications in an earlier pregnancy, you may want to go in earlier than 7 to 8 weeks. “Sometimes we want to watch these early pregnancies closer because with a history of complications, you have an increased risk of having complications in a subsequent pregnancy,” notes Braden.

On the other hand, if you miss the 7-to-8-week mark, Braden says the goal would be to get you in before 12 weeks, when the first trimester ends. “After that point, just get in as soon as you can because there will be some catching up to do!” she adds.

How Can You Prepare for Your First Pregnancy Appointment?

Want a handy checklist for your first prenatal appointment? Here’s what you need to prepare, according to the experts.

• The date of your last menstrual period (LMP). During your first pregnancy appointment, your ob-gyn will compare the LMP to an ultrasound to determine your due date , says Braden. “If the last period was irregular or unpredictable, sometimes you need to know the first day of the period before that one,” she adds.
• Your medications and medical history. Gather a list of medications and dosages to bring to your provider to discuss their safety during pregnancy, advises Michael Platt-Faulkner , DO, an ob-gyn at St. Elizabeth Physicians in Northern Kentucky. “Writing down any significant personal medical or surgical history and family history of genetic diseases is also helpful information for your visit,” he adds.
• Your pharmacy information. Your doc might prescribe prenatal vitamins or other medications, depending on your medical history, so make sure you have a convenient pharmacy in mind.
• Any questions about symptoms or other concerns. Those first-trimester symptoms—nausea, fatigue, peeing all the time—can cause anxiety. Plus, figuring out what to eat (and not to eat) and questions like “ Can I have coffee while pregnant? ” can be confusing. Platt-Faulker suggests writing all your questions and concerns down for your provider, so you don’t forget them in the heat of the moment.
• Somewhere to track the rest of your pregnancy appointments. “There will be a lot of information coming at you,” says Braden. “You want to have a place to write down future appointments and take any notes.”

What Happens at Your First Prenatal Visit?

What happens at your first prenatal visit can vary widely depending on your state and the type of practice you’re visiting, says Braden. In some practices, you get both an ultrasound and a consultation during your first pregnancy appointment, while other providers’ offices split up these to-dos.

Here’s generally what to expect at your first prenatal appointment.

Your provider may perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, help determine your due date, check baby’s heart rate and check for any complications, according to Cleveland Clinic . “Oftentimes, an early-pregnancy ultrasound may use a vaginal probe and can be mildly uncomfortable—which can be helpful to know in order to be best prepared for your visit,” says Platt-Faulkner. By about 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, your provider will be able to hear baby’s heartbeat with a small device called a Doppler ultrasound, according to Mayo Clinic .

Medical history

“Your provider will review your pregnancy, medical and surgical histories in detail,” says Platt-Faulkner. “Your ob-gyn will [also] review how any medical diagnoses, pregnancy complications or surgical history may affect your pregnancy.” Your provider will also take a look at your medication list and discuss any pregnancy-related safety concerns with the medications you’re taking. Omoikhefe Akhigbe , MD, an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in Maryland, adds that your provider may also discuss whether there are any specialty doctors you should start seeing or continue to see.

Lifestyle discussion

Your provider will discuss the lifestyle choices you plan to make during pregnancy. (Remember that, for starters, that means no smoking or alcohol .) “You’ll learn about foods that are safe to eat in pregnancy and the way to keep yourself healthy,” says Braden. “They will answer questions about exercise, diet, nutrition, rest, common symptoms and how to treat them and what to do if you do have discomfort in pregnancy.”

Genetic testing

At your first pregnancy appointment, your provider might perform or discuss future genetic testing. “There are genetic tests that are time-sensitive and can be done as early as 10 weeks,” says Braden. “There are some that are done with an ultrasound around 12 or 13 weeks pregnant, and some that are done in the second trimester. Depending on your history and what you desire, that’ll likely be brought up.” There are some specific tests your provider may offer based on your age or family history too, she adds.

Blood testing

You’ll likely get blood drawn during your first prenatal visit. You’ll be tested for a variety of conditions, including anemia, hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV, as well as for your blood type and Rh factor .

Urine testing

For starters, your provider might test a urine sample to confirm your pregnancy, as well as to test kidney function and screen for the presence of protein, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic .

Physical exam

You can expect a full physical exam at your first prenatal visit, which may include a pelvic examination and a breast exam. “If you’re due for a pap smear and you’re over 21 years of age, then you can expect that you’ll have a pap smear screening test done for cervical cancer along with an HPV test if indicated,” says Braden. “Typically, we also test for sexually transmitted infections at the time of the first prenatal visit.”

Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit

You’re likely full of questions—and that’s completely normal! Make sure to write them down—and bring this list to your first prenatal appointment in case you feel like you’re forgetting something.

• Questions about symptoms. Of course, you should bring any questions about symptoms to your appointment. Akhigbe says it’s also important to ask “when and where to call for an urgent question, what constitutes an emergency, what is an urgent question and what is a routine question that could probably wait for normal business hours.”
• Questions about testing. Which tests will you need during pregnancy? What will your insurance pay for? “Ask about common resources to use and where you can find the evidence-based information about your pregnancy and guidelines and information about tests,” advises Braden. A lot of people also want to know when they’ll find out baby’s sex , she adds. (Spoiler alert: With non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) , you can find out as early as 10 weeks.)
• Questions about your ultrasound plan. How many ultrasounds will you get? “Sometimes it depends on insurance, sometimes it depends on your medical history and sometimes it depends on your provider. Do they do them in-house or at a different center?” says Braden.
• Questions about lifestyle choices. Your doctor will review information about how to eat a healthy pregnancy diet with you, but if you have any specific concerns—such as about drinking alcohol or eating sushi—be sure to let them know.
• Questions about logistics. You’ve got a long journey ahead of you! Your provider will likely “review their practice structure, visit schedule and confirm the hospital where you’ll deliver,” says Platt-Faulkner. But if they’ve missed anything, Akhigbe recommends asking follow-up logistical questions, like how many providers you’ll see and which doctor is most likely to deliver baby. (Remember, there are no guarantees!)

There’s a lot of information to take in at your first prenatal visit. It might seem overwhelming, so make sure to bring questions, take notes and do whatever else you need to feel comfortable. Bringing your partner or a good friend along for the ride can help ease some nerves too. “If you have a support person that will be going along this journey with you, it’s always great to bring them to this visit if that’s allowed,” says Braden.

While it might feel like a lot to take in, know that your provider is there to make sure you and baby are healthy during your first prenatal visit and throughout your whole pregnancy—and that you’re making a wonderful first step in your pregnancy journey.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

15 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Checklist: Your First Trimester To-Dos

When Do You Start Showing in Pregnancy?

Omoikhefe Akhigbe , MD, is an ob-gyn and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Maryland. She earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee.

Andrea Braden , MD, IBCLC, is an ob-gyn, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of the lactation company Lybbie . She earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama School of Medicine.

Michael Platt-Faulkner , DO, is an ob-gyn at St. Elizabeth Physicians in Northern Kentucky. He earned his medical degree from the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University.

Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development , March 2023

Cleveland Clinic, Ultrasound in Pregnancy , September 2022

Mayo Clinic, Prenatal Care: 1st Trimester Visits , August 2022

Nemours KidsHealth, Prenatal Tests: First Trimester , July 2022

Cleveland Clinic, NIPT Test , October 2022

Cleveland Clinic, Your First Prenatal Appointment: What to Expect , December 2022

Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process .

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Schedule of Prenatal Care

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Specific schedules of prenatal care vary from provider to provider, but a general schedule follows below, as well as some of the screening tests or activities you might expect at various visits. More information about the tests mentioned below, including their benefits and drawbacks, can be found in the Antepartum Testing table in the module How Has Childbirth Changed in this Century?

8-12 weeks:  Initial prenatal visit. The plan for your prenatal care at the practice you have chosen will be explained. A health history is taken, and a physical exam, including a pelvic exam is done. Lab work is completed, including your blood type and hemoglobin, sexually transmitted infection screening, a urine test, and a PAP test if you are due for one. You may be able to hear the baby's heart beat at this visit. If you cannot say with accuracy when you had your last period, an ultrasound might be scheduled to help determine how far along you are.

Optional genetic counseling visit:  Early in your pregnancy, you may be offered genetic screening. This is commonly offered to women over the age of 35, or women who have a family history of genetic problems, but it is increasingly being offered to every woman. If you choose this screening, your care provider and/or genetic counselor may suggest additional genetic screening or diagnostic tests, including blood tests, chorionic villus sampling, ultrasound, and/or amniocentesis. These tests are done at specific times during pregnancy.

First two trimesters: Prenatal visits continue every 4-6 weeks through the first two trimesters, or until you are 28 weeks along. At each appointment, your care provider will weigh you and take your blood pressure, listen to the baby's heartbeat, and measure the growth of your uterus and baby. Some providers check your urine for protein and sugar at each visit.

15 to 20 weeks:  At one of your appointments within this period, you will be offered the Quad Screen test, which screens for genetic and spinal cord abnormalities. You may also be offered an ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks to view the baby's organs, and measure the growth of the baby and the placenta.

27 or 28 weeks:  At an appointment within this period, you will be encouraged to take a glucose challenge test to screen for gestational diabetes. Your hemoglobin may be rechecked. Some providers do a pelvic exam. Expect to review warning signs of late pregnancy that would alert you to preterm labor or high blood pressure. You may be encouraged to sign up for prenatal classes, find a doctor or nurse-practitioner who will provide well-child care for your baby, and information may be provided about making plans for labor.

28 to 36 weeks:  After 28 weeks, prenatal visits continue every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks. Your doctor or midwife will continue to record the growth of the baby, listen to the baby's heartbeat, and will check the position of the baby.

36 weeks:  At this visit, your midwife or doctor will do a pelvic exam, and encourage you to have a Group B Strep test. Screening tests for sexually transmitted infections may be repeated at this visit. The position and size of the baby are estimated. If your baby is not head down, your provider may suggest exercises to encourage the baby to turn, or suggest a physical manipulation called external version. The risks and benefits of this procedure should be carefully explained.

36 to 40 weeks:  The usual monitoring of your weight and blood pressure, and the baby's size, position, and heart rate are done. Your care provider may offer to check your cervix for dilation.

40+ weeks:  After your due date, your care provider may offer what is called "post-dates" testing, including nonstress tests, ultrasound, and biophysical profiles. Some providers start at 40 weeks, others not until 10 days past your due date.

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Maternity - Pregnancy, part 2: Prenatal Care: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trimester Visits

Pregnancy involves a lot of OB/GYN visits! This article gives an overview of all the appointments that need to happen during pregnancy—this article is an overview, and later on in this series, we cover some of these exams more in depth.

This series follows along with our Maternity Nursing Flashcards which are intended to help RN and PN nursing students study for nursing school exams, including the ATI, HESI, and NCLEX.

Maternity Nursing - Flashcards

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First Trimester Visit(s)

The first trimester of pregnancy is the first 12 weeks (months 1, 2, and 3) and the first prenatal visit will take place during this time. A patient may have more than one visit in their first trimester, but it depends on when they realize that they may be pregnant.

During the first trimester visit, the provider will obtain the pregnant patient's obstetric history, calculate the estimated date of delivery, run important laboratory tests, perform a transvaginal ultrasound, and give the patient some initial maternal teaching.

Until approximately 28 weeks, the pregnant patient will have monthly visits.

Obstetric history

During the first trimester visit(s), the care team will gather the patient's obstetric history, meaning how many pregnancies and of what type. There is a special acronym for this, GTPAL . Check out our next video to learn more!

Calculating estimated date of delivery

During the first trimester visit(s), the provider or care team will calculate the patient's estimated date of delivery—when baby is expected to arrive! One useful way of calculating this is with Naegele's rule .

First trimester visit labs and diagnostics

During the first trimester visit(s), the patient will have some important labs and diagnostic testing done, including the following:

• Complete blood count
• STI & HIV testing
• Blood typing, including Rh factor
• Rubella titer
• Hepatitis B
• HCG (for high risk patients).

Transvaginal ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound is a test that gives a view of the patient's uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the surrounding area. During the first trimester visit(s), the patient may get a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, site of implantation (to ensure it's a safe pregnancy, not ectopic). Transvaginal means across or through the vagina, so the ultrasound device is placed inside the vagina, as opposed to an abdominal ultrasound wherein the device is against the abdomen.

A transvaginal ultrasound makes it much easier to get detailed imagery of the uterus and fallopian tubes than an abdominal ultrasound. Catching an ectopic pregnancy in the earliest stage of pregnancy is crucial to prevent harm to the patient.

First trimester maternal patient teaching

During the first trimester visit(s), you will give the pregnant patient some patient teaching about what to expect during their pregnancy. This includes nutritional guidance , weight gain, warning signs of complications, and expected side effects. In our Maternity Nursing Flashcards we cover patient teaching in detail. You can check out Part 4: Maternal Teaching: Nutrition/Weight Gain, Warning Signs, Unpleasant Side Effects which follows along with our flashcards.

Second Trimester Visits

The second trimester of pregnancy is from week 13 - 24 (months 4, 5, and 6) and there will be some important visits during this time.

Starting in the second trimester, the fetal heart rate will be assessed via doppler and fetal vital signs and weight will be obtained at each visit.

14 - 18 weeks (month 4)

During 14 - 18 weeks of pregnancy, the patient will get MSAFP testing done, followed up with amniocentesis if anything abnormal is found, and a gestational diabetes screening.

MSAFP testing

During 14 - 18 weeks of pregnancy, the patient may get a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) test , which is a test for genetic abnormalities like neural tube defects and Down syndrome.

Amniocentesis

During 14 - 18 weeks of pregnancy, if a patient has an abnormal result on their MSAFP test, they may require an amniocentesis , which is an invasive procedure wherein some amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus with a long needle and tested for genetic abnormalities.

Gestational diabetes test

If a patient is at high risk for gestational diabetes , they may be tested during 14 - 18 weeks of pregnancy with an oral glucose tolerance test . If a patient does not have higher risk, this test happens later.

18 - 22 weeks (month 5)

During 18 - 22 weeks of pregnancy, the patient will have an ultrasound to assess for any fetal abnormalities, and the fundal height will start to be measured during this time.

During 18 - 22 weeks of pregnancy, a patient will have an ultrasound as a standard part of prenatal care and to check for abnormalities that may require additional testing. By the time the patient has reached the second trimester of pregnancy, their ultrasounds will usually be abdominal rather than transvaginal.

Fundal height measurement

During 18 - 22 weeks of pregnancy, the patient will begin to need a fundal height assessment. Beginning at 18 weeks of pregnancy, the gestational age of the pregnancy should correlate to the fundal height in centimeters plus or minus two weeks

What is the fundus?

The fundus is not just a word that some nursing students and nurses find hilarious; it's the topmost part of the uterus. Fundal height is measured from the fundus to the pubic symphysis (middle anterior pelvis, above the vulva).

22 - 24 weeks (month 6)

During 22 - 24 weeks of pregnancy, the patient will need a glucose tolerance test, and for first pregnancies and those at risk for preterm labor, cervical length will start to be measured during this time.

Glucose tolerance tests

While it was only high-risk patients who were tested in month 4, in month 6 (22 - 24 weeks) of pregnancy, all patients will be given a 1-hour glucose tolerance test to test for gestational diabetes . If it is needed, it will be followed up with a 3-hour glucose tolerance test.

Cervical length

During 22 - 24 weeks of pregnancy, patients who are on their first pregnancy may have a transvaginal ultrasound done to have the length of the cervix assessed. This can help to identify risk factors for preterm labor. As long as the result of this test is normal, and the patient does not have preterm labor on their first pregnancy, this exam won't be repeated in the future.

Third Trimester Visits

The third trimester of pregnancy is from week 25 - 40 (months 7, 8 and 9) and there will be some important prenatal visits that take place during this time. After approximately 36 weeks, prenatal visits will be weekly until delivery.

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, Rhogam will be administered to Rh-negative patients, and visits will begin to happen every 2 weeks.

In the first trimester, patients were tested for Rh factor , which checks for maternal-fetal blood type incompatibility. If a pregnant patient is Rh negative (blood type incompatible), they will be administered Rhogam at 28 weeks and within 72 hours of delivery.

30 - 32 weeks

During 30 - 32 weeks of pregnancy, patients will need to begin kick counts, receive a TDaP, and undergo non-stress tests if they have a high-risk pregnancy.

Third trimester maternal patient teaching

At 30 weeks, patients should be taught to perform kick counts, which is exactly what it sounds like—How many times does the baby kick? This is important knowledge as it helps to assess the fetal well-being.

TDaP vaccine

At 30 weeks, patients can be given the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (TDaP) vaccine. If it is given in the third trimester, it can impart some protection to the baby. If not given then, it will be given after delivery.

Non-stress tests

A nonstress test is a non-invasive test done in the third trimester to measure fetal heart rate response to fetal movement.

35 - 37 weeks

During 35 - 37 weeks of pregnancy, patients may need to have a vaginal/rectal Group B Strep swab obtained, and at approximately 36 weeks, their visits will need to occur weekly until delivery.

Group B strep swab

Group B streptococcus beta-hemolytic (GBS) is a bacterial infection that can be passed to a child during the birthing process that can cause life-threatening newborn infections. During 35-37 weeks, a patient should have a rectal and vaginal swab for this bacteria. If the patient has Group B strep, they can be treated at the time of delivery.

Full Transcript: Maternity - Pregnancy, part 2: Prenatal Care: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trimester Visits

Hi, I'm Meris, and in this video, I'm going to be talking about what happens at OB/GYN visits in the first, second, and third trimesters. I'm going to be following along using our maternity flashcards. These are available on our website leveluprn.com. And if you already have a set of your own, I would absolutely invite you to follow along with me.

So let's go ahead and jump right in with what happens at the first-trimester visit.

So I say visit because typically there's only one. However, it just depends on when a patient realizes that they may be pregnant. So the first visit, the initial visit, should be done before 12 weeks of gestation. However, if that patient does come in and they're very early, let's say six weeks, they'll probably come back again four weeks later. But for most people, they have just the one.

Now, this is a really big visit for a lot of reasons.

First is, baby is too small for us to use a Doppler to assess the heart rate. So instead, we have to do an ultrasound. That's the only way to confirm cardiac activity at this point. So there will be an ultrasound to assess that the fetus has a heartbeat and what that rate is.

And then going forward, the heart rate will be assessed with a Doppler from the outside.

The other thing is that this is where a lot of labs and diagnostic testing is performed. So on this card, you can see that there is a heading called labs. And on here, we have a lot of big ones.

I want to call your attention to CBC [complete blood count]. Do we already have a problem with anemia? Do we already have an infection? We want to know that.

STI testing. In a lot of states, this is mandatory. So be familiar with your state's laws.

A Pap test. If my patient has not had a Pap test recently or is due for one, then we're going to do it at this visit.

Blood typing. Blood typing, including Rh factor. This is very important. And we will talk about that in a little bit.

And then we're going to be testing for hepatitis B, or hepatitis B immunity, for HIV.

And then if your patient is high risk, as in they may have had multiple miscarriages or something along those lines, they may also have serial, meaning in a row, a few HCG, which is the pregnancy hormone levels drawn to be sure that the pregnancy seems to be developing appropriately.

Also, maternal teaching will be done, and we'll talk about that in a later video.

And then, until 28 weeks - we have a line on here - but until 28 weeks, these visits will be monthly, so every four weeks. There's not a lot to see or do at these visits in the early days because baby is very little.

So let's move on to the second trimester. Now, when you look at the second-trimester card, whoo-hoo-hoo, there is a lot of bold red text on here. And to me, that means I should really know this card, and probably want to star and highlight this card because it might be really important for me to know.

So, from 14 to 18 weeks, anywhere in that time, MSASP, maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein testing will be done. We'll talk about that in a later video. But that is when that will occur.

If there is an abnormal MSASP, then we can progress to an amniocentesis. Again, we'll talk about that later.

And then gestational diabetes screening happens at this early time for patients who are high risk, as in they had gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy. Maybe they were prediabetic before getting pregnant. Maybe they have a strong family history. We're going to test them much earlier than everybody else.

Now, from 18 to 22 weeks, we have a lot.

We will have an ultrasound. This is commonly called an anatomy scan because it is looking for abnormalities in the fetal anatomy. So we're going to check everything out with baby, see if we have any sort of congenital heart defects, neurological defects, anything that can be seen on the ultrasound.

Fundal height assessment will begin at this point. This is very important. Fundus height means I'm measuring from the pubic symphysis all the way up to the fundus. The fundus is the topmost part of the uterus.

And we're going to measure this in centimeters. The gestational age of the pregnancy should correlate to the fundal height in centimeters plus or minus two weeks, beginning around 18 weeks, so from 18 to 32 weeks. Let's say I'm 24 weeks pregnant. My fundal measurement should be about 24 centimeters. Anything drastically less or more is cause for further investigation.

And then, from 22 to 24 weeks, this is where a routine gestational diabetes screening will happen. This is going to be a one-hour oral glucose tolerance test. And then follow up with a three-hour if needed. We'll talk about that in a later video.

And for first-time pregnancy, it's very commonly there will be an ultrasound done, a transvaginal ultrasound, to assess the length of the cervix. This can help us to identify risk factors for preterm labor. But as long as that is normal and the patient does not have preterm labor this pregnancy, that won't be repeated in the future.

Now, let's talk about the third trimester. Again, we can see a lot of bold red text on here. So let's go through it.

If the patient is Rh-negative, which we know because we did the blood type at the first visit, if our patient is Rh-negative, they will receive RhoGAM, or the RhoGAM is the anti-D antibody. So this is going to help to suppress that. That will be administered to Rh-negative patients at 28 weeks.

From this point on, all visits are going to be every two weeks. So now, 28 weeks. We're going to be seen at 30 weeks, and then 32 and 35.

So then, 30 to 32 weeks, this is going to be huge education for your patients. At 30 weeks, your patient should be performing kick counts. They are what they sound like. It's counting how many times the baby kicks. This is important. It helps us to assess the fetal well-being. So that's going to be something that we want to start at 30 weeks.

Also, at thirty weeks, we can give TDaP vaccine to the pregnant patient. So that's the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine. If given in the third trimester, it does impart some protection to the baby.

And then, NSTs. Nonstress test may be performed at this time if they are indicated from 35 to 37 weeks.

Really, really important. Listen to me. 35 to 37 weeks, we are going to do a vaginal and rectal swab for group B, beta hemolytic strep. So you will hear this just called group B strep. And it's a swab of the vagina and rectum. This is a bacteria that some people just carry. But if the patient has it, we need to treat them at the time of delivery.

And then starting at 36 weeks, visits with the provider will be weekly. So 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and beyond until the patient delivers, just depending on when that baby comes.

So I hope that review kind of comprehensively of what happens throughout the three trimesters of prenatal care was helpful. We're going to talk a lot more about what all of those things are and what they mean in future videos. So be sure that you subscribe so that you're the first to know when they are alive on our channel. If this review was helpful for you, I would love it if you could like this video so that I know. And if you have a great way to remember something or a really good story, I would love to hear it below. Please leave us a comment so we know. All right. Thanks so much, and happy studying.

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What to Expect When You’re Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Pregnancy Tests , August 2022. WhatToExpect.com, How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy? , November 2022. WhatToExpect.com, How Much Vitamin C Do You Need During Pregnancy? , June 2022. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Fetal Development , July 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Prenatal Genetic Diagnostic Tests , December 2022. KidsHealth From Nemours, All About Genetics , October 2021. National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, X Chromosome Infographic , July 2021. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Pregnancy Test , November 2022. Food and Drug Administration, Pregnancy , April 2019. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Pregnancy and Olfaction: A Review , February 2014. Mayo Clinic, Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens First , December 2021. Society for Endocrinology, Ovaries , March 2021. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Vitamin C , January 2023. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Iron in Diet , January 2023. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Nutrition During Pregnancy , June 2023. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Pregnancy and Nutrition , January 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy , December 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Pregnancy Due Date Calculator and Conception Calculator , September 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Has Your Sense of Smell Gotten Stronger During Pregnancy? , January 2023. WhatToExpect.com, How Many Weeks, Months and Trimesters in a Pregnancy? , May 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Your Guide to Pregnancy Hormones , November 2022. WhatToExpect.com, When Does Implantation Occur? Symptoms, What to Expect , May 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Metallic Taste During Pregnancy (Dysgeusia) , September 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Can You Drink Alcohol While Pregnant? , May 2021. WhatToExpect.com, What Is the Two-Week Wait? , August 2023. WhatToExpect.com, What Are Your Chances of Having Twins? , April 2023. WhatToExpect.com, HCG Levels During Pregnancy: What Is Normal? , May 2021. WhatToExpect.com, What Is Fertilization? , July 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Pregnancy Symptoms: 14 Early Signs of Pregnancy , May 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Cramping During Pregnancy: Normal or Something More? , October 2022.

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