pregnancy visit schedule

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Prenatal visits: What to expect and how to prepare

Regular prenatal visits are an important part of your pregnancy care. Find out how often you'll see a healthcare provider, what to expect at each appointment, and smart ways to prepare.

When to schedule a prenatal visit

Prenatal visitation schedule, how should i prepare for a prenatal visit, what happens during prenatal visits, how can i make the most of my pregnancy appointments.

Make an appointment for your first prenatal visit once you're aware you are pregnant – when you receive a positive home pregnancy test, for example. Booking it around week 8 of pregnancy is typical.

You'll come back regularly in the weeks and months following that initial appointment. Most people have between 8 and 14 prenatal visits throughout the course of their pregnancy.

During this time, you'll see a lot of your healthcare practitioner. That's why it's so important to choose someone you like and trust. If you're not comfortable or satisfied with your provider after your first visit or visits, don't be afraid to find someone with whom you have a better connection.

Typically, a pregnant woman will visit their doctor, midwife , or nurse practitioner every four weeks during the first and second trimesters. In the third trimester, you'll be seen more often – usually every other week until 36 weeks, and then every week until the baby is born.

For more information on what happens at these visits, see:

Your first prenatal visit

Second trimester prenatal visits (14 weeks to 27 weeks)

Third trimester prenatal visits (28 weeks through the end of pregnancy)

The specific number of scheduled appointments you'll have depends on if your pregnancy is considered to be high-risk. This is determined by your medical history and whether you have any complications or conditions that warrant more frequent checkups, such as gestational diabetes , high blood pressure , or a history of preterm labor . If you've had any medical problems in the past or develop any new problems during this pregnancy, you may need more prenatal visits than the average pregnant woman.

In the weeks before each visit, jot down any questions or concerns in a notebook or a notes app on your smartphone. This way, you'll remember to ask your practitioner about them at your next appointment. You may be surprised by how many questions you have, so don't miss the opportunity to get some answers in person.

For example, before you drink an herbal tea or take a supplement or an over-the-counter medication , ask your provider about it. You can even bring the item itself – or a picture of the label – with you to your next appointment. Then, your doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner can read the label and let you know whether it's okay to ingest.

Of course, if you have any pressing questions or worries, or develop any new, unusual, or severe symptoms , don't wait for your appointment – call your practitioner right away.

In addition to your list, you may want to bring a partner, friend, family member, or labor coach with you to some or all of your prenatal visits. They can comfort you, take notes, ask questions, and help you remember important information.

The goal of prenatal visits is to see how your pregnancy is proceeding and to provide you with information to help keep you and your baby healthy. It's important that you go to all of your prenatal appointments, even if you're feeling just fine and believe that everything is progressing perfectly.

Your practitioner will start by asking how you're feeling physically and emotionally, whether you have any complaints or worries, and what questions you may have. They'll also ask you about your baby's movements once you begin to feel them, typically during the second trimester. Your practitioner will have other questions as well, which will vary depending on how far along you are and whether there are specific concerns.

Your midwife, doctor, or nurse practitioner will also:

• Check your weight , blood pressure , and urine
• Check for swelling
• Measure your abdomen
• Check the position of your baby
• Listen to your baby's heartbeat
• Perform other exams and order tests, as appropriate
• Give you the appropriate vaccinations
• Closely monitor any complications you have or that you develop, and intervene if necessary

Near the end of your pregnancy, your provider may also do a pelvic exam to check for cervical changes. You will also discuss your delivery plan in more depth.

At the end of each visit, your practitioner will review their findings with you. They'll also explain the normal changes to expect before your next visit, warning signs to watch for, and the pros and cons of optional tests you may want to consider. Lifestyle issues will likely be a topic of discussion, as well. Expect to talk about the importance of good nutrition , sleep, oral health, stress management, wearing seatbelts, and avoiding tobacco , alcohol , and illicit drugs.

Many people look forward to their prenatal appointments but are disappointed to find that, with the exception of the first visit, they're in and out of the office in 10 minutes. A quick visit is typical and is usually a sign that everything is progressing normally. Still, you want to make sure your concerns are addressed – and that you and your baby are being well cared for.

Here are some things you can do to ensure that your prenatal visits are satisfying:

• Speak up. Your practitioner isn't a mind reader and won't be able to tell what you're thinking just by performing a physical exam. So, if anything is bothering you, say your piece. Are you having trouble controlling your heartburn ? Managing your constipation ? Suffering from headaches ? This is the time to ask for advice. Consult the notebook of questions you've been compiling. In addition to physical complaints, let your practitioner know if you have emotional concerns or fitness or nutrition questions.
• Ask the staff about the administrative stuff. Save your questions about things like insurance and directions to the hospital for the office staff so your practitioner has more time to answer your health-related questions. Go to the admin staff with any inquiries about payments, scheduling, office policies, and your contact information.
• Be open-minded. When talking with your doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner, you should feel comfortable speaking freely. But remember to listen, too. Take notes if you find it helpful.

Keep in mind, too, that some days are busier than others. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. That doesn't mean your practitioner doesn't have to answer your questions, but sometimes a discussion can be continued at the next visit if it's a really busy day or if your practitioner needs to head to the hospital to deliver a baby.

At the same time, don't tolerate a healthcare practitioner who won't give you thorough answers, doesn't show reasonable compassion, or barely looks up from your chart. You and your baby deserve more than that.

Now that you know what to expect during all those prenatal visits, you might like a sneak peek at what else is in store. Here's an overview of the next nine months .

Learn more:

• The ultimate pregnancy to-do list: First trimester
• 12 steps to a healthy pregnancy
• When will my pregnancy start to show?
• Fetal development timeline

Was this article helpful?

What happens at second trimester prenatal appointments

What to expect at your first prenatal appointment

What to expect from third trimester prenatal appointments

Prenatal testing

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 .

MedlinePlus. (2021). Prenatal care in your first trimester. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000544.htm Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

March of Dimes. (2017). Prenatal Care Checkups. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-care-checkups.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

Office on Women’s Health. (2019). Prenatal Care and Tests. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017). What happens during prenatal visits? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconceptioncare/conditioninfo/prenatal-visits Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017). What is a high-risk pregnancy? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/high-risk Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2018). What are some factors that make a pregnancy high-risk? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/high-risk/conditioninfo/factors Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

March of Dimes. (2020). Over-the-Counter Medicine, Supplements, and Herbal Products During Pregnancy. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/over-the-counter-medicine-supplements-and-herbal-products.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

Associates in Women’s Healthcare (2021). Preparing for Your First Prenatal Visit. https://www.associatesinwomenshealthcare.net/blog/preparing-for-your-first-prenatal-visit/ Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

National Health Service (UK). (2018). Your baby’s movements. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/ Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

MedlinePlus. (2021). Prenatal care in your third trimester. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000558.htm Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

UCLA Health. (2021). Schedule of prenatal care. https://www.uclahealth.org/obgyn/workfiles/Pregnancy/Schedule_of_Prenatal_Care.pdf Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

UCR Health. (2021). Healthy Pregnancy: The Importance of Prenatal Care.   https://www.ucrhealth.org/2018/07/healthy-pregnancy-the-importance-of-prenatal-care/ Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Prenatal care: 1 st trimesters visits. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20044882 Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

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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.

More Maternity Content

Group B Strep in Pregnancy: Understanding Risks, Testing and Treatment

Second Time Mom Gets Wish of Vaginal Birth After C-Section

An OBGYN Answers 17 Questions to Help You Prepare for Postpartum

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Prenatal Appointment Schedule

On This Page

• First-Trimester Prenatal Care
• 7 to 10 Weeks
• 10 to 13 Weeks
• Second-Trimester Prenatal Care
• 16 to 20 Weeks
• 18 to 22 Weeks
• Third-Trimester Prenatal Care
• 27 to 36 Weeks
• 32 to 36 Weeks
• 36 to 37 Weeks
• 39 to 40 Weeks

Your home pregnancy test let you know loud and clear: You’re expecting a baby! Congrats! And while you may be itching to shout your big news from the rooftops, for many parents-to-be, the first call they make is not to their parents or their best friends…but to their doctor. And that’s a smart move. After all, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends you reach out to your healthcare provider to set up a prenatal appointment as soon as you think you may be pregnant. But that doesn’t mean your OB/GYN or midwife will want to see you right away. To find out when you need to start your prenatal visits—how often you should go and what to expect at each prenatal visit—keep reading .

Since 1930, 12 to 14 in-person prenatal visits have been the go-to recommendation for healthy pregnancies in America, which shakes out to : 

Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy: One prenatal visit every 4 weeks (once a month)

Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy: One prenatal visit every 2 weeks (twice a month)

  Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy: One prenatal visit every week (once a week)

Your physician or midwife may ask you to come in for prenatal check-ups more often if you have a high-risk pregnancy or if you are at a so-called “ advanced maternal age .”

Or your doctor might schedule fewer prenatal visits. That’s because ACOG and the University of Michigan convened an independent panel  of maternal care experts in 2021 to review the current prenatal visit schedule—and that panel recommended eight to 10 prenatal visits for pregnancies without chronic medical conditions. Since formal guidance from ACOG is forthcoming, the revised schedule is not yet the norm. But if you and your care provider decide on a reduced schedule, you can rest assured that this newfangled approach is more on par with peer countries that have better maternity outcomes than here in America. Based on the panels’ recommendations, a prenatal care schedule for a healthy pregnant person between 18 and 35 years old can look like this:

Weeks 7 to 10 of pregnancy: First ultrasound and risk assessment

Weeks 6 to 28 of pregnancy: One prenatal visit every 4 to 6 weeks

Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy: One prenatal visit every 2 to 4 weeks

Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy: One prenatal visit every week or every 2 weeks

Some prenatal genetic testing and other lab work can either be completed within the limited  appointment timeframe—or separately. For example, if you have an in-person visit at 9 weeks, but that’s too early to complete prenatal genetic testing, you can return for a separate lab draw one week later.

Can I do virtual prenatal appointments?

If you’re healthy and free of any pregnancy complications, ACOG/University of Michigan panel (called MiPATH) notes that about half of your prenatal appointments can be virtual… if you and your care provider decide that this is the best option.

These four prenatal visits must be in person:

First prenatal visit

28-week prenatal visit

36-week prenatal visit

39-week prenatal visit

These visits can be either in person or conducted with telemedicine.

16-week prenatal visit

22-week prenatal visit

32-week prenatal visit

38-week prenatal visit

If you and your care provider agree to divide up your prenatal visits between in-person prenatal checkups and virtual, you’ll likely need instructions and supplies , such as:

Blood pressure cuff

Fetal Doppler (aka electronic fetal heart rate monitor) to check Baby’s heartbeat

Doppler gel, to be used with the heartbeat monitor

 Tape measure that includes centimeters to measure fundal height, which is the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus

You’ll be instructed how to use all of the above and how to upload this data into a secure network roughly 48 hours before your appointment , so your provider has time to review these measurements before your virtual appointment.

First-Trimester Prenatal Care Visits

Because not everyone has their first prenatal care visit during the same week of pregnancy, the timing of subsequent visits may differ from others. For instance, if your first prenatal visit was at week 8, your next appointment would likely be four weeks later, at 12 weeks pregnant . But if, your initial appointment was earlier, your second appointment may be earlier, too!

As long as your appointments are spaced out properly—and you are getting prenatal tests and vaccines during the proper window—it’s all good! In your first trimester, you’ll likely have a prenatal visit every month. (The first trimester spans from zero to 13 weeks of pregnancy.) Here’s what to expect :

Appointments will be brief. (But they’re important!)

You’ll be weighed. During your first trimester, you’ll likely gain between 2 and 4 pounds .

Your blood pressure will be checked. Because blood pressure fluctuates, if your numbers come up high, your doc or midwife will likely redo your reading. (An ideal blood pressure result is less than 120/80 mm Hg.)

You’ll hear Baby’s “heartbeat.” What you’re truly hearing is fetal cardiac activity. It’ll take until 17 to 20 weeks until the chambers of the heart develop and can be detected on an ultrasound.

You’ll pee in a cup. Your care provider will collect a urine sample to test for sugar or protein to screen for gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Questions to Ask During First Trimester Prenatal Visits

Your prenatal appointments are the ideal time to discuss any questions, including:

What type of prenatal vitamins should I take?

Are other medications or supplements safe?

Is sex safe during pregnancy?

What foods are off limits? Can I have coffee and fish ?

Can I continue my exercise routine? Should I tamp down (or ramp up) my workouts?

How can I tame my morning sickness? And when will it end?

What other symptoms can I expect? When should I call you?

Is spotting normal?

What’s my due date?

What’s your advice regarding prenatal genetic testing ?

What hospital or birth center do you deliver at?

 Will you be the one to deliver my baby?

First Prenatal Appointment

It’s best to see your healthcare provider before you get pregnant , so you can go over your health history, get up to date on vaccinations, discuss medications or pre-existing medical conditions—and start on prenatal vitamins—ahead of conception. But if that ship has sailed, no worries! It’s recommended that you begin regular prenatal care visits sometime between 7 weeks and 10 weeks of pregnancy , often starting at 8 weeks of pregnancy . (At times, your care provider will have you come in between 4 weeks and 6 weeks pregnant .)

Regardless of the timing, your first prenatal appointment is usually the longest one and it must be conducted in person. You’ll be asked about your family and medical history (this family health history tool  from the Surgeon General will help you get organized), your pregnancy history, medications and supplements you may be on, any unhealthy habits you may be engaged in, and the date of your last period. You can expect a complete physical exam, likely including:

Pregnancy test

Weight and height check

Blood pressure check

Breast exam

Pelvic exam

Urine test to looks for signs of a bladder or urinary tract infection

Check blood type

Screen for anemia

Screen for diabetes

Check Rh status, which is a specific protein on red blood cells that requires special care

Check immunity for rubella and chickenpox, unless proof of vaccination is documented in your medical history

Test for infections, such as hepatitis B, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV

Screen for depression

Listen for embryonic cardiac activity if your visit is before 8 weeks; listen for fetal cardiac activity after 8 weeks

If you haven't yet gotten your annual flu shot , you should talk to your healthcare provider about receiving it at this appointment . (Influenza can be much more dangerous during pregnancy.)  

First Prenatal Visit Ultrasound

ACOG recommends that you have at least one standard ultrasound exam during your pregnancy, usually between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy . That means the first-trimester ultrasound is not standard .

If you do get a first-trimester ultrasound, you may be expecting the jelly-and-wand-on-the-belly ultrasound. But for early pregnancy a transvaginal ultrasound is often the go-to ultrasound because it can reliably identify normal and abnormal pregnancies—and various developmental markers—earlier than an abdominal ultrasound. With a vaginal ultrasound (aka transvaginal or fetal ultrasound), a wandlike device  is placed in your vagina to send sound waves and  create an image . The info gathered from this first trimester ultrasound—coupled with the date of your last menstrual period—will help your care provider determine your due date. PS: Your due date is not a prediction of when you’ll deliver your baby! It’s the date that you’ll be 40 weeks pregnant . Very few people give birth on their due dates. In fact, many first-timers go up to two weeks after their due date before their bundle arrives.

10 to 13 Week Prenatal Appointment: Genetic Screening

In addition to your standard check-up, at this appointment you’ll likely be offered one of two screening tests…

First-Trimester Screening

The first-trimester screening is a blood test that measures two pregnancy-specific substances, plus an ultrasound. The ultrasound is called a nuchal translucency screening (NT ultrasound exam) and it measures the thickness at the back of Baby’s neck. Unusual results can mean that your baby-to-be is at an increased risk for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), another type of chromosomal abnormality (trisomy 18), and/or a physical defect of the heart, abdomen, and/or skeleton. With this test, the detection rate for Down syndrome and trisomy 18 is roughly 80% . This screening is also part one of something called sequential integrated screening (or integrated screening test.) Part two occurs during your second trimester and helps to more accurately highlight your baby-to-be’s possible risks.

Cell-Free DNA Screening (cfDNA)

This blood test (aka non-invasive prenatal testing) can be done as early as 10 weeks to detect more than 99% of Down syndrome cases , 97% of trisomy 18 pregnancies, and about 87% of trisomy 13 pregnancies. It can also tell you your baby’s sex. ACOG recommends cell-free DNA screening be discussed and offered to all pregnant patients, but it’s most often suggested to those over 35, parents who’ve had another baby with a chromosome disorder, or to folks whose first-trimester ultrasound looked abnormal. This test is not recommended for those carrying more than one baby.

If your results for either screening are abnormal, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic test called Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). (Learn more about prenatal diagnostic tests .)

Second-Trimester Prenatal Care Visits

You’re one-third of the way through your pregnancy. The second trimester—from week 14 of pregnancy to week 26 —is here! Now, prenatal visits are still spaced on a once-a-month basis for most. For each visit, your practitioner will continue to cover the basics. Here’s what’s in store :

Weight. Most gain 1 pound a week from this point forward.

Blood pressure. During the second trimester, blood pressure decreases in healthy pregnancies, but not for those who develop gestational hypertension, which can lead to preeclampsia .

Fundal height. That’s a fancy way of saying “belly size.” Your provider will measure the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus to gauge your baby's growth.

Heartbeat. Just a few weeks into the second trimester ( week 17 ) Baby’s heart chambers develop, which means you’ll hear an honest-to-goodness heartbeat thanks to a fetal Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to detect the movement of blood in vessels.

Urinalysis.  This’ll look for signs of infection, protein in the urine (sign of preeclampsia), and glucose (sugar). Too much sugar in your urine may signify gestational diabetes, which can develop in the second trimester , sometimes as early as week 20 of pregnancy .

Fetal movement. Between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy you’ll likely start noticing some baby flutters. Expect your OB/GYN or midwife to start asking about them at that time. (PS: If this is your first , it’s common not to feel a thing till 20 weeks.)  

Questions to Ask During Second-Trimester Prenatal Visits

Some questions you might want to ask during your second trimester include:

When will I feel my baby move and kick?

Is spotting normal in the second trimester?

Is sex still safe?

Should my exercise routine change in the second trimester?

What symptoms are normal? What symptoms are abnormal?

What complications can arise this trimester?

What kind of exercise can I do?

When should I start sleeping side-sleeping?

When should I tour the hospital or birth center?

What birthing class, infant CPR, breastfeeding, and baby care classes do you recommend?

16 to 20 Week Prenatal Appointments: Second Trimester Screening

In addition to the standard tests and screeners that occur during each of your second trimester prenatal visits, any appointment between week 16 of pregnancy and week 18 is the ideal time to get your second-trimester triple or quad screening. (You can get these as early as week 15 and as late as 22 weeks pregnant.) And, if you got your first-trimester screening (blood test and NT ultrasound), you may be getting the second half of the sequential integrated screening test. If any of these—or prior—tests come back indicating an elevated risk of birth defects, an amniocentesis may be performed during this timeframe.

Triple Screening

The second-trimester triple screening is a blood test that measures for three specific proteins and hormones: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and  estriol (uE3) . The amount of these substances can help determine the likelihood that your baby-to-be may have a birth defect, such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, or anencephaly.

Quad Screening

The second trimester quad screening also involves checking how much AFP, hCG, and uE3 are circulating in your blood—plus one more test for the hormone inhibin A (inhA).

Sequential Integrated Screening

This is also called combined first- and second-trimester screening. Part one of this two-part test (blood test and nuchal translucency ultrasound) occurred between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. And between 15 weeks and 20 weeks pregnant , the second part of the sequential integrated screening takes place. Here, a new blood sample will be taken to measure the same four proteins and hormones as the quad screening: AFP, hCG, uE3, and inhA. The first-trimester portion of this test yields a roughly 80% detection rate for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. But when the results of those tests are then reviewed alongside this new blood test, the detection rate bumps to 90% for Down syndrome and trisomy 18—and 80% detection rate for open neural tube defects.

18 to 22 Week Prenatal Appointment: The Anatomy Scan

By now, you know the deal with the weight checks, the blood pressure screening, and the like. And during one of your second-trimester appointments between 18 and 22 weeks, you’ll get an ultrasound. That means, this prenatal appointment will be longer than others. It may take up to 45 minutes to do the ultrasound alone!

The Anatomy Scan

While often dubbed the 20-week ultrasound, the anatomy scan (or anomaly scan) can be performed any time between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Here, the ultrasound technician will jelly your belly and use a 2D, 3D, or a 4D ultrasound wand over your abdomen to look at your baby-to-be’s physical development, the placenta, and your organs. Here’s some of what your healthcare team will be looking for:

Listen for any abnormal heart rhythms

Detect congenital disorders

Detect anatomical abnormalities

Check umbilical cord for blood flow

Ensure the placenta isn’t covering the cervix

Measure amniotic fluid

Measure baby to ensure they’re growing appropriately for their age

Learn sex of your growing baby, if you chose

24 Week Prenatal Appointment: The Glucose Test

Weight? Check. Blood pressure? Check. Urine screening? Check. And now for a little something different…the glucose tolerance test! If you’re not at an elevated risk for gestational diabetes , you’ll get the glucose screening test anytime between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. (High-risk moms-to-be get tested earlier.) For this test, you drink down a special (super-sweet) sugar mixture…then cool your heels for an hour. Once time’s up, your blood will be drawn to check your blood sugar level. If high, that may be a sign that you have gestational diabetes. Your care provider will have you do another type of glucose test to confirm the results.  

Third-Trimester Prenatal Care Visits

The final stretch! During your third trimester (starting at week 27 ), you’ll most likely see your doctor or midwife every two weeks until week 36 for your prenatal visits. After that, visit them weekly until week 40—or until Baby arrives! During your visits, you provider will check your:

Weight. You’re likely still gaining 1 pound a week by your third trimester. If you’re having twins, then you’ll be gaining more, landing somewhere between 37 to 54 pounds gained total.

Blood pressure. Expecting parents with chronic hypertension can get preeclampsia in their second or third trimester and super-high BP that begins during this timeframe is called gestational hypertension.

Fundal height. Fun fact: After week 24 of pregnancy , fundal height often matches the number of weeks pregnant you are, plus or minus 2 centimeters.

Urinalysis . Your urine will be screened for signs of preeclampsia, toxemia, and sugar.

Fetal movement. It’s perfectly normal to feel Baby kicking and moving a lot early in your third trimester…but feeling fewer movements as the weeks stretch on. That’s because there’s less room for your baby to move!

Baby position.  Your midwife or OB/GYN will check the position of your baby-to-be during most of your third trimester prenatal appointments by simply  touching your abdomen

Questions to Ask During Third-Trimester Prenatal Visits

Here are some questions you may be thinking about in the home-stretch of pregnancy:

Can we talk about my birth plan ?

Can you recommend any postpartum doulas ?

In what ways will my baby’s movements change this trimester?

How much swelling of hands and feet is normal?

What happens if my water breaks at home?

How can I tell the difference between labor and Braxton Hicks ?

When should I go to the hospital or birthing center for delivery?

What are my pain management options?

Who will be with me throughout my labor?

How likely is it that I’ll need a C-section?

What support is available if I choose to breastfeed?

What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression ?

How can I prepare for my own postpartum care at home?

How soon can I see you for my postpartum checkup ?

27 to 36 Week Prenatal Appointments

Between 27 and 36 weeks, you’re likely seeing your provider every other week. You can expect many familiar pokes and prods…plus, at one of your appointments, a new poke: your Tdap vaccine .

This must-get shot offers protective antibodies that you then pass on to your baby before birth to help shield them from whooping cough, a potentially deadly disease that babies are most vulnerable to during their first few months of life. Because the number of antibodies in your body decreases over time, it’s important to get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, even if you’ve been previously vaccinated. Doing so lowers your young baby’s risk of whooping cough by 78% , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Try to get the shot as close to 27 weeks pregnant as possible, since the protective antibodies peak roughly two weeks post-vaccine— and it takes some time to pass them on to your baby.

You’ll also be screened for depression in this window. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine depression screening in all pregnant and postpartum women. While the group doesn’t specify when exactly , a 2020 review in The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine notes that depression screening should occur at the initial prenatal visit and again in the last trimester.

32 to 36 Week Prenatal Appointments

Your care provider will continue to check the position of your baby-to-be during your prenatal appointments, but by 32 to 36 weeks they’re going to really want your little one locked and loaded in the head-down position. If your doctor or midwife is unsure of your little one's exact positioning, they may perform an ultrasound to check. The reason?  Babies who remain in the breech position after 36 weeks of pregnancy may need to be delivered via a planned C-section . That said, some healthcare providers may be comfortable with a vaginal breech birth . And others may offer to try and turn your baby to the head-down position while they’re still in the uterus. ( Learn more about breech babies .)

36 to 37 Week Prenatal Appointments

You’re now likely seeing your care provider every week! Either during your 36 week or 37 week visit, expect all of the standard prenatal checkup to-dos— and the Group B strep test. Group B strep (GBS) is a bacteria that lives in about a quarter of all moms-to-be . It usually causes no serious concern… unless it’s passed to a newborn during labor. A newborn infected with GBS may contract meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, or other issues. That’s why it’s important to get tested before labor begins.

Your provider will swab your vagina and your rectum and then send the sample to be examined. If it comes back positive, don’t panic! You’ll receive an IV antibiotic once labor begins to help shield your baby from being infected. The antibiotics work best when given at least four hours before delivery, preventing roughly 90% of infections .

38 Week Prenatal Appointment

Your due date is almost here! At this appointment, your care provider will continue to give a quick-check of Baby’s movements, they’ll ask some questions, and review the signs of labor with you. Your provider may also perform a pelvic exam . It’s most appropriate to do a pelvic exam if…

You think you might be in labor. Pain, bleeding, bloody show? Then your doctor or midwife will want to check to see how dilated (open) and effaced (thinned out) your cervix is.

There are other complications. If you’re dealing with an infection, premature rupture of membranes, heavy bleeding, or another potential issue, an internal exam can help your doc help you.

Induction is on the horizon. If high blood pressure, Baby growth issues, or another health issue has you on the path to induction , your care provider will want to know the state of your cervix before proceeding. The same holds true if you’re choosing to be induced.

You want to know.  A pelvic exam will let you know if (and how much) your cervix is dilated and effaced. But the kicker: These signs alone won’t necessarily clue you into when labor will start!

If none of the above applies to you, you can feel free to tell your provider that you’d rather take a pass on that third trimester pelvic exam! It’s 100% okay to say no!

39 to 40 Week Prenatal Appointments

Good news: At 39 weeks , your baby is now considered full term ! Expect more of the same at these quick prenatal check-ins. However, at week 39 your doctor or midwife might offer something called a membrane sweep . This is a common procedure that’s billed as a way to help induce labor. Here, your provider inserts a gloved finger into your cervix to loosen your amniotic sac from your uterus. You’ll likely experience some light bleeding, cramping, and/or mild discomfort post-sweep. Getting your membranes swept is entirely up to you and there’s no guarantee that it’ll work. In fact, a 2020 report concluded that membrane sweeping may be effective in achieving a spontaneous onset of labor…but the evidence is “low certainty.”  PS:  57% of babies are born in weeks 39 to 40 . 

41 Week Prenatal Appointment

It’s true that there are supposed to be 40 weeks in a pregnancy…but the CDC notes that almost 5% of babies are born during week 41 and less than 1% arrive at 42 weeks or beyond. (A pregnancy that lasts 41 weeks up to 42 weeks is called late term . A pregnancy that drags on longer than 42 weeks is called post-term.) When you’re more than one week past your due date , your doctor or midwife may recommend:  

Nonstress test (NST): This test utilizes an electronic fetal monitor (a belt with a sensor on your abdomen) to measure Baby’s heart rate. It generally takes about 20 minutes to perform and can be done in your provider’s office or in a hospital setting.

Biophysical profile (BPP) Here, your baby’s heart rate is monitored in conjunction with an ultrasound exam to check on your baby-to-be’s amniotic fluid, their heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, and movement.

Contraction stress test (CST): This test assesses how your baby’s heart rate changes when your uterus contracts. To create a mild contraction, you may be given IV oxytocin.)

Depending on the results of the above tests, your healthcare provider may suggest an induction.

Questions to Ask If Past Your Due Date

Is there anything I can do to safely start labor on my own?

If we decide to induce, what’s the plan?

What can I expect during labor induction?

Does induction increase my chances of a C-section?

Are there any risks to inducing labor?

How long after induction can I expect contractions to start?

More on Prenatal Care

• The Pregnancy Deficiency You Need to Know About
• Depression During Pregnancy Need-to-Know
• The 6 Nutrients You Need When Pregnant
• How to Help Round Ligament Pain
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Having a Baby
• March of Dimes: Prenatal Care Checkups
• Trends and state variations in out-of-hospital births in the United States, 2004-2017. June 2019
• The impact of family physicians in rural maternity care. Birth Issues in Perinatal Care. September 2021
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Planning for Pregnancy
• ACOG: Redesigning Prenatal Care Initiative
• ACOG: MiPATH Prenatal Care Recommendations: A How To Guide for Maternity Care Professionals
• A comparison of international prenatal care guidelines for low-risk women to inform high-value care. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. January 2020
• Kaiser Family Foundation: Telemedicine and Pregnancy Care
• Health University of Utah: Virtual Prenatal Care
• Planned Parenthood: What happens at prenatal care appointments?
• Perinatal depression: A review. The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. May 2020
• ACOG: ACOG Guide to Language and Abortion
• CDC: Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2022-2023 Season
• Kaiser Permanente: First trimester prenatal care
• ACOG: Ultrasound Exams
• Transvaginal ultrasonography in first trimester of pregnancy and its comparison with transabdominal ultrasonography. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences. July - September 2011
• Nemours Children’s Health, KidsHealth: What if My Baby Isn't Born by My Due Date?
• ACOG: Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests
• Penn Medicine: Sequential Screening (Combined First and Second Trimester Screening)
• UCSF Health: Prenatal Screening Tests
• UCSF Health: FAQ: Cell-Free DNA Screening
• ACOG: Current ACOG Guidance
• MedlinePlus: Prenatal Cell-Free DNA Screening
• Cleveland Clinic: Chorionic Villus Sampling for Prenatal Diagnosis
• Mount Sinai: Prenatal care in your first trimester
• MedlinePlus: Managing your weight gain during pregnancy
• ACOG: Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy week by week: Healthy pregnancy
• Blood Pressure Patterns in Normal Pregnancy, Gestational Hypertension, and Preeclampsia. August 2000
• American Academy of Family Physicians: Gestational Diabetes
• Cleveland Clinic: Quickening in Pregnancy
• Stanford Medicine Children’s Health: Second Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests
• Kaiser Permanente: Triple or Quad Screening for Birth Defects
• ACOG: Amniocentesis
• Cleveland Clinic: 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan)
• Mount Sinai: Glucose screening tests during pregnancy
• CDC: High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
• Cleveland Clinic: Fetal Positions for Birth
• CDC: Get the Whooping Cough Vaccine During Each Pregnancy
• Screening for Depression in Adults US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. January 2016
• Cleveland Clinic: Breech Baby
• CDC: Group B Strep (GBS)
• Cleveland Clinic: Group B Strep Pregnancy
• Northwell Health, The Well: When You Do (And Don’t) Need A Cervical Check
• National Child & Maternal Health Education Program: Know ​Your Terms
• Cleveland Clinic: Membrane Sweep
• Membrane sweeping for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. February 2020
• Births: Final Data for 2020. National Vital Statistics Reports. February 2022
• ACOG: When Pregnancy Goes Past Your Due Date
• Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy week by week: Overdue pregnancy: What to do when baby's overdue

View more posts tagged, pregnancy health

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Prenatal care checkups

Prenatal care is medical care you get during pregnancy. at each prenatal care visit, your health care provider checks on you and your growing baby., call your provider to schedule your first prenatal care checkup as soon as you know you’re pregnant., getting early and regular prenatal care can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a full-term baby., go to all your prenatal care checkups, even if you’re feeling fine..

What is prenatal care and why is it important?

Prenatal care is medical care you get during pregnancy. At each visit, your health care provider checks on you and your growing baby. Call your provider and go for your first prenatal care checkup as soon as you know you’re pregnant. And go to all your prenatal care checkups, even if you’re feeling fine.

Getting early and regular prenatal care can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a full-term baby. Full term means your baby is born between 39 weeks (1 week before your due date) and 40 weeks, 6 days (1 week after your due date). Being born full term gives your baby the right amount of time he needs in the womb to grow and develop.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your provider about personal things. Your provider needs to know all about you so she can give you and your baby the best care. She asks lots of questions about you, your partner and your families. Your medical information and anything you tell her are confidential. This means she can’t share them with anyone without your permission. So don’t be afraid to tell her about things that may be uncomfortable or embarrassing, like if your partner hurts or scares you or if you smoke , drink alcohol , use street drugs or abuse prescription drugs .

Who can you go to for prenatal care?

You can get prenatal care from different kinds of providers:

• An obstetrician/gynecologist (also called OB/GYN) is a doctor who has education and training to take care of pregnant women and deliver babies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  can help you find an OB in your area. 
• A family practice doctor (also called a family physician) is a doctor who can take care of every member of your family. This doctor can take care of you before, during and after pregnancy. The American Board of Family Medicine can help you find a family practice doctor in your area. 
• A maternal-fetal medicine (also called MFM) specialist is an OB with education and training to take care of women who have high-risk pregnancies. If you have health conditions that may cause problems during pregnancy, your provider may want you to see a MFM specialist. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine can help you find a specialist in your area.
• A certified nurse-midwife (also called CNM) is a nurse with education and training to take care of women of all ages, including pregnant women. The American College of Nurse-Midwives  can help you find a CNM in your area.
• A family nurse practitioner (also called FNP) or a women’s health nurse practitioner (also called WHNP). A FNP is a nurse with education and training to take care of every member of your family. A WHNP is a nurse with education and training to take care of women of all ages, including pregnant women. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners can help you find these kinds of nurse practitioners in your area.   

Think about these things to help you choose a provider:

• Is the provider licensed and board certified to take care of you during pregnancy, labor and birth? Licensed means the provider can legally practice medicine in a state. To have a license, a provider has to have a certain amount of education and training and pass certain tests to make sure he can safely take care of patients. Board certified means that a provider has had extra training in a certain area (called a specialty).
• Is the provider covered by your health insurance ? 
• Have you heard good things about the provider? Is she recommended by your friends or family? How does your partner feel about her as your prenatal care provider?  
• Would you rather see a man or a woman provider? How old to you want the provider to be? Does he explain things clearly? 
• Is the office easy to get to? Do the office hours fit into your schedule? Is the office staff friendly and helpful? 
• Who takes care of phone calls during office hours? Who handles them after hours or in an emergency? Do you have to pay if your provider spends time with you on the phone? 
• Is the provider in group practice? If yes, will you always see your provider at prenatal care checkups? Or will you see other providers in the practice? Who will deliver your baby if your provider’s not available when you go into labor? 
• What hospital or birthing center does the provider use? What do you know about it? Is it easy for you to get to?  

How often do you go for prenatal care checkups?

Most pregnant women can follow a schedule like this:

• Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 4 weeks (once a month).
• Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 2 weeks (twice a month).
• Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every week (once a week).

If you have complications during pregnancy, your provider may want to see you more often.

Your partner or support person (a friend or someone from your family) is welcome at your prenatal checkups.

How can you get ready for your first prenatal care checkup?

Be ready to talk with your provider about:

• The first day of your last menstrual period (also called LMP). Your provider can use this to help find out your baby’s due date .
• Health conditions you have, like depression , diabetes , high blood pressure , and not being at a healthy weight . Conditions like these can cause problems during pregnancy. Tell your provider about your family health history . This is a record of any health conditions and treatments that you, your partner and everyone in your families have had. Use the March of Dimes Family Health History Form and share it with your provider. If you have a record of your vaccinations , take it to your checkup.  A vaccination is a shot that contains a vaccine that helps protect you from certain harmful infections. 
• Medicines you take, including prescription medicine , over-the-counter medicine, supplements and herbal products . Some medicines can hurt your baby if you take them during pregnancy, so you may need to stop taking it or switch to another medicine. Don’t stop or start taking any medicine without talking to your provider first. And tell your provider if you’re allergic to any medicine. You may be allergic to a medicine if it makes you sneeze, itch, get a rash or have trouble breathing when you take it.
• Your pregnancy history. Tell your provider if you’ve been pregnant before or if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant. Tell her if you’ve had any pregnancy complications or if you’ve had a preterm baby (a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), a miscarriage or stillbirth . Miscarriage is when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth is when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, using street drugs and abusing prescription drugs. All of these can hurt your baby. Alcohol includes beer, wine and liquor. Street drugs are illegal to use, like heroin and cocaine. Abusing prescription drugs means you use them differently than your provider tells you to. This means you take more than your provider says you can take, you take it with alcohol or other drugs or you use someone else’s prescription drugs.
• Stress you feel. Stress is worry, strain or pressure that you feel in response to things that happen in your life. Talk to your provide about ways to deal with and reduce your stress. High levels of stress can cause complications during pregnancy.
• Your safety at home and work. Tell your provider about chemicals you use at home or work and about what kind of job you have. If you’re worried about abuse during pregnancy and ask about ways you can stay healthy and safe at home and work.

What happens at your first prenatal care checkup?

Your first checkup is usually the longest because your provider asks you lots of questions about your health. At your first prenatal care checkup, your provider:

• Gives you a physical exam and checks your overall health. Your provider checks your weight and height to figure out how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.
• Checks your blood, blood pressure and urine. Blood tests can tell your provider if you have certain infections, like syphilis , hepatitis B and HIV. Your provider also uses a blood test to find out your blood type and Rh factor and to check for anemia. Anemia is when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of your body. Rh factor is a protein that most people have on their red blood cells. If you don’t have it and your baby does, it can cause Rh disease in your baby. Treatment during pregnancy can prevent Rh disease. Blood pressure and urine tests can help your provider diagnose a serious condition called preeclampsia . This is a kind of high blood pressure that can happen during pregnancy. Having too much protein in your urine may be a sign of preeclampsia. Urine tests also can tell your provider if you have a kidney or bladder infection or other conditions, like diabetes.  
• Gives you a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. Your provider checks the pelvic organs (pelvis and womb) to make sure they’re healthy. For the Pap smear, your provider collects cells from your cervix to check for cancer and for infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. The cervix is the opening to the uterus (womb) that sits at the top of the vagina.
• May give you vaccinations, like a flu shot. It’s safe to get a flu shot any time during pregnancy. But some vaccinations are best at certain times and some aren’t recommended during pregnancy. Talk to your provider about what’s best and safe for you and your baby.
• Tells you your due date. Your provider usually uses your LMP to figure out your due date. But you may get an early ultrasound to confirm that you’re pregnant and help your provider figure out your baby’s age. An ultrasound uses sound waves and a computer screen to show a picture of your baby inside the womb.
• Prescribes a prenatal vitamin. This is a multivitamin made for pregnant women. Your prenatal vitamin should have 600 micrograms of folic acid in it. Folic acid is a vitamin that every cell in your body needs for healthy growth and development. If you take it before pregnancy and during early pregnancy, it can help protect your baby from birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (also called NTDs), and birth defects of the mouth called cleft lip and palate .
• Talks to you about prenatal tests. These are medical tests you get during pregnancy. They help your provider find out how you and your baby are doing. You may want to have certain tests only if you have certain problems or if you’re at high risk of having a baby with a genetic or chromosomal condition , like Down syndrome . If your provider thinks you’re at risk for having a baby with one of these conditions, he may recommend that you see a genetic counselor . This person has training to help you understand about genes, birth defects and other medical conditions that run in families, and how they can affect your health and your baby’s health.

What happens at later prenatal care checkups?

Later prenatal care checkups usually are shorter than the first one. At your checkups, tell your provider how you’re feeling. There’s a lot going on inside your body during pregnancy. Your provider can help you understand what’s happening and help you feel better if you’re not feeling well. Between visits, write down questions you have and ask them at your next checkup.

At later prenatal care checkups, your health care provider:

• Checks your weight and blood pressure. You also may get urine and blood tests.
• Checks your baby’s heartbeat. This happens after about 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. You can listen, too!
• Measures your belly to check your baby’s growth. Your provider starts doing this at about 20 weeks of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, she also feels your belly to check your baby’s position in the womb.
• Gives you certain prenatal tests to check you and your baby. For example, most women get an ultrasound at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. You may be able to tell if your baby’s a boy or a girl from this ultrasound, so be sure to tell your provider if you don’t want to know! Later in pregnancy, your provider may use ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby in the womb. Between 24 and 28 weeks, you get a glucose screening test to see if you may have gestational diabetes . This is a kind of diabetes that some women get during pregnancy. And at 35 to 37 weeks, you get a test to check for group B strep . This is an infection you can pass to your baby.
• Asks you about your baby’s movement in the womb. If it’s your first pregnancy, you may feel your baby move by about 20 weeks. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may feel your baby move sooner. Your provider may ask you to do kick counts to keep track of how often your baby moves.
• Gives you a Tdap vaccination at 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccination protects both you and your baby against pertussis (also called whooping cough). Pertussis spreads easily and is dangerous for a baby.
• Does a pelvic exam . Your provider may check for changes in your cervix as you get close to your due date.

How can you get free or low-cost prenatal care?

If you don't have health insurance or can't afford prenatal care, find out about free or low-cost prenatal care services in your community:

• Call (800) 311-BABY [(800) 311-2229]. For information in Spanish, call (800) 504-7081.
• Visit healthcare.gov to find a community health center near you. Community health centers can provide low-cost prenatal care.

Last reviewed: June, 2017

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Your First Prenatal Appointment

Medical review policy, latest update:.

Medically reviewed for accuracy.

When should I schedule my first prenatal visit? 

When will my first prenatal visit take place, read this next, how should i prepare for my first pregnancy appointment, what will happen at my first prenatal visit, will i see my baby on an ultrasound at my first prenatal visit, updates history, jump to your week of pregnancy, trending on what to expect, signs of labor, pregnancy calculator, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., top 1,000 baby girl names in the u.s., top 1,000 baby boy names in the u.s., braxton hicks contractions and false labor.

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Normal Pregnancy Visit Schedule

This schedule depicts the typical pregnancy calendar and what will be done at each prenatal visit.

Week 8-10 (approximately)

• Pregnancy confirmation visit includes: Ultrasound* – particularly for patients who are unsure of  last menstrual period date or who have had a history of miscarriage
• Doctor/Nurse Practitioner/Midwife visit to discuss ultrasound findings

Week 11-13  (approximately)

• Doctor/Midwife visit: pap smear, physical exam
• NT (FIRST TRIMESTER SCREEN) must make ultrasound appointment in conjunction with the OB work up visit.
• Doctor/Midwife visit
• AFP4* (16-18 weeks)
• Amniocentesis* (16-18 weeks) Must be scheduled along with genetic counseling
• Rhogam following Amnio (if Rh negative)
• U/S* (18-21 weeks) (Must be scheduled in addition to office visit)
• 1 hr Glucose Tolerance Test* (24-28 weeks)
• Hemoglobin, Antibody scrn (if Rh negative)
• RhoGAM (if Rh negative)
• Group Beta Strep Culture* (36 weeks)
• Doctor/Midwife visit with Cervical Exam
• Non-Stress Test
• Discuss induction with provider

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• > Prenatal Visit Schedule: What To Expect During Each Appointment

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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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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Pregnancy: prenatal visit schedule.

As your pregnancy moves along, your prenatal visits will happen more often. So you'll have the chance to get to know your doctor or midwife well.

It's common to see your doctor or midwife:

• Every 4 weeks until week 28.
• Every 2 to 3 weeks from weeks 28 to 36.
• Every week from week 36 to birth.

In some cases, age or a medical problem may mean you'll need to see your doctor or midwife more often.

Current as of: July 11, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff

Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use . Learn how we develop our content .

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org .

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• Pregnancy week by week

High-risk pregnancy: Know what to expect

If your pregnancy is high-risk, you might have questions. Will you need special care? Will your baby be OK? Get the facts about how to have a healthy pregnancy.

If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, it means that you or your baby might be more likely than usual to develop health problems before, during or after delivery.

Due to that risk, you may need extra medical appointments or tests during your pregnancy. At those appointments, your healthcare team checks to see if you may be developing any health problems and treats them quickly if they happen.

Learn about what it means to have a high-risk pregnancy. And find out what you can do to take care of yourself and your baby.

What makes a pregnancy high-risk?

Sometimes a high-risk pregnancy can happen due to a medical condition you have before pregnancy. Or a medical condition may develop during pregnancy that raises the risk of problems. The following factors could lead to a high-risk pregnancy.

Pregnancy risks tend to be higher for pregnant people who are younger than 20 or who are older than 35.

Lifestyle choices

A variety of lifestyle choices can put a pregnancy at risk. Examples include:

• Drinking alcohol.
• Smoking cigarettes, vaping or using other tobacco products.
• Using illegal drugs.

Health problems

Some medical conditions in a pregnant person can raise pregnancy risks, including:

• High blood pressure.
• Thyroid disease.
• Heart or blood disorders.
• Poorly controlled asthma.
• Infections.

Pregnancy complications

Some health problems that develop during pregnancy can cause problems. Examples include:

• Unusual location of the placenta.
• Very low fetal growth. Usually, overall fetal growth or a fetal abdomen size that's less than the 10th percentile for gestational age is cause for concern. This condition is called fetal growth restriction.
• Rh sensitization. This happens when a pregnant person's blood group is Rh negative and the fetus's blood group is Rh positive.

Pregnancy with multiples

Risks to both a pregnant person and the fetuses are higher when a pregnancy includes more than one fetus.

The likelihood of having more than one fetus is higher in people who have gone through infertility treatments to get pregnant. Those treatments also are called assisted reproductive technologies (ART). One common type of ART is in vitro fertilization. The use of ART may raise the risk of some medical concerns during pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Pregnancy history

Medical problems that happened during a previous pregnancy may raise the risk of having the same problems again. Examples include:

• Conditions during pregnancy related to high blood pressure, such as preeclampsia.
• Giving birth early. This is called preterm delivery.
• Having a baby born with a genetic condition.
• Having a miscarriage or stillbirth.

It's important to tell your healthcare professional about any medical problems that you had during other pregnancies.

What steps can I take for a healthy pregnancy?

You may know ahead of time that you'll have a high-risk pregnancy. Or you might want to do what you can to prevent a high-risk pregnancy. Either way, take the following steps.

Schedule an appointment before you get pregnant

If you're thinking about becoming pregnant, make an appointment to see your healthcare professional. During that appointment, you'll likely talk about:

• Taking a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
• How to best manage any medical conditions you may have.
• All medicines you take, including those without a prescription.
• Vaccinations you may need.
• Your family and personal medical history.
• Your risk of having a baby with a genetic condition.
• Your partner's health.
• How you can prepare for a healthy pregnancy. For example, quitting smoking and being at a healthy weight before you become pregnant can lower some risks.

Get the care you need during pregnancy

Appointments with your healthcare team on a regular basis during pregnancy allows the team to follow your health and your baby's health. You might be referred to a specialist. Depending on your situation, you may see a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, pediatrics or other areas.

Avoid risky substances

If you use any form of tobacco or e-cigarettes, quit. Don't drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare professional about any medicines or supplements you take.

Do I need special tests?

Depending on the circumstances, your healthcare professional might suggest certain tests. The following are examples of tests that may be part of care during a high-risk pregnancy. The decision to get these tests is up to you. Talk about the risks and benefits with your healthcare professional.

Specialized ultrasounds

An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of a fetus on a screen. Ultrasound is safe for both pregnant people and fetuses.

The following kinds of ultrasound may be helpful during a high-risk pregnancy:

• Three-dimensional (3D) or 4-dimensional (4D) ultrasounds can be used to pinpoint a suspected problem, such as fetal development that's not typical.
• Ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix can help determine if you're at risk for going into labor early.
• A biophysical profile is an ultrasound that can be used to check a fetus's health. Depending on the ultrasound results, your team also may check a fetus's heart rate. That procedure is called a nonstress test.

Cell-free DNA screening

This test sometimes is called cfDNA . It uses a blood sample from you to provide the healthcare team with your DNA and the fetus's DNA. A small amount of DNA from the fetus goes into a pregnant person's blood stream during pregnancy. Through the blood sample, the fetus's DNA is checked to see if there's a higher chance of certain chromosome problems. If so, those problems could signal a genetic condition.

Other genetic tests

Your healthcare professional might suggest amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These tests can help find genetic conditions. They also can be used to confirm results from cell-free DNA screening.

• Amniocentesis. During amniocentesis, a sample of the fluid that surrounds and protects a fetus during pregnancy is taken from the uterus. The medical term for that fluid is amniotic fluid. Usually done after week 15 of pregnancy, the test can identify some genetic conditions. It also can find serious problems of the brain or spinal cord. Those conditions are called neural tube defects.
• CVS . During CVS , a sample of cells is taken from the placenta. It's usually done between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy.

Your healthcare team can run lab tests on a blood or urine sample from you to check for infections, anemia and diabetes. The tests also can be used to identify a higher risk of genetic conditions.

What else do I need to know about high-risk pregnancy?

Talk to your healthcare professional about how to manage any medical conditions you have during pregnancy. Ask how those conditions could affect labor and delivery.

Contact a member of your healthcare team right away if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding.
• Watery vaginal discharge.
• Pain or cramping in your abdomen or pelvis area.
• Less fetal activity than usual.
• Severe headaches.
• Pain or burning when you urinate.
• Changes in vision, including blurred vision.
• Sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands or fingers.
• Fever or chills.
• Vomiting or frequent nausea.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Nervousness or worry that makes it hard for you to do your daily activities.
• Overwhelming feelings of sadness or sadness that lasts.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Having a high-risk pregnancy may be stressful and cause you to worry about your baby's health. Try to do what you can to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Throughout your pregnancy, talk to a member of your healthcare team if you have questions or need support. After pregnancy, discuss with your healthcare professional how medical conditions during pregnancy might affect your long-term health.

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• DeCherney AH, et al., eds. Assessment of at-risk pregnancy. In: Current Diagnosis &Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. 12th ed. McGraw Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Oct. 24, 2023.
• Preconception health. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-get-pregnant/preconception-health. Accessed Oct. 24, 2023.
• Pregnancy complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-complications.html. Accessed Oct. 24, 2023.
• Prager S, et al. Pregnancy loss (miscarriage): Clinical presentations, diagnosis, and initial evaluation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 25, 2023.
• FAQs: Prenatal genetic diagnostic tests. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/prenatal-genetic-diagnostic-tests. Accessed Oct. 25, 2023.
• Prenatal care and tests. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests. Accessed Oct. 25, 2023.

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Morning sickness? Prenatal check-ups? What to know about new rights for pregnant workers

FILE - The emblem of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is shown on a podium in Vail, Colo., Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, in Denver. Pregnant workers have the right to a wide range of accommodations under new federal regulations for implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The regulations take an expansive view of conditions related to pregnancy, from fertility treatments to abortion and post-childbirth complications. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

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Pregnant employees have the right to a wide range of accommodations under new federal regulations for enforcing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act that supporters say could change workplace culture for millions of people.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the agency in charge of enforcing the law, adopted an expansive view of conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth in its proposed regulations, including a controversial decision to include abortion, fertility treatment and birth control as medical issues requiring job protections.

The rules, which were adopted on a 3-2 vote along partisan lines, were published Monday and offer extensive guidelines for addressing more routine difficulties of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, back pain and needing to avoid heavy lifting. Labor advocates say the law will be especially transformative for pregnant women in low-wage jobs, who are often denied simple requests like more bathroom breaks.

Here’s what to know about the law and the EEOC regulations.

WHAT IS THE PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT?

Congress passed the law with bipartisan support in December 2022 following a decade-long campaign by women’s rights and labor advocates, who argued that the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act did little to guarantee women would receive the accommodations they might need at work.

The law stated only that pregnant workers should be treated the same as other employees, not that they deserved special consideration. To get their requests met, many pregnant workers therefore needed to demonstrate they had physical limitations covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act, often creating insurmountable hurdles.

The new law treats pregnancy and related conditions as themselves deserving of “reasonable accommodations” and places the burden on employers to prove “undue hardships” for denying any requests.

The law applies to employers of at least 15 workers . The EEOC estimates it will cover roughly 1.5 million pregnant workers in any given year. The EEOC regulations published April 15 are set to go into effect in June.

WHAT ARE WORKERS ENTITLED TO?

The EEOC’s 400-page document encompasses a wide array of conditions and relevant advice for employers.

It states that workers are entitled to unpaid time off for situations such as prenatal appointments , fertility treatments, abortion, miscarriage, postpartum depression and mastitis, an infection that arises from breastfeeding. This includes workers who are not covered by federal family leave laws and those who have not been on the job long enough to accrue time off.

Workers can ask for flexible working arrangements to deal with morning sickness, such as a later start time, clearance to work from home or permission to carry snacks in workplaces where eating is typically prohibited. If they can’t sit or stand for extended periods due to sciatica, which is common in late pregnancy, they can request a schedule adjustment so their commutes happen during less crowded hours.

The regulations also allow workers to be exempted from tasks such as climbing ladders or heavy lifting. If those duties are essential to their jobs, they can still request a temporary dispensation, according to the EEOC.

Employers don’t have to accommodate workers exactly as requested but they must offer reasonable alternatives. They cannot deny a request without clearing a high bar to prove doing so would cause “undue hardships” for the organization’s finances or operations. They cannot force workers to take unpaid leave if a reasonable accommodation is available.

HOW SHOULD WORKERS REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS?

The EEOC emphasizes that it “should not be complicated or difficult” for pregnant workers to request accommodations. Workers don’t have to make requests in writing, use specific words, cite any laws, or in most cases, provide documentation such as doctors’ notes. Employers must respond quickly and have a conversation about how to reasonably accommodate a worker’s needs.

Still, legal experts advise both workers and employers to document the process. A Better Balance, the non-profit that spearheaded the 10-year campaign for the law’s passage, advises workers to familiarize themselves with their legal rights and be as specific as possible about their limitations and the changes they they need.

Workers who believe a request was denied illegally can file a complaint with the EEOC . They have 180 days to do so, though the deadline can be extended in some states.

WHAT DO THE EEOC RULES SAY ABOUT ABORTION?

The EEOC included abortion among the conditions covered under the law. The rules state, however, that employers are not obligated to cover expenses related to the procedure or to offer health insurance that does.

The EEOC regulations argue that including abortion is consistent with the agency’s longstanding interpretation of other laws under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

But the decision drew condemnation from Republican lawmakers who had championed the law’s passage. The five-member EEOC’s two Republican members voted against the regulations.

In a statement explaining her dissent, Commissioner Andrea Lucas said the agency broadened the scope of the law “to reach virtually every condition, circumstance, or procedure that relates to any aspect of the female reproductive system” in ways that “cannot reasonably be reconciled with the text” of the law.

Melissa Losch, a labor and employment attorney at the New Orleans-based firm McGlinchey Stafford, said she expects the regulations to give rise to further litigation. Losch cited the example of a worker living in a state with a restrictive abortion law requesting time off to undergo the procedure in another state. The EEOC rules provide “no good answer” about whether granting such a request would conflict with restrictive state abortion laws, she added.

ARE WORKERS IN TEXAS COVERED?

On February 27, a federal judge blocked enforcement of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act for Texas state employees, a ruling that came in response to a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton argued the law was unconstitutional because it was part of a spending bill that passed in the House without a majority of members present, and the judge ruled in his favor.

Gedmark, of A Better Balance, said she was optimistic the Biden administration would prevail in its expected appeal of the ruling. In the meantime, federal and private sectors workers in Texas are covered by the law.

But in her dissenting statement, Lucas warned that if the Texas case or any future lawsuits succeed in overturning the law, the EEOC’s divisive rules have “all but extinguished” the chances of a bipartisan effort to reenact it.

WHAT HAS THE LAW’S IMPACT BEEN SO FAR?

Employers have been obligated to abide by the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act since it took effect on June 27, 2023, though the EEOC regulations provided guidance on how to do so.

The law swiftly made a difference to many low-wage workers, according to Gedmark.

A Better Balance, which operates a helpline, has “heard an overwhelmingly positive experience from workers,” she said. Last summer, the organization worked with some women whose employers stopped resisting requests for accommodations as soon as the law took effect, Gedmark said.

Some workers reported their employers were still operating under the old legal framework, handing them pages of disability paperwork to fill out in response to requests.

The EEOC said it received almost 200 complaints alleging violations of the law by the time the fiscal year ended on Sept. 30, 2023.

Gedmark said the success of the law will depend on enforcement and raising awareness.

“If workers don’t know about the law and don’t know about their rights, then it really undermines the purpose of the law,” she said.

The Associated Press’ women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.