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.
Prenatal visitation schedule
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.
How should I prepare for a prenatal visit?
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.
What happens during prenatal visits?
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:
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.
How can I make the most of my pregnancy appointments?
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:
Ensure you’re giving your baby the best possible start by maintaining the recommended schedule of prenatal visits during your pregnancy. While it may be challenging to fit ongoing office appointments into your busy schedule, prenatal visits are the best way to protect your health and the health of your baby.
In addition to providing support for physical changes, prenatal visits are also a good opportunity to address your questions and concerns about your body, your baby’s development, and the upcoming birth.
Your prenatal provider is an important resource for treatment, education, and support throughout your pregnancy. Our OB/GYNs at The Association for Women’s Health Care have the expertise necessary to care for you and your unborn baby whether you have a normal or high-risk pregnancy.
Our team of pregnancy specialists provides comprehensive pregnancy services, from routine examinations to diagnostic testing, through all stages of pregnancy.
Start as early as possible
Contact our office to arrange your first prenatal visit as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. While most women start their prenatal visits at about eight weeks of pregnancy, we may recommend that you begin your visits earlier if your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to:
Advanced maternal age
An existing medical condition
A history of pregnancy complications
Symptoms such as abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding
Your first appointment is typically longer than other prenatal visits. It includes a comprehensive physical exam, pelvic exam, and medical history. You may also have a Pap smear and other tests such as a blood test, STD test, and urine test.
At this early stage of pregnancy, we give you lifestyle guidelines, such as maintaining proper nutrition, exercising daily, and taking prenatal vitamins to support your health and the healthy development of your baby.
Follow your recommended schedule of visits
If your pregnancy is free of complications and your overall health is normal, you’re likely to have about 15 prenatal visits during your pregnancy. Your visits are scheduled closer together as your pregnancy progresses.
Most women have a schedule of prenatal visits that follows this timing:
One visit every four weeks during weeks 4-28 of pregnancy
One visit every two weeks during weeks 28-36 of pregnancy
One visit every week during weeks 36-40 of pregnancy
This schedule is only a guide. We may require more appointments with less time between visits if you have preexisting medical conditions or other issues associated with a high risk of complications.
Understand what to expect
After your first appointment, your prenatal visits include a physical exam and tests specific to your medical condition and stage of pregnancy. As you progress through your pregnancy, your visits may change to monitor specific medical conditions or physical changes affecting you or your baby.
A typical prenatal visit includes:
Measurement of your weight and blood pressure
Urine test for signs of complications including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and urinary tract infections
Measurement of your abdomen to chart your baby’s growth
Doppler ultrasound to monitor your baby’s heart rate
Protect your baby’s health
Even if you’re feeling well and your pregnancy is free of complications, regular prenatal visits can make a difference in supporting a smooth birth and healthy baby.
If you go through pregnancy without appropriate prenatal care, your baby has a risk of low birth weight that’s three times higher than babies born to mothers who received prenatal care. Without prenatal care, your baby is also five times more likely to die than a baby whose mother was routinely monitored during pregnancy.
Premature birth — before the 37th week of pregnancy — and fetal growth restriction, which prevents a baby from gaining adequate weight in the womb, are the two most common causes of low birth weight.
At recommended prenatal visits, we monitor your baby’s growth to identify the risk of low birth weight and reduce the possibility of these complications.
Prenatal visits also allow us the opportunity to observe your body for signs of conditions like gestational diabetes, anemia, or high blood pressure, all of which could damage your health and the health of your baby.
Give your baby the best possible start. Contact our Chicago or Northbrook, Illinois, office today to schedule an appointment.
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