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8 Weeks Pregnant: Preparing for Your First Prenatal Visit

When you're 8 weeks pregnant, your little one is about the size of a ring and her fingers, toes, airways and brain cells are developing..

By week eight, your little one is about the size of a ring, and there are many tiny, yet important, parts of her developing—including the fingers, toes, airways and brain cells.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY: Physical Changes During Pregnancy

Tip of the week: It may seem a little early at this point—particularly if the thought of labor is still a little scary—but now is actually a good time to start thinking about how you'll want to deliver. If your goal is to give birth at home or at a birthing center, it's important to choose a provider who works in those environments. If you have strong feelings about cesareans, use of drugs during labor and delivery or other issues, discuss those with your provider to make sure you're on the same track. Also do your research and talk with your partner about your preferences, so that you can make informed decisions now and throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

If you could see your baby, you'd notice that she has teeny webbed fingers and toes and perhaps even small eyelids that will soon cover her sensitive eyes. The very tip of her nose may also be starting to form, as well as the upper lip. Behind the face, nerve cells are beginning to connect with one another and form what will eventually become complex neural pathways.

A little farther down, your baby's breathing tubes are developing to reach her lungs. Moreover, her very important aortic and pulmonary valves in her heart have formed, helping the muscle to beat at an amazing 150 pulses per minute.

If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you'll likely have already been to see your health care provider. However, for many pregnancies, the first prenatal visit takes place somewhere between now and week 10.

At your first appointment, your health care provider will complete a comprehensive health history. He or she will ask whether you have any medical or psychosocial issues, the date of your last menstrual period, your history of birth control methods and other medications, if you've previously been hospitalized, whether you have any drug allergies and about your family's medical history. You may want to write down these details if you think you could have trouble remembering everything.

The visit will include measuring your blood pressure, height and weight, as well as a breast and pelvic exam, with a pap test if you haven't had once recently. They'll also likely take blood to test for your blood type, anemia and other medical and genetic conditions. It's still a little early to hear your baby's heartbeat, so this exciting milestone may have to wait until your next visit.

Your health care provider may also talk to you about more extensive genetic testing and offer you screening tests that can give you some information about your baby's risk for Down syndrome as well as other chromosomal problems and birth defects.

There is a new two-part prenatal screening that can be done between weeks 9 and 13. It combines a blood test and a specialized ultrasound to assess your baby's risk for Down syndrome or trisomy 18. This screening is less invasive than amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) but is not definitive. If risk is indicated, the screening may help you decide whether you want further testing.

If so, CVS is a genetic test that can be performed between weeks 10 and 12 of pregnancy. The doctor removes a small piece of your placenta to check for potential genetic problems. Although CVS cannot detect neural tube defects, some women prefer it because they can get results sooner than with an amniocentesis, which is usually done between weeks 15 and 18.

Both tests are invasive and include a very slight risk of complications, including miscarriage, so it's important to do your research and talk to your partner and health care professional to decide what testing is right for you. Click here to learn more about genetic testing .

Finally, your provider may speak to you about lifestyle considerations, including nutrition and exercise. Bring a list of questions regarding your concerns and current habits. Now is the time to ask about activities that you are concerned about continuing during pregnancy.

You also might want to ask about the practice's birth philosophy to make sure it's in line with your own. For instance, if your goal is to have a natural childbirth, talk to them about it and make sure they are supportive of your plans.

If you leave your visit doubting your choice of providers, keep in mind that you can always change practices if you feel uncomfortable or are concerned that their philosophy of childbirth differs from yours. If you want to continue with the provider you've chosen, you'll likely schedule an appointment for four weeks later before leaving the office.

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

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

Confirming Your Pregnancy

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

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

Initial Prenatal Appointment: 5-12 Weeks

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

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

Here’s what to expect at your first pregnancy appointment

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

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

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

Prenatal Appointment: Second Trimester (13 – 26 Weeks)

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

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

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

Here are some additional things to expect.

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

When to Call Your Doctor

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

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

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

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

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

Prenatal Appointments: 36 Weeks – End of Pregnancy

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

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

Postpartum Visits

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

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

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

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Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits

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

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

The 1st visit

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

Medical history

Your health care provider might ask about:

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

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

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

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

Physical exam

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

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

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

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

Tests for fetal concerns

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

Lifestyle issues

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

Discomforts of pregnancy

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

Other 1st trimester visits

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

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

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

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• First Trimester
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What to Expect at the First Prenatal Visit

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

When Should You Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit?

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

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

When Will Your First Prenatal Visit Happen?

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

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

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

How Can You Prepare for Your First Pregnancy Appointment?

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

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

What Happens at Your First Prenatal Visit?

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

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

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

Medical history

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

Lifestyle discussion

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

Genetic testing

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

Blood testing

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

Urine testing

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

Physical exam

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

Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Visit

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

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

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

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

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

Plus, more from The Bump:

15 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Checklist: Your First Trimester To-Dos

When Do You Start Showing in Pregnancy?

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

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

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

Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development , March 2023

Cleveland Clinic, Ultrasound in Pregnancy , September 2022

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

Nemours KidsHealth, Prenatal Tests: First Trimester , July 2022

Cleveland Clinic, NIPT Test , October 2022

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

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

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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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Your first prenatal appointment: What to expect

The first prenatal visit is one of the longest appointments a woman will have during pregnancy, with several tests and a lot of important information conveyed..

During pregnancy, you need regular prenatal visits to keep yourself and the pregnancy healthy. These visits are called prenatal care appointments. In these visits, you might meet with an OB/Gyn, a midwife or a nurse practitioner.

During pregnancy, you'll meet with your prenatal care provider every four weeks until you are about 28 weeks (7 months) pregnant. After that, you'll come every two weeks. Then, in your last month of pregnancy, we'll want to see you weekly.

Your first appointment will likely be the longest of the many prenatal visits to come. At that visit, we will discuss your overall health, answer your first round of questions and help you prepare for the next nine months.

Most women make an appointment after they get a positive result from a home pregnancy test. Often, this is one or two weeks after a missed period. Call us at 505-272-2245 , and we will schedule your first prenatal appointment between six and eight weeks of pregnancy.

What to Expect

Confirming the pregnancy.

Sometimes, home pregnancy tests give false positives—it says you are pregnant, but you aren't. And unfortunately, approximately one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage , often early in pregnancy. Before we do any other tests, we'll first confirm your pregnancy with a urine test and blood draw.

Estimating Your Due Date

We’ll also ask about your periods:

• How old you were when they started
• How regular they are
• When your last period started

This information helps us estimate your due date—when we expect the baby to come. The due date is approximately nine months from the first day of your last period.

We’ll also discuss whether you want to continue with the pregnancy. Nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. It’s OK to not immediately know how you feel about being pregnant, or what you want to do. At your first prenatal visit, we  can talk you through your options . We will support you in whatever you decide.  

Personal and Family Medical History

Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history. This information helps us determine whether the embryo might be at risk for health problems.

Some of the topics we'll discuss include:

• Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine use
• Chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Exposure to potentially toxic substances
• Genetic disorders
• Medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs
• Past surgeries
• Pregnancy complications
• Travel to countries where infectious diseases—such as Zika virus or malaria—are common

At your first visit, we'll also discuss social concerns, such as whether you feel safe at home and at work. Your employer is required to give you accommodations if your job is unsafe for pregnancy. If you don’t feel safe, we can discuss options to manage that situation.

You’ll also get a battery of tests to examine the health of you and your baby. These can include blood and urine tests to look for:

• Blood type and Rh status to determine if you are Rh negative, which can affect the pregnancy
• Glucose levels
• Immunity to measles and chickenpox
• Infections such as rubella, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and HIV
• Urinary tract infections, gonorrhea and chlamydia

Depending on your age and health history, your may also be offered an optional blood test called noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) . This screening can be done as early as nine weeks and can determine whether the embryo may be at risk for genetic conditions such as:

• Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
• Edward’s syndrome (trisomy 18)
• Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)

Physical Exam

We’ll check your vitals such as blood pressure and calculate your body mass index to determine how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. We’ll also do a head-to-toe physical exam that may include a breast exam, pelvic exam and screenings of your heart, lungs and thyroid. If you’re due for a Pap smear to check for cervical cancer, we can also do that test at the first visit. We may also try to find out how big your uterus is and if this corresponds to how many weeks pregnant you think you are. We can usually hear fetal heart tones with a doppler after 10 weeks.

Getting an ultrasound at your first prenatal appointment is not required. But we do them more often than not. The ultrasound helps narrow down your due date and confirms that the pregnancy is in the uterus. We also may be able to hear the heartbeat at this time and see if you’re having than one baby.

However, if you’re hoping to learn whether you’re having a boy or girl, you'll have to wait a bit longer! The baby won't be that apparent on ultrasound until approximately 20 weeks.

Education and Resources

Education is a big part of prenatal care. All patients who deliver at UNM Hospital get access to:

• Managing pregnancy symptoms: Some early pregnancy body changes are weird, but normal. These include tender, swollen breasts, fatigue or nausea and vomiting. We can discuss how to manage these symptoms and when to see your doctor.
• Prenatal vitamins: It’s important to take prenatal vitamins with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and walk you through some foods to avoid—such as alcohol, unpasteurized cheeses, deli meats, and raw fish. We also can suggest exercises that are safe to do during pregnancy .
• Drug and alcohol support: During pregnancy, it's important to quit drinking, smoking and using drugs. If you need help to quit, we can recommend pregnancy-safe medications and options. For example, our Milagro Clinic is designed specifically to give pregnant patients safe, respectful addiction care.
• Prenatal classes: From new parent classes to childbirth classes , we offer a range of in-person and Zoom classes to help you prepare for parenting.
• Financial assistance: There are financial programs at UNM Hospital and in the community to help families with no or limited health insurance.
• Home visits: We can connect you to programs for first time moms that offer home visits at no charge to families with new babies. At these visits, we'll answer your questions and help troubleshoot feeding concerns.

Your first prenatal appointment might seem a bit overwhelming. But we are here for you. We will give you all the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy. And we’ll be by your side, all the way.

Get Expert OB/Gyn Care

Visit the UNM Women's Health site to browse our services. Learn More .

Contact for Members of the Press

Chris Ramirez (505) 313-3429 [email protected]

Your Guide to Prenatal Appointments

Medical review policy, latest update:.

Minor copy changes.

Typical prenatal appointment schedule

Read this next, what happens during a prenatal care appointment, what tests will i receive at my prenatal appointments, what will i talk about with my practitioner at prenatal care appointments , first trimester prenatal appointments: what to expect, second trimester prenatal appointments: what to expect, third trimester prenatal appointments: what to expect, questions to ask during prenatal appointments  .

Prenatal care visits are chock-full of tests, measurements, questions and concerns, but know that throughout the process your and your baby’s wellbeing are the main focus. Keep your schedule organized so you don’t miss any appointments and jot down anything you want to discuss with your doctor and your prenatal experience should end up being both positive and rewarding.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,  Having a Baby After Age 35: How Aging Affects Fertility and Pregnancy , 2020. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,  Routine Tests During Pregnancy , 2020. US Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health,  Prenatal Care and Tests , January 2019. Journal of Perinatology ,  Number of Prenatal Visits and Pregnancy Outcomes in Low-risk wWomen , June 2016. Mayo Clinic,  Edema , October 2017. Mayo Clinic,  Prenatal Care: 2nd Trimester Visits , August 2020. Mayo Clinic,  Prenatal Care: 3rd Trimester Visits , August 2020. Jennifer Leighdon Wu, M.D., Women’s Health of Manhattan, New York, NY. WhatToExpect.com, Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Prenatal Testing During Pregnancy , March 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Urine Tests During Pregnancy , May 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Fetal Heartbeat: The Development of Baby’s Circulatory System , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Amniocentesis , Mary 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Ultrasound During Pregnancy , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Rh Factor Testing , June 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Glucose Screening and Glucose Tolerance Test , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Nuchal Translucency Screening , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Group B Strep Testing During Pregnancy , August 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  The Nonstress Test During Pregnancy , April 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Biophysical Profile (BPP) , May 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Noninvasive Prenatal Testing , (NIPT), April 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  The Quad Screen , February 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) , February 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  The First Prenatal Appointment , June 2019. WhatToExpect.com,  Breech Birth: What it Means for You , September 2018.

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8 Weeks Pregnant—Your First Prenatal Visit

At eight weeks pregnant, you’re about to finish up your second month of pregnancy. You’ll likely hear a heartbeat and confirm your due date during your first prenatal visit. Meanwhile, your baby continues his growth spurt. Now about the size of a raspberry, he has nearly quadrupled in size in the last two weeks.

How big is my baby?

Baby’s Length: 0.63 inches.

Baby’s Weight: 0.04 ounces.

How is my baby developing?

Besides a stronger heartbeat—which can typically be detected via vaginal ultrasound—fingers start to develop and leg buds begin to show feet, though your baby’s hands and feet are still slightly webbed. On the ultrasound, you’ll see him moving these little hands and feet. He can now move around in your womb though you won’t feel this movement for quite a while. By the end of this week, all of your baby’s essential organs and body systems have begun to develop.

During this time, your baby’s face will also further develop, starting to show ears, the tip of the nose, and eyes with very thin eyelid folds. Even your baby’s retinas, which will reveal her eye color, have started to form. The trunk of her body is starting to straighten out of the curved c-shape of the first several weeks of development. Your baby is growing about one millimeter every day.

On an ultrasound, you may notice how big your baby’s head is. This is completely normal. Right now, his brain is divided into three parts—the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain—and all that growing takes up a lot of room. His proportions will start to balance out in no time.

What’s happening in my body?

Even if you didn’t have a keen sense of smell before pregnancy, now you might be able to smell your neighbor cooking lasagna three doors down or the scent of garbage from halfway down the block. Many women become very sensitive to scents around this time. Foods and smells you used to love may cause waves of queasiness. Though the exact cause of this heightened sense of smell is unknown, many researchers attribute it to heightened levels of estrogen.  

In a study comparing 36 pregnant women with 36 nonpregnant women, researchers found that pregnant women had better absolute odor sensitivity, meaning they could detect smells at a weaker concentration than the nonpregnant women. The pregnant women were also more likely to perceive odors as unpleasant. The researchers noted that the changes existed in olfactory functions at a perceptual level—not only in cognitive evaluations or interpretations of the odors.

Body changes

Your uterus is continuing to expand, and ligaments are stretching, which can cause cramping and mild, minor pain. Of course, if the pain is severe or worrisome, you should contact your doctor right away. You may also experience some spotting. Light spotting is normal and nothing to worry about, but contact your doctor if you experience heavier bleeding.

You’re probably feeling exhausted as your baby continues to grow and your body adjusts to changes in your hormones, especially progesterone. Progesterone is also responsible for relaxing the muscles in your bowels, causing slower digestion and constipation. This may be unpleasant, but it allows you and your baby to absorb more nutrients. Drink plenty of water, go for lots of walks, and keep reaching for fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to keep things moving.

You’re also pumping 50% more blood per minute for your baby; your blood volume increases to accommodate this. Don’t be surprised if you’re making more trips to the bathroom. Headaches are another potential side-effect of this increase in blood volume. As with any other medical issue during your pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe treatments before reaching automatically for the medication you’ve used in the past.

Even though you’re now, as they say, eating for two, it’s more important than ever to focus on a healthy eating plan. As tempting as it is to reach for whatever your body is craving, you only need about 300 extra calories per day to keep your baby nourished. At this point in your pregnancy, you should be gaining about a pound or two per week. If you’ve had a tough time with morning sickness, it’s even normal to have gained nothing at all.

Eat a varied, healthy diet

Researchers have discovered another good reason to reach for varied, healthy foods while pregnant: a mother’s dietary choices during pregnancy appear to affect the sensory development of her child . According to this research, a mother’s diet sensitizes her fetus to the smells and flavors of the food she eats while pregnant. This physically changes the structure of the brain, teaching the child that the food and drink the mother consumes is safe—even if it isn’t.  

Prenatal visit (finally!)

Since you’re likely seeing a doctor for your first prenatal appointment, this means you’re going to see your baby and hear his tiny heartbeat for the first time. Aside from a vaginal ultrasound to measure the fetus, listen to the heartbeat, and determine your estimated due date, you’ll have blood drawn to check your hCG hormone levels and to determine your blood type and Rh-factor. During your exam, your doctor will probably perform a pap smear to screen for STDs, unless you’ve had one recently.  

Urine tests will now become the norm; doctors will check your protein levels to monitor for preeclampsia and glucose levels to screen for gestational diabetes. Your doctor should also present you with information on genetic testing. While prenatal testing is not mandatory, the results can provide valuable information.

Take care of yourself

As tempting as it is to let thoughts of your baby consume all your time and energy, it’s important to take time for yourself. Pamper yourself a bit; you’re growing a new person—you deserve to rest and relax, too. Higher stress levels during pregnancy can affect your baby through the amniotic fluid, potentially leading to mood disorders in female offspring, issues with brain connectivity development, and a higher risk of asthma.

What else should I do?

Schedule your 12-week doctor’s appointment.

Discuss genetic testing with your doctor and your partner to determine if it makes sense for you.

Drink lots of water and eat a healthy diet rich in fiber to stave off constipation.

Talk to your doctor before making any radical changes to your diet and exercise. While it’s safe to work out while pregnant, don’t jump into anything new or strenuous without discussing things with your doctor.

This Week’s FAQs

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What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit

March 26, 2024

Maternal Health , OB-GYN

When you find out you’re pregnant, your to-do list instantly becomes much longer. There are people to tell, nurseries to decorate and names to consider. You also need to establish where you’ll receive your prenatal care.

Your first prenatal appointment should be scheduled seven to nine weeks after your last menstrual period.

“Early prenatal care is important because it gives your provider an opportunity to review your health history and identify risk factors we need to be proactive about,” says UNC Health certified nurse-midwife Rebeca Moretto . “It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process of pregnancy so that we address your concerns.”

Moretto and UNC Health obstetrician-gynecologist Kimberly Malloy, MD , talk about what to expect at the first prenatal visit.

Selecting Prenatal Care

“I always encourage patients to have established OB-GYN care and to have a preconception counseling appointment,” Dr. Malloy says. “We discuss your medical history and any medications you’re taking so you can prepare for a healthy pregnancy.”

You may already have a relationship with a practice that delivers babies, and your provider might know that you were preparing for pregnancy. If you don’t have a provider, Dr. Malloy recommends starting by identifying where you want to deliver .

“Patients typically choose the facility that’s closest to them, but if you have a complicated medical or obstetric history, you may want to travel farther if it means you can have access to more accommodations of care, such as a NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] or a maternal-fetal medicine department,” Dr. Malloy says.

Also, think about the people you want to be involved in your prenatal care and delivery, considering these factors:

• You may be able to see a family medicine provider for part of your prenatal care.
• Maybe you prefer a practice with nurse-midwives .
• You might not be able to identify specific providers to be in the room for your delivery, as they rotate hospital shifts.
• At an academic institution, medical students, residents and fellows could be part of your care team.

“With a team-based approach , you’ll be able to see a variety of wonderful providers, and a team ensures there are multiple eyes identifying issues,” Dr. Malloy says.

Be sure to confirm with your insurance provider that your selected healthcare practice is included in your coverage.

Preparing for Your First Prenatal Visit

Once you’ve scheduled your first appointment, there are a few things you can do to prepare and help your provider. If you are a new patient to the practice or health system, arrange to have your prior records sent to your new team or obtain copies so you can bring them to the first appointment.

“If you have a record of your most recent Pap test, or any information about prior pregnancies or complications, bring that to the appointment,” Moretto says. “If you’ve had a cesarean section , an operative report is important, especially if you want to pursue a vaginal birth after cesarean.”

Also, bring a list of any medications you take—better yet, bring the packaging or pictures of the prescription labels —so your provider can review them and make adjustments as necessary.

Start a written list of questions you have about your pregnancy, so you don’t forget to ask them when you see your provider. Talk to your family and your partner’s family about hereditary medical issues that could affect your baby so that you can share those details with your doctor.

While you’re waiting for your initial appointment date, know that you can reach out to your care team with questions or concerns.

“Vaginal bleeding and spotting are common in early pregnancy,” Dr. Malloy says. “If it’s a persistent problem, call the provider so they can assess whether you need to be seen sooner.”

Testing at the First Prenatal Visit

The first prenatal visit probably will be the longest of your pregnancy. It will include a complete physical exam, including pelvic and breast exams. Your blood pressure and weight will be recorded at this and future visits.

A urine sample will be taken so that your provider can check for signs of infection and dehydration and levels of protein and glucose.

You’ll also have your blood drawn for a variety of labs, including anemia, immunity to certain infections, blood type and Rh factor .

At this appointment you might have your first ultrasound, depending on the practice. Some providers schedule the first one beforehand so that the images can be reviewed at this visit. You may also be able to see or hear fetal heart tones.

All of this testing helps your provider identify and monitor potential risk factors and issues that could arise during pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes and preeclampsia .

In addition to this testing, you’ll have a consultation with your provider, who will review your entire health history, including medications, surgeries and prior pregnancies. If you have concerns about genetic issues, your provider can identify additional screenings or tests you might wish to pursue.

The care team will also give you guidance on how to make your pregnancy as healthy as possible and to prepare for the rest of pregnancy , childbirth and lactation .

“We’ll go over nutrition issues , such as anticipated weight gain and additional caloric intake,” Dr. Malloy says. “We’ll review vaccines that may be necessary during pregnancy, make recommendations for any medications you may need and discuss precautions you may need to take.”

Moretto adds, “It’s also a time to talk about mental health resources. Pregnancy is impactful on mental health , so we can help make connections for therapy and other relevant resources if needed.”

Your due date will be set at your first prenatal visit, but you won’t find out the sex until the second trimester. Finally, your provider will review the schedule for the rest of your prenatal care, dependent on your individual needs and risks.

If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. Need a doctor? Find one near you .

First Prenatal Visit: What Happens & How to Prepare

The first prenatal care visit is an exciting time but you may not know what to expect or how to prepare. Here’s an overview of what to expect.

• Written by Genevieve Howland
• Updated on May 24, 2019

From the time you pee on that pregnancy test to actually going to your first prenatal visit seems like an eternity. It. is. BRUTAL! I remember calling my midwife all giddy when I told her that I was pregnant and she said “I’ll see you in 10 weeks.” TEN WEEKS?!?! Are you crazy? What if something happens to the baby? What happens if I mess something up? What? Wha? Wha?

Then I remembered to breath… and I realized that there really isn’t anything a midwife could do to “save” my baby in these very precious early weeks. And so I surrendered. And waited. And wondered. What do I need to bring to my first prenatal visit? Can I prepare in any way? And what exactly goes on during the first prenatal visit?

Here’s what you can expect and how you can prepare.

When is my first prenatal visit?

Typically women see their healthcare provider for prenatal care between 8 and 12 weeks. If you are seeing a midwife they may suggest you wait until 10 – 12 weeks for your first appointment. This is because this is about the time when you can hear your baby’s heartbeat on a doppler. Don’t be sad or scared if they still can’t find the heartbeat, as it is really more like 12-14 weeks for a definite reading.

Many OBs and even family doctors expect you to schedule your first prenatal care appointment much earlier than this though.

An ultrasound can pick up a heartbeat as early as 6-7 weeks, and some women are led to believe that an early ultrasound is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. This analysis shows that routine ultrasound does not improve perinatal outcomes while this analysis shows no improvement in maternal outcomes.

Here’s a post dedicated to the risks vs. rewards of baby ultrasounds .

Another reason that some doctors want you to schedule an earlier appointment is for a full pelvic exam. The reasoning is that, for some women, prenatal care is their first or only chance to see a doctor and undiagnosed STDs can be dangerous for the baby.

Your provider may also take the opportunity to do a pap smear to check for cervical cancer. However, vaginal exams do carry a small risk of infection, so if you are relatively healthy and don’t have a history of ectopic pregnancy or other serious concerns, then you are probably fine to wait until around 12 weeks.

What should I expect at my first prenatal visit?

What happens during the first visit will vary from provider to provider, but for the most part you can expect to do four main things.

1. Build a relationship

One of the advantages to using midwives is that you have continuity of care, meaning that the midwife you see at each (or most) appointments will be the one who attends your birth. Even in a larger office with multiple midwives, at least each appointment was nice and long with plenty of time to talk and bond with these awesome ladies. By the end of my pregnancy, I knew I was in good hands no matter which midwife was on call and this is a very good feeling!

At the first prenatal visit you can get to know your midwife or doctor, learn about her background, and begin to build a relationship of trust. You can ask questions and get information on good books to read or specialists you may want to see during your pregnancy, such as a chiropractor or lactation consultant .

If you are using a family doctor, then you may have a similar continuity of care. With OBs in hospitals you aren’t likely to be able to choose the OB that attends your birth, so a prenatal visit won’t always focus on this kind of relationship building.

2. Assess your health

Your midwife will ask about your health history, family health history, and present health to get a baseline for what is normal for you. She will counsel you on nutrition, exercise and holistic healing and wellness. She will address common pregnancy complaints and offer holistic, natural remedies.

She will also ask if you are having unusual symptoms that may be a sign of something serious. Headaches are common in early pregnancy, but can also be a very early sign of preeclampsia. Your midwife will want to know if you are having headaches or other symptoms and will keep a record of them.

3. Routine tests

Your midwife will order a different blood tests that will tell her your blood type, red and white blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet count. Your midwife needs to know your blood type for your safety, but the other tests should be optional.

These blood tests will also tell your midwife if you are Rh positive or negative. If you are positive (or you are negative and your partner is negative) you have nothing more to do. If you are negative and your partner is positive or you don’t know, your midwife may discuss your receiving an Rhlg shot to prevent any complications.

Your midwife will also tests for various Sexual Transmitted Diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, which could harmfully affect your pregnancy if not treated. She will also take your blood pressure, pulse, weight, and check the baby’s heartbeat if you are ok using a doppler, which contains ultrasound waves. I chose to use the doppler for the first appointment so I could really believe I was pregnant and then waited till 20 weeks to use the fetoscope for the baby’s heartbeat.

She may palpate your abdomen to check the fundal height (a measure of the size of your uterus). She will rule out any medical problems that may affect your pregnancy and assess whether a homebirth or birth center birth is safe for you (it usually is).

You will also be asked to test your urine for the presence of protein (a sign of toxemia), sugar (a sign of gestational diabetes), or bacteria (a sign of Group B Strep positive). You will pee into a cup and dip a test strip in. Depending on the brand of test strips you will read it after 60 second or immediately. You will do this test at every appointment until birth.

4. Paperwork

At your first prenatal visit you will probably have some paperwork to sign and your midwife or doctor’s office will probably need a copy of your health insurance card. Many midwives will give you an estimate costs for your pregnancy and birth care, so you are both on the same page in terms of cost.

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How can I prepare for my first prenatal visit?

Prepare your questions.

Your first prenatal care appointment may be the first time you meet your midwife or doctor, so it’s a good idea to have questions prepared in order to get a feel for your provider’s background and philosophy. If you are seeing a doctor, ask what her thoughts are about: labor induction , ultrasounds, the glucola drink, treating GBS+ during birth, and natural childbirth in general. You can use these questions as a guide to see if your healthcare provider is a good fit for you.

If you’ve already interviewed your practitioner, you still may have some questions about what to expect during your pregnancy, what symptoms or concerns you may have, or how many weeks pregnant you may be.

I wrote down questions beforehand so that I wouldn’t forget anything during the actual appointment (between excitement, nervousness and pregnancy brain , I had a feeling I would forget a thing or two!)

Gather health info

Ask family members about pregnancy related health concerns that may run in the family. Write down any patterns of health you notice. Also take note of your partner’s family health history, especially genetic diseases. My mom had two c-sections so I wanted to get my midwife’s thoughts on if she thought I could have a vaginal birth.

Write down any past gynecological history, like an abnormal pap smear or a previous pregnancy or miscarriage. Write down any medications you are taking.

If you don’t know your due date, use our due date calculator before your appointment. If you do know your due date and want to know when you most likely conceived, use our reverse due date calculator . And here’s an article for you if you’re unsure  how many weeks pregnant you are .

Do your research for prenatal care

Do your best to pick the practitioner who is right for you. But if you go to your first visit and don’t like him or her, remember that you can change at any time! My dear friend changed her care at 34 weeks! And she was so happy that she did.

Your midwife needs to know your blood type for your safety, but the other tests should be optional. A good practitioner will let you know at each appointment what tests or procedures will be coming up at the next appointment so you can have time to research and decide what’s best for you.

A good practitioner should also be able to guide you and answer any questions you have about tests and procedures.

Best wishes for your first prenatal visit!

The first prenatal care visit is an amazing and nerve-wracking time. You may get to hear the heartbeat for the first time! That’s why I would encourage your partner to come along for that first prenatal visit. Hearing your child’s heartbeat for the first time, together as parents, is truly a special and sacred moment. Plus, you now have more “proof” that you really are pregnant.

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare should ease your mind and let you enjoy the excitement of your pregnancy!

• https://www.emedicinehealth.com/complete_blood_count_cbc/article_em.htm
• Beech, BL. Ultrasound unsound? Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services. 1996

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• How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests?
• When Will My Baby Be Born? How Accurate Is Your Due Date?
• See 4 Comments

Add Comment

About the author.

Genevieve Howland is a childbirth educator and breastfeeding advocate. She is the bestselling author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth and creator of the Mama Natural Birth Course . A mother of three, graduate of the University of Colorado, and YouTuber with over 130,000,000 views, she helps mothers and moms-to-be lead healthier and more natural lives.

Meghan Quinn Jan 18 at 10:57 pm

Thank you for this info on what to expect! It eases my mind a bit.

Taylor Bishop Oct 26 at 11:22 am

I just wanted to thank you for going over what to expect for a prenatal visit. I didn’t know that it could be beneficial to maybe schedule this maybe 6-7 weeks in a pregnancy. My sister has been thinking of getting pregnant, so this could be good for her to know in the future.

Kendal Mar 12 at 8:52 pm

Thank you–I just had my first prenatal appointment, and this was really helpful! So glad I found your blog at the right time! I also was having trouble believing I was really pregnant, so it was relieving to see you wrote that same thought, and it helped me not feel so bad about also wanting the doppler to hear the heartbeat. Amazing!!

Sarah F. Feb 24 at 11:39 am

My first prenatal appointment led me to calling a local birth center for a meet and greet. My doctor, who I adore, suddenly became very pushy about flu shots. My (shy and quiet) husband had to argue with her about why I don’t get flu shots because after I told her I didn’t want it (they make me horribly sick, and I’d already been sick with bronchitis for 6 weeks), she ordered it anyway, until the husband put his foot down for me. I was on edge about hospital delivery before I even became pregnant, but it worries me that I couldn’t get my own doctor to listen to me over a flu shot. And there was no conceivable way for me to meet with more than 2 of the midwives and none of the OBs before I deliver in August! Hopefully everything clicks at the birth center and I can deliver there. Everyone I know who’s gone there has been thrilled with the care, and the hospitals around here seem quite notorious for C-sections. I wish my doctor had made me feel more confident, but I’m so much more comfortable with the idea that birth is normal and not a medical emergency.

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What to Expect From Your Prenatal Care Appointments

Verywell / Michela Buttignol

• Your First Appointment
• Your Second Appointment
• 14-16 Weeks
• 18-22 Weeks
• 22-26 Weeks
• 28-36 Weeks
• 36-40 Weeks
• 40-42 Weeks

The test is positive, morning sickness has kicked in, and your pregnancy journey has just begun! Finding out you're expecting brings so many emotions, from giddiness and excitement to nervousness and hesitation. There's also one burning question that pops up, especially if this is your first pregnancy: What happens next?

Along with nine months of bodily changes, baby kicks, and bouts of heartburn come the super important (and super frequent) prenatal care appointments. Your OB/GYN's office might feel like a second home by the end of your pregnancy, but it's for a good reason!

Each stage of pregnancy comes with its own milestones, challenges, and safety precautions. Every prenatal appointment along the way ensures you and your baby stay on track and healthy. Here, we will break down what to expect at each round of prenatal appointments, including what your healthcare provider is looking for, what precautions you need to take, and which tests may be recommended.

Your First Prenatal Care Appointment

This is a big one! Your first prenatal care appointment is certainly the most exciting, and its timing can vary based on the practice. You should call your provider as soon as you find out you are pregnant to determine the best time to come in, which is typically between 6 and 10 weeks.

Andrea Chisholm, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, explains that during your first appointment, your OB/GYN will discuss your medical history (including your partner and family history) and give you a physical exam. You will also undergo a number of routine prenatal lab tests, where they will screen for infectious diseases (such as HIV, hep B/C, and syphilis), STIs, and immunity to rubella and chickenpox.

During your first visit, you may or may not get an ultrasound depending on your provider or risk factors determined from your medical history. Your provider will check your blood pressure, may perform a pap smear or pelvic exam, and discuss a prenatal game plan for the coming months, including a potential due date , which prenatal vitamins to take, and any necessary lifestyle and dietary changes.

"This is [also] the appointment where your OB provider will decide if any additional early testing or intervention is needed," says Dr. Chisholm.

Your Second Prenatal Care Appointment

From weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy, you will visit your OB/GYN once a month, so your second visit will be four weeks from your initial visit.

Dr. Chisholm explains that if your initial prenatal visit was prior to 10 weeks, then your OB/GYN will listen for fetal heart tones during the second visit. They will continue to check the baby's heartbeat at every appointment after 10 weeks. (Arguably the best part of every visit!)

There may be more discussion about genetic testing at this appointment and your urine may be screened to watch for infection. Your weight and blood pressure will be checked, which is something you can come to expect from every prenatal appointment moving forward.

14 to 16 Weeks Prenatal Care Appointments

Welcome to the second trimester! Between 14 and 16 weeks, you'll undergo the usual blood pressure and weight-gain check, and your doctor will monitor your baby's heartbeat. Dr. Chisholm explains that there may be continued discussion about genetic testing and a possible screening for neural tube defects with an AFP (or alpha-fetoprotein test ).

"If you are at an increased risk for gestational diabetes your provider may [also] suggest an early glucose challenge test," she says.

18 to 22 Weeks Prenatal Care Appointments

Between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, you will likely get the ultrasound you've been so anxiously awaiting—the anatomy scan! This is where you can find out the sex of the tiny human you've been growing for the past few months. For some, this may be the first ultrasound since becoming pregnant.

Around 20 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider will begin to measure your belly to check your baby’s growth (or the uterine fundal height). They do this by measuring from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, which helps ensure your baby's growth is on track for how far along you are. You can expect this at every appointment moving forward.

22 to 26 Weeks Prenatal Care Appointments

Dr. Chisholm explains that between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you can expect a glucose challenge screening test , which screens for gestational diabetes. You will be asked to drink a sweet liquid (glucose), wait one hour, and then have your blood drawn. The blood test examines how well your body processes sugar.

If you test positive during the test, you will be asked to do a second, longer test (three hours), called the glucose tolerance test. If you receive abnormal results, you will likely be diagnosed with gestational diabetes , and your provider will lay out a treatment plan.

28 to 36 Weeks Prenatal Care Appointments

Hello, third trimester! Your prenatal visits will now increase to every two weeks until you hit the 36-week mark. Your OB/GYN will continue to check your blood pressure, weight, and baby's heartbeat, but will also focus on your baby's position ( head-down versus breech ).

Your provider may also give you a Tdap vaccination during this time, which protects you and your baby against pertussis (or whooping cough), which can be very dangerous for an infant.

Around 35 weeks, you will also be tested for Group B streptococcus, a bacteria that can cause severe infections in newborns if not treated during labor. If you test positive, don't worry! The test simply shows that you have the bacteria in your body, not that it will cause illness in you or your baby. This can be treated with antibiotics during labor to ensure a safe delivery.

36 to 40 Weeks Prenatal Care Appointments

Once you hit 36 weeks pregnant (the home stretch!), you will start having weekly OB visits until delivery day. During the last few weeks of visits, your OB will start checking your cervix to see if dilation is taking place. They will also be able to determine whether your baby is in the head-down position and ready for labor. You will go over any final preparations, how to time your contractions, and when it's time to call your healthcare provider.

40 to 42 Weeks Prenatal Care Appointments

There are times when a baby may take longer than anticipated to make their big debut. Most times, your healthcare provider will allow the pregnancy to take its course until you reach 41 weeks, after which they will begin running tests to make sure the baby is okay. If your little one is active, healthy, and the amniotic fluid amount is sufficient, they may decide to wait it out until labor begins.

On the other hand, if you are approaching 42 weeks pregnant with no signs of active labor, induction may be the best option to secure the health of you and your baby. Once you reach this point, the placenta may stop working as well as it should, causing a decrease in oxygen and nutrients for the baby. Your OB/GYN may choose to start the induction process to get labor moving, or a C-section may be needed if there is fetal distress or labor is not starting or progressing as it should.

A Word From Verywell

While you've gotten a general run-down of each prenatal appointment, it's important to keep in mind that every pregnancy is different. Remember to bring any questions you have to each doctor's visit, and don't be afraid to ask them! Your OB/GYN is there to guide you every step of the way and ensure you and your baby receive the absolute best care, treatment, and delivery possible.

March of Dimes. Prenatal care checkups .

M Health Fairveiw. What to expect before, during and after your first prenatal appointment .

Nemours Children's Health. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) .

American Pregnancy Association. Glucose tolerance test .

Nemours Children's Health. Group B Strep and pregnancy .

Mount Sinai. When you pass your due date .

By Alex Vance Alex Vance is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from pregnancy and parenting to health and wellness. She is a former news and features writer for Moms.com and Blog Writer for The HOTH. Her motherhood-related pieces have been published on Scary Mommy, Motherhood Understood, and Thought Catalog.

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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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Making the most of your prenatal care

By: My Vanderbilt Health

April 16, 2024

Early and continuous prenatal care can set you up for a supportive partnership with your health care provider throughout your pregnancy. Learn what to expect at your appointments.

It’s important to seek prenatal care as soon as you think you may be pregnant, and then continue to attend your prenatal visits throughout your pregnancy. Whether you have been planning to become pregnant and have adopted good health habits in advance — or you feel like you have some catching up to do — your health care provider will help you learn how to take care of your health.

“You are not in this alone,” said Marylou Smith, a certified nurse midwife with Vanderbilt Women’s Health . “With consistent prenatal care, you are building a team that includes, you, your baby, your health care provider and your main support people.”

What to expect at your prenatal care appointments

Prenatal appointments are like stopping points along your pregnancy journey where you get helpful advice and care from a knowledgeable guide who has been down the road with other families many times before, Smith said.

“At each visit, your health care provider will guide you through your pregnancy by answering questions and monitoring your progress,” Smith said. “There will also be various  tests  to make sure you’re on track. They will listen to your concerns, provide solutions and watch out for potential issues before they have a chance to become into problems. A healthy baby and pregnancy start with quality prenatal care.”

Here are a few things your health care provider will do at your prenatal visits:

• Evaluate the health of your pregnancy . At your first prenatal visit, your provider will calculate a “due date” that gives an estimate of the delivery of your baby. (Many women give birth between 38 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. Your due date is determined by counting 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.)
• Check the progress of your pregnancy . This includes your baby’s growth, fetal heart rate, changes in your weight and blood pressure, and your overall health and comfort.
• Check lab work through blood and urine . This will change depending on the trimester, but will include checking iron, sugar and protein levels that could indicate anemia,  gestational diabetes  and  preeclampsia .
• Discuss normal changes that happen during pregnancy . Some changes and discomforts are completely normal, while some may point to complications. Your provider will address these issues and recommend appropriate lifestyle changes or further screening.
• Ensure you’re following healthy habits . These include  avoiding smoking and alcohol ; taking folic acid and vitamin supplements; avoiding exposure to harmful substances, like pesticides and radiation; getting regular exercise; following a healthy, balanced diet; and staying hydrated.
• Answer your questions . (All of them.) Your provider wants to help you feel as prepared as possible for the labor and delivery of your baby.

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

Alexandra Olson And Claire Savage

Associated Press

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.

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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.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

HCG Levels at 5 weeks

And second one was at 5 weeks around the 4,000 (don’t remember the exact number since it was a call, they haven’t post the results)

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