How often do I go for my antenatal checks?

Your prenatal checks will be something you look forward to, as not only do they provide a place to answer your questions and allay your fears, but they keep you up to date on your baby's progress and wellbeing.

You’ll typically have 10-15 visits although you’ll be scheduled to see your caregiver more often if your pregnancy is high risk.

In the first trimester

You should schedule your first prenatal check at six to eight weeks pregnant. In it, your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife will ask about how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally, and carry out a range of tests (including blood tests) to check your wellbeing. They’ll also inform you about what prenatal screening and diagnostic tests are available to you.

In the second trimester

When you enter your second trimester (weeks 13-28) you’ll typically see your caregiver once a month unless there are any complications with your pregnancy. At these checkups, your caregiver will review your records and will again ask you how you’re feeling. More specific questions may include whether you’ve experienced any spotting or felt your baby move.

They’ll run through the general checks you had at your first appointment: weight, blood pressure, urine; and will also listen to your baby’s heartbeat, measure your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone t the top of your uterus which roughly equates to how many weeks pregnant you are) and palpate your bump to feel how big your uterus is and your baby’s position. Your caregiver will also discuss your options for childbirth education classes and screening and diagnostic tests.

In the third trimester

You’ll likely be scheduled for checkups every two weeks in your third trimester (weeks 29-40), and every week once you reach 36 weeks. The format of your appointments follows those you had in your second trimester, although the questions your caregiver asks will be specific to how you’re likely to be feeling now you’re further along – for example, she may ask if you‘ve felt any Braxton Hicks Contracts; or if you’re suffering from heartburn. The tests and checks your caregiver performs will remain the same, and she’ll be able to tell if your baby is breech. If he is you may be offered a procedure called is external cephalic version to try to turn him into a head-down position.

For more information, read what can I tell my OB-GYN or nurse-midwife?.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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