Prenatal Office Visits Calendar
This is a list of exams, tests and general information that is covered during the course of a pregnancy. Your appointments may vary depending on when you begin your prenatal care and if you have any additional problem visits. The weeks listed here are approximates for the gestation of the pregnancy. Your appointments may vary by 1 to 2 weeks. There will also be some differences in the timing of discussions. This is a general guideline and not meant to be all inclusive.
You first visit can be as soon as you miss your period.
Confirmation of pregnancy appointment (4-7 weeks)
Determine due date
Discuss prenatal vitamins
Discuss lifestyle, diet & exercise.
Review warning signs of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
New OB appointment (8-10 weeks)
Physical exam usually including pap smear
Order labs- blood and urine
Discuss optional testing
12 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Complete nuchal translucency ultrasound, if desired
Review lab results
16 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Order AFP test, if desired
Schedule complete ultrasound
20 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Complete ultrasound
Discuss pediatricians & childbirth education classes
24 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Discuss glucose testing for gestational diabetes (complete between 26-28 weeks)
Discuss signs of preterm labor
28 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Discuss glucose test results
Receive Rhogam-for patients with Rh-negative blood type only
Discuss hospital facilities & complete pre-registration form
Select pediatrician
Repeat ultrasound-if needed
30 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Discuss warning signs of pre-eclampsia & review preterm labor
32 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Discuss indications for c-section, forceps or vacuum
Begin twice weekly monitoring for high-risk pregnancy
34 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Discuss Group beta strep test (GBS)
Discuss labor pain medication options & birth plan
36 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Check fetal position
Complete GBS test
Discuss postpartum mood changes
Discuss signs of labor
37 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Check fetal position
Vaginal exam for cervical dilation may be done
38 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Check fetal position
Vaginal exam for cervical dilation may be done
39 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Check fetal position
Vaginal exam for cervical dilation may be done
Discuss options for labor induction-if indicated or desired
40 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Check fetal position
Vaginal exam for cervical dilation may be done
Begin twice weekly monitoring for post dates pregnancy
Discuss options for labor induction
41 weeks
Check weight & blood pressure
Listen to fetal heart beat and check uterine size
Check fetal position
Vaginal exam for cervical dilation
Continue twice weekly monitoring
Discuss labor induction
It is important to see your healthcare provider for each of these visits. Mothers who receive good prenatal care are more likely to deliver healthy babies and have fewer complications.