Schedule for Routine Pre Natal Visits

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Your Examination Schedule
Your Examination Schedule
Regular visits: You'll be seen on a regular basis for the first and second trimesters. Assuming no problems or complications, expect to visit your obstetrician as follows:

0 - 30 weeks -> every four weeks

30 - 36 weeks -> every two weeks

36 - 40 weeks -> every week

After 40 weeks -> twice a week

During these routine visits, the doctor will record your progress, take additional samples for lab testing and check on your overall good health.

What to expect
You'll be weighed at each visit to determine weight gain or loss.

Your blood pressure will be taken.

A urine sample will be collected and sent for testing of diabetes.

Baby's growth will be measured and recorded.

Extremities will be examined for edema (swelling).

The baby's heartbeat will be checked after week 12.

During late-term visits, the doctor will feel your abdomen to determine the position of the baby.

Pelvic exams may be performed when deemed appropriate by the obstetrician.

Your Testing Schedule
Expect to be tested throughout pregnancy. It's not unusual, it's the norm. Strictly precautionary in most cases.

Your doctor may add or delete tests based on your history, but typically tests during pregnancy include:

Test	Reason	When
CVS	Tests placental tissue for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome	10 - 12 weeks
Amniocentesis	Tests for chromosomal disorders	15 - 18 weeks
Multiple-Marker screening	Measure hormone and AFP levels neural tube defects and Down Syndrome	16 - 18 weeks
Ultrasound	Detects congenital problems tracks baby's growth and position	18 - 20 weeks
Glucose screening	Test for gestational diabetes	24 - 28 weeks
Group B streptococci Screening	Checks GBS in mother; can be passed on to baby	35 - 37 weeks

Concerns between visits
Some questions and concerns can wait until your next scheduled exam, but others are too important to wait. No matter when your next appointment is scheduled, if you have a question or concern call your doctor's office. If your doctor is unavailable (delivering someone else's little bundle of joy) nurses are available to answer your questions.

It's a Busy Time. Enjoy it.
As you move toward the end of your first trimester, you have so much to look forward to. Soon everyone will know your wonderful news. You'll be ready to burst at the seams with your wonderful news and you'll begin to announce your pregnancy (if you haven't already done so). You'll soon look pregnant, which will bring you the attention of many well-wishers - some you don't even know. The aches and tummy trouble which you may have experienced are about to end.

You're almost to the point in your pregnancy that you've dreamed about. The glowing part. The part where you can't keep your hands off your own middle. The part where your excitement and enthusiasm are equally matched by your feelings of physical well-being. You're on the road to Mommy hood and the whole world is about to know it.