Prenatal Visits
Each OBGYN or Facility has its own schedule for what you will experience at each appointment, but you can follow the schedule provided below to conduct research on typical events and tests you will encounter.
Routine Visits are Scheduled:
• Every 4 weeks until 28 or 30 weeks
• Every 2 weeks between 30-36 weeks
• Weekly from 36 weeks to delivery
1st Appointment: 5- 11 weeks
Intake meeting
The provider will gather information about your medical history, including past pregnancies, surgeries, medications, menstrual cycle, and family history of health conditions. They will also ask about your last menstrual period to determine your due date. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and find out if this is the provider you want to continue with.
Tests
You will also receive an internal ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and make sure everything looks good so far. 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 check for immunity against rubella. Other testing that may occur includes genetic screening and testing for diabetes. You may refuse this test if you would like. Lastly, they will take a urine sample for a pregnancy test and to drug test you.
12-18 Week Appointment
These tests determine if the baby is at high risk for genetic disorders. If the test reveals you or your baby are high risk, other specialized tests may be ordered. • Carrier Testing for Cystic Fibrosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Fragile X, Tay-Sachs, or Sickle Cell • Early screen with NT (nuchal translucency) test (12-14 weeks) • Cell Free Fetal DNA also known as NIPT after 10 weeks • AFP Quad screen, 15-22 weeks • Other testing options may be available and can be discussed with your provider.
20-24 Week Appointment
Ultrasound to evaluate fetal anatomy, including the heart, brain, spine, limbs, etc. This will identify most but not all abnormalities and will also assess the placenta, cervix, and amniotic fluid. Some medical conditions necessitate referral to maternal-fetal medicine for extensive ultrasounds. This appointment will take around 30-60 minutes, so be prepared for that.
24-28 Week Appointment
Third trimester labs, including syphilis, CBC, and a glucola test to screen for gestational diabetes, you may purchase the fresh test online if you want to have a better alternative. We do not recommend you fast before this test. If Rh negative, antibody screen and RhoGAM administration.
This is a blurb from my doctor about the glucose test:
It is a routine blood test. It is performed between 24-28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes. We do not recommend you fast before this test. We encourage a high-protein meal rather than a meal high in carbohydrates. You will be asked to drink a glucose (sugar) beverage. After one hour, blood will be drawn. The blood sample will show how your body reacts to having a “glucose load.” The test results are usually back within 48 hours. If the test is abnormal, more testing will be done.
28-34 Weeks
At this point, you will be going to appointments every two weeks. Your basic care will be hearing the heart rate and measuring the bump. They will offer you a Tdap booster shot if you would like as well.
35 Weeks-Delivery
Each appointment will consist of a cervical check if you allow it. You can say no to these. Read the linked post for more information on cervical checks. They will also measure your belly and find your baby's heartbeat with the Doppler.