Prenatal Appointments

What to expect during your first prenatal appointment 

Your first prenatal appointment is an important step in caring for yourself and your growing baby. Most people can schedule this visit between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy, although some may be seen earlier based on symptoms or medical history. 

During this visit, your doctor will confirm your pregnancy, review your health, discuss any risks and begin planning your prenatal care for the months ahead. 

Medical history and what to bring 

Your doctor will ask about your: 

• Personal medical history 
• Family medical history 
• Previous pregnancies or miscarriages 
• Menstrual history 
• Past surgeries 
• Current medications, vitamins and supplements 
• Allergies 
• Lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol use or drug use 

Sharing accurate information helps identify any factors that could affect your pregnancy and guides decisions about testing and follow-up care. 

Tests you may have at your first prenatal visit 

Your first appointment includes a full health check. Tests may include: 

• Confirmation of pregnancy 
• Physical exam and general checkup 
• Blood pressure screening 
• Blood tests (blood type, Rh factor, anemia screening, thyroid testing as needed) 
• Urine test (infection screening, protein and glucose levels) 
• STD tests 
• Pap test if you are due for cervical cancer screening 
• Blood sugar testing if you are at risk for diabetes 
• Early ultrasound to confirm gestational age or evaluate symptoms 

Your provider will also talk with you about nutrition, prenatal vitamins, safe medications and what to avoid during pregnancy. 

What to expect at routine prenatal appointments 

Prenatal appointments allow your care team to monitor your health and your baby's development. These visits change throughout pregnancy based on your trimester and any health concerns. 

During most prenatal visits, your provider will: 

• Check your blood pressure 
• Review your weight 
• Measure the size of your belly 
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat 
• Review symptoms and answer questions 
• Check a urine sample 
• Discuss fetal movement 
• Talk about upcoming tests and ultrasounds 

Additional exams, such as pelvic or breast exams, may be done when needed. 

Prenatal appointment schedule 

Your schedule typically looks like this: 

• First trimester (weeks 1–12): Every 4 weeks 
• Second trimester (weeks 13–27): Every 4 weeks 
• Third trimester (weeks 28–36): Every 2 weeks 
• Late third trimester (weeks 36–delivery): Weekly visits 

Your doctor may recommend more frequent appointments if you have a high-risk pregnancy or develop complications. 

First trimester appointments: what to expect 

During the first trimester your appointments focus on: 

• Confirming pregnancy and dating 
• Blood and urine testing 
• Screening for infections 
• Discussing genetic screening options 
• Managing nausea, fatigue and early pregnancy symptoms 

Around 11 to 13 weeks, you may have a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound and optional genetic screening to assess your baby’s risk for certain conditions. 

Second trimester appointments: what to expect 

Second trimester visits focus on growth and development. Your provider may: 

• Review fetal movement 
• Screen for gestational diabetes (typically at 24–28 weeks) 
• Monitor blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia 
• Discuss any back pain, sleep changes or new symptoms 

The anatomy ultrasound usually occurs around 18–22 weeks. This scan examines your baby's brain, heart, spine, face and other organs. You may also be able to learn the sex of your baby if you choose. 

Third trimester appointments: what to expect 

As your due date gets closer, your doctor will: 

• Monitor your baby's position 
• Check your cervix in the final weeks 
• Screen for Group B Strep (GBS) around 36–37 weeks 
• Review your birth preferences 
• Discuss labor signs and when to go to the hospital 

These appointments help track your baby’s growth and catch any complications early. 

When to call your doctor 

Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have: 

• Heavy bleeding 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Strong or frequent contractions before 37 weeks 
• Decreased fetal movement 
• Severe headaches or visual changes 
• Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet 

Your care team is available to support you throughout your pregnancy. 

Banner Health is here for you 

Your prenatal appointments are an important part of keeping you and your baby healthy. At Banner Health, our obstetrics team will guide you through each visit, answer your questions and help you prepare for a safe and confident delivery. 

If you need help scheduling or have concerns at any time, contact your Banner OB/GYN or request an appointment online.