After your first prenatal visit, your doctor sets a regular follow-up schedule — usually every four weeks until week 28, every two weeks until week 36, and weekly after that until delivery. Each visit has a clear purpose, even if they can look similar from the outside.
What's checked at each visit?
- Weight and blood pressure, to catch any early signs of preeclampsia or other issues.
- Uterus size and fetal heartbeat, to confirm growth is on track.
- A quick urine test for protein or sugar, if present.
- Being asked about any new symptoms — headaches, swelling, changes in baby's movement, or anything else.
Additional tests at specific stages
Alongside routine follow-up, certain tests happen in specific windows: the detailed anatomy ultrasound usually between weeks 18 and 22, the gestational diabetes screen typically between weeks 24 and 28, and the Group B strep test around week 36. Don't worry if you lose track of exact timing — your doctor is following the schedule and will remind you.
Jot down any questions that come to mind between visits so you don't forget them, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification on any result you don't understand. Regular follow-up is your best tool for catching any change early and handling it calmly.
