What to Expect at Your Prenatal Visits

Prenatal visits are an important part of your pregnancy, as these appointments keep track of your health and your baby's health. If this is your first pregnancy, here is an idea of what to expect at your prenatal visits.

A Lengthy First Visit

Your first prenatal visit is usually the longest appointment, as it starts with you giving your health history. There are several physical exams as well, such as a blood test, urine screening, pelvic exam and pap smear. This is also when your doctor gives you an estimated due date.

Next Several Visits

Your future prenatal visits include a blood pressure check, weight check and urine screening. On the second visit, you can listen to the fetal heartbeat using a Doppler, and you can listen to your baby's heartbeat during your other visits. Your doctor starts measuring your fundal height to check your baby's growth on the fourth visit.

Later Visits

Once you get to the later prenatal visits, more tests are performed to ensure you and your baby are doing well. Your doctor starts checking for swelling in your hands and feet during your fifth appointment, and you are regularly asked about your baby's movement on your sixth appointment.

Bi-Weekly and Weekly Visits

The bi-weekly prenatal visits start at your eighth visit, in which your doctor checks your baby's position. Your weekly visits start on your 36th week. Your visits are still the same, but your doctor may use an ultrasound to determine your baby's position and possibly their size. You may have a prenatal visit every few days once you hit 40 weeks.

As you can see, your prenatal visits are not only important for the health of you and your baby, but you can also watch your baby grow before the due date.