In pregnancy, your estimated due date represents 40 completed weeks of gestation. The following outline of obstetric appointments represents an example of the typical number of visits pregnant patients can expect to schedule during a normal, low risk pregnancy:
| # of weeks | What to Expect During the Visit | Reminders and General Plans for Your Next Visits |
1 | 6-8 | Confirmation Visit. Pelvic exam, prenatal info reviewed, prenatal vitamins prescribed, ultrasound, OB folder given. | Review & sign consent forms for genetic testing and fetal screening. Bring to your next visit for OB Work-up |
2 | 12 | OB Work-Up. Pap smear (if due), prenatal labs, urine culture, genetic testing & fetal screening (if desired) | Discuss tests for high-risk pregnancy |
3 | 16 | Routine Visit. AFP blood test | Schedule 20-week ultrasound* (unless you are being followed by specialist) |
4 | 20 | Routine Visit. Anatomy ultrasound (*scheduled separately from visit with doctor.) |
|
5 | 24 | Routine Visit. 1-hour glucose test and Complete Blood Count | Obtain Glucola & review instructions for next visit. Consume Glucola before next appointment. |
6 | 28 | Routine Visit. 1-hour glucose test and Complete Blood Count (if not done at last visit) Rhogam Injection + AB Screen if Rh negative, TDAP Injection | Review Cord Blood Banking. Sign up for and attend maternity classes, hospital tour, etc. Begin appointments now every 2 weeks. |
7 | 30 | Routine Visit | Pre-register at Northside Hospital |
8 | 32 | Routine Visit |
|
9 | 34 | Routine Visit | Select a pediatrician. Begin appointments every week. |
10 | 36 | Routine Visit. Group B Strep culture, cervix check, bloodwork |
|
11 | 37 | Routine Visit | |
12 | 38 | Routine Visit |
|
13 | 39 | Routine Visit. Cervix check |
|
14 | 40 | Routine Visit. Cervix check | Discuss delivery/induction of labor |