Routine, low-risk pregnancies generally follow a similar schedule: Monthly visits until 28 weeks, 2-3 week visits until 36 weeks, and weekly visits 36 weeks until delivery.  This schedule is likely to change if your doctor notices any concerns or wishes to monitor your pregnancy more closely.

1st pregnancy visit

monthly visits (up to 28 weeks)

bi-monthly visits (28-36 weeks)

weekly visits (36 weeks-delivery)

1st Pregnancy visit:

Most doctors will want to see you between 5-10 weeks of pregnancy.  Much depends on your past history as well.  If you have a history of miscarriage or other medical considerations they may want to see you earlier and more often.  Remember to ask about pre-natal vitamins if you are not already taking them.  The sooner you start, the better it is for you and your baby.

   The first visit will include a complete medical history (or review of history if you are a current patient).  Blood tests will be taken and a urine test will be done to confirm the pregnancy and to check for glucose or protein in the urine as well as for other conditions.  You will have your weight and blood pressure checked as well.  It's still to early to hear the fetal heartbeat, but you can look forward to that soon.

Monthly visits (up to 28 weeks):

Somewhere between 8-12 weeks, your doctor will want to listen to the fetal heartbeat using a doppler device. The average fetal heartbeat is between 120 and 160 beats per minute.  If necessary, the doctor can also see the fetal heartbeat on ultrasound as early as six weeks.  Each visit your weight gain, blood pressure and a urine sample will be taken as well.  the doctor will let you know how he feels your pregnancy is progressing.  It is important to express any concerns or ask any questions you may have.  After all, the doctor does not expect you to be an expert in this area.  asking questions only shows that you are about your health and that of your baby.

Your doctor will also start measuring fundal height around 14-16 weeks. Fundal height is simply another word for uterus, and measures the height from the top of the uterus to the top of the pubic bone.  You might even have an ultrasound around 20 weeks to determine the general health of your baby and maybe even the sex (if you want to know and the baby cooperates!)

Bi-Weekly Visits (28-36):

The increase in frequency of visits to every 2-3 weeks means your getting closer to delivery now and that the doctor will want to watch you a little more closely.  Babies born during this time do have a chance of surviving outside the womb, although complications are much more likely than with a full-term baby. You will still have your weight checked, blood pressure and urine samples, as well as the joy of listening to your babies heartbeat and having your babies fundal height measured. Your doctor may also start talking now about position of baby, birthing preferences, due date, induction, dilation and effacement, position of cervix, etc.  Make sure to ask your doctor about anything you don't understand.

If you haven't signed up already, now is a good time to enroll in a hospital orientation or childbirth preparation course.  Your baby will be here soon!

Weekly Visits (36-40):

By this point in your pregnancy, the weight, blood pressure and urine checks have become routine.  You probably still enjoy listening to your babies heartbeat and learning your babies fundal height-a good measure of how your baby is progressing inside the womb.

Terms like dilation and effacement, due date, induction, position of baby, birthing preferences, position of cervix all continue to be important as the due date draws near.

The good news:  If you have made it to 36 weeks of pregnancy, your baby has an excellent chance of being born healthy.  In fact, anywhere from 36 weeks on is considered full term.  Now is not the time to go on vacation or travel anywhere far from home.  Your baby could come at any time!