After your initial OB appointment, you will typically be seen on the following appointment schedule, although it could vary slightly:

• Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks of pregnancy
• Every 2 weeks between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
• Once a week between 36 weeks of pregnancy and delivery

Although most pregnancies proceed normally, every pregnancy poses some degree of risk. Assessing the risk is an ongoing process and a central part of prenatal care. Complications can arise without warning so each visit is very important for your care and also for the care of your unborn baby. If you cannot keep one of your appointments, please call to reschedule.

What to expect at your appointment

Every Visit

• Urine test: This routine urine test checks for proteins, sugar, or chemicals that may be an indication of infection or dehydration.
• Weight: It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy, but we want to make sure you aren’t gaining too much or too little, as this may be a sign that we need to evaluate your health or the baby’s health.
• Blood pressure: Consistently checking blood pressure during pregnancy is important, as high blood pressure can be very dangerous for you and your baby.
• Fetal heart rate: We will listen to the baby’s heartbeat each visit.
• Evaluate uterine size: This helps us determine the growth of your baby

4-8 Weeks (First Visit)

• Review medical, surgical and obstetric history
• General physical examination that may include a breast and pelvic examination
• Pap smear, if indicated
• Prenatal blood work: Blood type, immunity to rubella (German measles), blood count to evaluate for anemia, Hepatitis B, HIV or other infectious disease screenings, as indicated.
• Urine analysis
• Review initial prenatal labs
• Optional: Cystic fibrosis carrier screening

10-14 Weeks

• Screening for Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
• Genetic testing through nuchal translucency screen or cell free fetal DNA
• Review medical history
• Physical exam, if not performed during weeks 6-8

18-20 weeks

• Ultrasound to check anatomy and possibly gender
• Maternal Serum Alpha-Feto Protein screen for neural tube defects

24-28 Weeks

• Screen for gestational diabetes
• If blood type Rh negative: antibody screen and Rhogam injection

27-36 Weeks

• Tdap: Immunization to protect against pertussis (whooping cough)

35-37 Weeks

• Group B Streptococcus screen is performed to check/screen for bacteria that can cause pneumonia or serious infection to the baby
• Pelvic exam to check cervix for early dilation
• Additional screening labs as indicated

Postpartum

• 2 and 4-6 weeks after delivery
• Physical examination, as needed
• Discussion of contraception
• Depression screening