Schedule Of Visits During Pregnancy

Your first pregnancy visit will be the most comprehensive of all the prenatal visits. A complete history will be obtained including:

• Medical History: medications, allergies, health problems (diabetes, hypertension), past illnesses and surgeries
• Gynecological & Obstetrical History: menstrual history, date of last menstrual period, history of all past pregnancies, labor and deliveries and any complications
• Social History: age, occupation, family support, smoking, alcohol, drug use, diet, and exercise
• Family History: general health of family members and genetic screen (includes history of neural tube defect, Down’s Syndrome, mental retardation, Tay Sach’s, Sickle cell disease or trait, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Huntington Chorea or other inherited genetic or chormosomal disorders)

There will also be an assesment of your general and obstetrical health through a comprehensive physical examination. Routine tests include:

• Urinalysis for detection of infection, protein and sugar
• Pap test for cervical cancer and cervical test for sexual disease
• Blood tests to determine blood and Rh type, to screen for anemia, syphilis, hepatitis, HIV, sickle cell trait and disease, and to determine immunity to rubella.

The prenatal conference will include information about body changes, exercise, nutrition, pregnancy precautions and allow time for questions.

Following visits will be of shorter and you will be seen monthly from the first visit to 28 weeks gestation. Then you will have a visit every 2-3 weeks from 28-36 weeks. Once you reach 36 weeks your visits will be weekly until the time of delivery. If complications arise the frequency of visits will be adjusted.

Your gynecologist will be able to answer any questions and concerns you may have at each visit. The baby’s growth, position and heartbeat will be assessed. Your urine will be checked for sugar and protein and your weight and blood pressure will be checked. Pelvic examinations and lab tests will be performed when necessary throughout your pregnancy.

Schedule of Visits Below is a basic schedule of what to expect during various visits and how the baby’s growth is progressing.

8-10 Weeks
Baby’s length: 1.5-2.4″ Weight: .035-.175 oz.
Comprehensive prenatal evaluation and lab tests.

12-14 Weeks
Baby’s length: 3-4.7″ Weight: .7-2.1 oz.
First Trimester Screening, termed Nuchal Translucency Testing, is available. This combination of blood and ultrasound testing provides information regarding the risk of having a baby with Down’s syndrome, Trisomy 13 and 18. At this point you should hear a heartbeat.

16-18 Weeks
Baby’s length: 6.25-7.8″ Weight: 4.2-7.7 oz.
Quad Screen (provides information about the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects or Down’s Syndrome). You may begin to feel the baby move.

20-22 Weeks
Baby’s length: 9.75-11″ Weight: 11.5 oz – 1 lb
At this point you will definitely feel baby moving. During this visit you will most likely have an ultrasound.

24-26 Weeks
Baby’s length: 11.7-12.5″ Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz. – 1 lb. 14 oz.
Glucola and third trimester screen for detecting gestational diabetes, anemia, syphilis and antibodies. Make sure you have completed your hospital pre-admission form and registered for pregnancy classes at this point.

28-30 Weeks
Baby’s length: 13.6-14.8″ Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz. – 3 lbs.
If Rh factor is negative will need antibody screen and RhoGam injection. You may begin pelvic examinations.

32 Weeks
Baby’s length: 15.6″ Weight: 3 lbs. 13 oz.
Discuss whether to bottle or breast feed and choice of pediatrician.

35 Weeks
Baby’s length: 16.4″ Weight: 4 lbs. 8 oz.
Review of signs of labor. Vaginal culture for GBS (Group B Streptococcus)- this bacteria may cause infection in newborns. The home stretch and beginning of weekly visits and pelvic examinations.

36-40 Weeks
Baby’s length: 17.5-19.5″ Weight: 5 lbs. 5 oz. – 7 lbs.