Prenatal care involves the routine health supervision a pregnant person receives from a healthcare professional. These scheduled appointments monitor both maternal and fetal health throughout the pregnancy. Regular check-ups allow providers to identify potential health concerns early, offering timely intervention and guidance. The frequency and content of these visits support a healthy progression toward delivery and ensure the best outcome for the parent and the baby.
The Standard Prenatal Visit Schedule
For a person with a low-risk, singleton pregnancy, a standard schedule of appointments is followed, increasing in frequency as the pregnancy advances. This typical schedule results in a total of about 10 to 15 in-person visits from confirmation until birth.
The first phase of care covers the longest period, with appointments scheduled approximately once a month, or every four weeks, until around the 28th week of gestation.
As the third trimester begins, the appointment cadence increases for closer monitoring during the final months. From week 28 up to week 36, visits transition to a bi-weekly schedule (every two weeks). This increased frequency helps track rapid changes in late pregnancy, such as fetal growth and the potential onset of complications.
In the final weeks leading up to the due date, visits become weekly, starting from the 36th week until delivery. This final phase monitors fetal position, checks for signs of labor progression, and performs final screenings.
Purpose of Routine Prenatal Visits
Each routine prenatal visit includes a standard set of consistent measurements and checks. The provider checks the patient’s blood pressure and weight at every appointment to monitor for conditions like preeclampsia and track gestational weight gain.
Routine urine samples are collected to screen for potential issues. These include urinary tract infections, high glucose levels (indicating gestational diabetes), or protein (a sign of preeclampsia).
A main focus is tracking the baby’s development. Starting around the 12th week, the fetal heart rate is checked using a handheld Doppler device. Once the pregnancy reaches approximately 20 weeks, the provider measures the fundal height—the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus.
This measurement estimates fetal growth and gestational age. Any significant deviation can prompt further investigation, such as an ultrasound. The visit is also a dedicated time for the patient to discuss symptoms, concerns, or questions about nutrition, exercise, or discomforts.
When the Appointment Schedule Changes
The standard schedule is designed for a low-risk pregnancy, but certain factors necessitate a more frequent appointment schedule. When a pregnancy is classified as high-risk, the provider increases the number of visits for intensive monitoring.
Factors Leading to Increased Visits
A common factor increasing the risk profile is advanced maternal age (over 35 years old). Pre-existing medical conditions also require closer surveillance, including chronic hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or autoimmune disorders.
Carrying multiples, such as twins or triplets, almost always increases appointment frequency due to the higher risk of complications like preterm birth and fetal growth issues.
Complications that develop during the pregnancy itself will also change the schedule. Examples include the onset of preeclampsia, placental issues, or a diagnosis of fetal growth restriction. In these situations, more frequent appointments, often including additional testing like specialized ultrasounds or non-stress tests, become necessary to manage the health of the parent and the baby.