Prenatal care involves routine appointments to monitor the health and development of the pregnant person and the fetus. These regular check-ups identify potential issues early, offer guidance on healthy practices, and prepare for the birthing process. The frequency of these visits increases systematically as the pregnancy advances, reflecting the growing need for closer observation as the delivery date approaches.
The Standard Prenatal Schedule
The shift from monthly to bi-weekly appointments occurs around Week 28 of gestation for an uncomplicated pregnancy. Before this, visits are scheduled once every four weeks, spanning the first and second trimesters. This initial schedule focuses on establishing a baseline, confirming the estimated due date, and performing initial screenings.
The transition to a bi-weekly schedule marks the beginning of the third trimester. Increased frequency is necessary because the risk of complications rises significantly in the final months. Scheduling check-ups every two weeks allows providers to proactively monitor subtle changes in the health of the pregnant person and the growth of the fetus. The bi-weekly phase continues until Week 36 of the pregnancy.
Focus and Monitoring During Bi-Weekly Appointments
During the bi-weekly phase, appointments focus on screening for conditions that arise in late pregnancy.
Preeclampsia and Vitals
A primary concern is detecting preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage. Therefore, a blood pressure check and a urine sample analysis are routine at every visit.
Fetal Monitoring
Monitoring the fetus’s growth and position is another major element. The healthcare provider measures the fundal height—the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus—to estimate the baby’s growth rate. Consistent measurements help detect potential issues like intrauterine growth restriction.
Preparation and Screening
Discussions during this period address common third-trimester symptoms, such as swelling, fatigue, and heartburn. The provider also begins discussions about labor and delivery, including pain management options and birth preferences.
Toward the end of the bi-weekly period, between Weeks 36 and 37, a screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is performed. This involves taking a swab of the lower vagina and rectum to check for the presence of this common bacterium. If the result is positive, intravenous antibiotics are administered during labor to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby, as GBS can cause serious infection in newborns.
Transitioning to Weekly Visits
The prenatal schedule accelerates around Week 36, transitioning from bi-weekly to weekly appointments until delivery. This heightened frequency focuses on final preparations and continuous surveillance for signs of labor or complications.
A significant focus of the weekly visits is confirming the fetal presentation, ensuring the baby is positioned head-down for birth. If the baby is in a breech position after Week 36, the provider may discuss options such as an external cephalic version (ECV) to manually turn the baby.
Weekly appointments also involve discussions about the signs of labor and when to go to the hospital or birthing center. In some cases, a cervical exam may be performed to check for dilation and effacement, especially if the pregnant person is experiencing contractions. This close monitoring allows for timely intervention, such as scheduling a labor induction or a cesarean section if medically necessary.