Prenatal care involves a series of regular appointments designed to monitor the health of both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. The purpose of these visits is to identify potential health issues early, manage symptoms, and provide guidance for a healthy pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, the frequency of these checkups increases to ensure closer surveillance during the later stages of fetal development.
The Standard Timeline for Biweekly Visits
For a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, the standard schedule of prenatal visits is divided into three phases based on gestational age. You typically see your healthcare provider every four weeks, or once a month, during the first and most of the second trimester. This monthly routine generally continues until you reach approximately 28 weeks of gestation, which marks the start of the third trimester.
The transition to biweekly, or every-two-week, appointments usually begins around the 28th week of pregnancy and continues through week 36. This 28-to-36-week window is the established guideline, though individual health factors or specific pregnancy complications may require a modified or earlier start to biweekly care. The increased frequency reflects the growing intensity of fetal development and the maternal body’s adaptation in the final months.
Clinical Rationale for Increased Frequency
The shift to biweekly appointments is medically driven by changes that occur in the late second and early third trimesters. At this stage, the fetus begins a period of rapid growth, requiring closer attention to ensure the baby is growing at an appropriate rate and receiving sufficient nutrition and oxygen.
The third trimester also brings an increased risk for certain pregnancy-related complications that can develop quickly. Conditions like preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, often manifest or worsen during this period, necessitating more frequent blood pressure and urine checks. Gestational diabetes is also managed during this time, and the close visits help monitor any sudden changes in maternal health that could affect the pregnancy outcome. The medical community historically focused visits into the third trimester largely to detect these maternal signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.
Key Assessments During Biweekly Appointments
During the biweekly phase, appointments continue routine checks while adding more focused third-trimester assessments. Each visit involves checking your weight and blood pressure. A urine sample is collected to screen for protein, which can be an early indicator of preeclampsia, and glucose. Your healthcare provider uses a Doppler to listen to the fetal heart rate, confirming the baby’s well-being.
A measurement of the fundal height is also performed, using a tape measure to track the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. This measurement helps monitor the baby’s growth and the volume of amniotic fluid. Specific screenings and vaccinations are conducted during this period, such as the Tdap vaccine to protect the baby against pertussis (whooping cough) after birth. If you have a negative Rhesus (Rh) factor blood type, you typically receive a dose of Rh immunoglobulin around 28 weeks to prevent complications in future pregnancies. The test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common bacterium, is usually done between weeks 35 and 37.
Discussions also focus on common third-trimester discomforts and preparations for labor, including understanding signs of preterm labor, counting fetal movements, and addressing concerns about delivery planning.
The Transition to Weekly Care
The biweekly appointment schedule transitions to weekly appointments beginning around 36 weeks of gestation. This final phase continues until delivery and is dedicated to close surveillance as the due date approaches.
During these weekly visits, your provider focuses heavily on checking for changes in the cervix, often including a pelvic exam to assess dilation and effacement. They also confirm the baby’s position for birth. The goal of this heightened frequency is to quickly identify any potential issues related to the onset of labor or fetal distress in the last weeks of pregnancy.