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Hero Pregnancy Care

What to Expect at Your Visits

Your Prenatal Visits, Step by Step

Regular prenatal visits are one of the best ways to care for yourself and your growing baby. At each appointment, your provider checks on your health and your baby's development, answers your questions and helps you prepare for what comes next. 

The timeline below is for a low-risk pregnancy. If you have complications, you may need more frequent visits, additional ultrasounds or other testing. Your provider will create a plan that fits your needs.

Low-Risk Pregnancy

Visit Schedule at a Glance

How often you'll see your provider as your pregnancy progresses.
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2 Visits

First Trimester
6 to 12 weeks
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Every 4 Weeks

Second Trimester
12 to 28 weeks
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Every 2 Weeks

Third Trimester
28 to 36 weeks
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Every Week

Until Delivery
36 weeks and later

Visit Details by Trimester

Every stage of pregnancy brings new milestones. Here's what to expect at your visits, from your first appointment through your follow-up care after delivery.

First Trimester: 6 to 12 Weeks

You will typically have two visits. 

  • Confirmation visit: We confirm your pregnancy and review your medical history, current medications and any previous pregnancies. A physical exam, including a pelvic exam, is usually done.
  • Initial OB visit: Usually two to four weeks later. We review or complete your lab work, do an ultrasound and give you your final due date.
  • Your due date: We calculate your due date from the first day of your last menstrual period. If your periods are irregular or you’re unsure of the date, we use your first trimester ultrasound.

Optional Screenings: 9 to 22 Weeks

Your provider will discuss the best options for you.

  • Chromosomal screening: Checks for chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Carrier screening: Checks whether you carry a genetic condition you could pass to your baby.
  • Neural tube screening: Checks for conditions such as spina bifida.

Second Trimester: 12 to 28 Weeks

Visits are every four weeks. We listen to your baby’s heartbeat, measure your fundal height and check your blood pressure and urine.

  • At 20 weeks: A detailed anatomy ultrasound checks your baby’s organs, spine, limbs and placenta.
  • Between 24 and 28 weeks: Gestational diabetes screening, third trimester labs, Tdap vaccine and Rhogam if you have a negative blood type.

Third Trimester: 28 to 40+ Weeks

Visits are every two weeks until 36 weeks, then every week until delivery.

  • Between 32 and 36 weeks: RSV vaccine from September through January.
  • At 36 weeks: Group B strep swab. Cervical exams may be offered to check dilation.

After Delivery

If you had complications such as high blood pressure, your schedule may be different.

  • Vaginal delivery: Follow-up visits at three and six weeks postpartum.
  • Cesarean section: Incision check at one week, then follow-up visits at three and six weeks.

Vaccines During Pregnancy

Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to protect you and your baby. Your provider will recommend the right ones at the right time during your pregnancy.

Flu Vaccine

Any time during pregnancy

  • Pregnant women are five times more likely to become seriously ill from the flu
  • We use an inactivated vaccine that protects you and your baby
  • If breastfeeding after delivery, you can get the shot or nasal spray

Tdap Vaccine

Between 27 and 36 weeks

  • Protects your baby from pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Whooping cough can be life-threatening for infants under six months
  • Protection lasts until your baby can get their own vaccine

RSV Vaccine

Between 32 and 36 weeks, September through January

  • Protects your baby from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants