Preparing for baby

Because no two women have the exact same experience during pregnancy, it is important to schedule regular appointments with your doctor – during pregnancy and after giving birth. A successful pregnancy starts at the very beginning with your prenatal visits to your doctor.

The total number of doctor prenatal visits is determined by individual needs and risk factors. Additional visits may be scheduled to fit your—and your baby’s—needs. Here are the details.

A typical schedule of prenatal visits to your doctor looks like this (can vary based on your specific needs):

• First visit within the first 12 weeks (in the first trimester) 
  • Many obstetricians prefer to see new patients between seven and nine weeks to allow plenty of time to schedule any necessary prenatal testing
• One prenatal visit every four weeks during the first 28 weeks
• One  prenatal visit every two weeks between weeks 29-36
• One prenatal visit every week after 36 weeks

Don’t forget to schedule a postpartum visit—when you see your doctor after the pregnancy. This visit is easy to forget about when you are tired and busy with a new baby, but it very important to make sure you are recovering from your recent pregnancy and are ready for a healthy future with your baby. Postpartum visits are usually scheduled between 4 and 6 weeks after giving birth.