Your first prenatal appointment
NICHD advises calling to schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you think you are pregnant, even if a home test has already confirmed it. The first visit is usually one of the longest, so allow plenty of time.
Last reviewed against the public health sources linked on this page on .
When it happens
According to NICHD, your first prenatal visit will probably be scheduled sometime after your eighth week of pregnancy. Most providers will not schedule it earlier unless you have a medical condition, have had problems in a past pregnancy, or have symptoms such as spotting or bleeding, stomach pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
What your provider is likely to do (NICHD’s list)
- Answer your questionsBring a written list.
- Check a urine sampleFor infection, and to confirm the pregnancy.
- Check blood pressure, weight, and height
- Calculate your due dateFrom your last menstrual period and an ultrasound.
- Ask about your health and family historyPast conditions, surgeries, pregnancies, and genetic history.
- Ask about lifestyle and stressSmoking, alcohol, drugs, exercise, and stress level.
- Order prenatal blood testsBlood type and Rh factor, a blood count, and tests for hepatitis B, HIV, rubella, and syphilis.
- Do a physical examIncluding a pelvic exam and tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and a Pap or HPV test depending on your schedule.
- Offer genetic screeningFor Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions, cystic fibrosis, and other testing depending on history.
The usual visit schedule for a healthy pregnancy
| Weeks of pregnancy | How often |
|---|---|
| Before 28 weeks | Monthly |
| 28 to 36 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| 36 weeks to birth | Weekly |
From NICHD. Your provider may schedule more visits if your pregnancy needs closer monitoring.
Who you can see
HHS’s healthfinder notes that obstetrician-gynecologists specialise in pregnancy and childbirth, and that some nurse practitioners and midwives also provide prenatal care. See midwife vs OB-GYN for the differences.
Common questions
- Why does the first visit take so long?
- It covers your full health and family history, a physical exam, blood and urine tests, a due date, and discussion of screening options. Later visits are usually shorter.
- What should I bring?
- A list of questions, your medications and supplements, the date of your last menstrual period, and what you know about your family’s health history.
Sources
- What happens during prenatal visits? (opens in a new tab) — Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- Have a Healthy Pregnancy (opens in a new tab) — HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Questions about this page
Tell us if something here is unclear or a source has changed. We cannot answer questions about your own pregnancy or care — please ask your OB, midwife, or care team. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Crisis: call or text 988.
We can’t answer questions about your own diagnosis, medication, or treatment — please ask your prescriber. We also can’t book appointments, check your insurance, or refer you to a clinic.
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Last reviewed against the public health sources linked on this page on .
Every clinical statement on this page comes from a source listed above. If one has changed, tell us and we will correct the page.