The Timeline of Antenatal Checkups: When and What to Expect

Antenatal checkups are a vital part of ensuring a healthy and safe pregnancy for both you and your baby. These appointments are carefully scheduled to monitor your health, track your baby’s development, and provide you with the support and education you need. Knowing what to expect and when can help you feel more confident and prepared throughout your pregnancy journey.

In this article, we’ll break down the timeline of antenatal checkups, detailing what happens during each stage of pregnancy and how these visits are tailored to your individual needs.

What Are Antenatal Checkups?

Antenatal checkups are regular medical appointments designed to monitor your pregnancy. They are a cornerstone of prenatal care, offering opportunities to:

Assess your health and your baby’s development.

Identify and manage any potential risks.

Provide education and guidance on diet, exercise, and antenatal support.

The NHS emphasises that antenatal care is critical for preventing complications and ensuring a positive pregnancy experience.

The Typical Antenatal Checkup Schedule

The NHS provides a structured schedule for antenatal appointments based on evidence-based guidelines. The exact number of visits may vary depending on whether your pregnancy is classified as low risk or high risk.

Low-Risk Pregnancies:

10 appointments for first-time pregnancies.

7 appointments for subsequent pregnancies without complications.

High-Risk Pregnancies:

Women with high-risk pregnancies may have more frequent checkups, additional scans, and consultations with specialists.

Antenatal Checkups: Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

1. The Booking Appointment (8–10 Weeks)

This first antenatal checkup is usually the longest. It involves a detailed discussion of your medical history, lifestyle, and potential risk factors.

What Happens:

Medical History: Your midwife will ask about previous pregnancies, family health history, and any current medical conditions.

Blood and Urine Tests: These screen for anaemia, infections, and your blood type.

Lifestyle Advice: Guidance on quitting smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet, including taking antenatal vitamins like folic acid and vitamin D.

Why It’s Important:

This appointment establishes your antenatal care plan, tailored to your needs, and identifies any early concerns.

2. First Ultrasound: Dating Scan (10–14 Weeks)

The dating scan is your first glimpse of your baby and confirms key details about your pregnancy.

What Happens:

The scan measures your baby’s size to determine gestational age and an estimated due date.

It checks for multiples (e.g., twins) and ensures the pregnancy is progressing normally.

For High-Risk Pregnancies:

Additional scans or blood tests may be performed if there are concerns about conditions like ectopic pregnancy or chromosomal abnormalities.

3. Antenatal Checkups in the Second Trimester (16–28 Weeks)

Low-Risk Pregnancies:

16 Weeks: You’ll have a follow-up to review test results from your booking appointment and discuss your overall health.

20 Weeks (Anomaly Scan): This detailed ultrasound checks your baby’s organs, spine, and limbs for any abnormalities.

25 Weeks: For first-time mothers, this appointment involves monitoring blood pressure, checking the baby’s heartbeat, and measuring your bump (fundal height).

High-Risk Pregnancies:

Women with high-risk pregnancies may have additional growth scans to monitor the baby’s development and the placenta’s function.

4. Third Trimester Checkups (28–36 Weeks)

Routine Visits:

28 Weeks: Blood tests are repeated to screen for gestational diabetes or anaemia. Your midwife will also check your blood pressure, urine, and the baby’s position.

31 Weeks: For first-time mothers, this checkup ensures your baby is growing as expected.

34 Weeks: Discussions about labour and delivery begin, including information on antenatal classes near you and relaxation techniques like antenatal yoga or antenatal massage.

36 Weeks: The baby’s position is checked, and your birth plan is reviewed.

High-Risk Pregnancies:

Additional appointments may focus on:

Monitoring for signs of preeclampsia (e.g., swelling or high blood pressure).

Discussing the possibility of early induction or planned caesarean delivery.

5. Weekly Checkups in the Final Weeks (36–40 Weeks)

In the last month, antenatal appointments occur weekly to closely monitor your baby’s position and overall health as you approach labour.

What Happens:

Monitoring of blood pressure, urine, and the baby’s heartbeat.

Discussions about labour signs, when to call the hospital, and pain management options.

Additional Support and Self-Care During Antenatal Care

Antenatal Education

Attending antenatal classes helps you prepare for labour, delivery, and parenting. These sessions cover topics like:

Breathing techniques for labour.

Postnatal care for you and your baby.

Feeding and bonding.

Actionable Tip: Search for “antenatal classes near me” or ask your midwife about available options.

Physical and Mental Wellness

Self-care during pregnancy is essential for managing stress and staying healthy.

Antenatal Yoga

Yoga during pregnancy can improve flexibility, reduce stress, and prepare your body for labour.

Evidence: A study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2019) found that antenatal yoga reduced stress by 40%.

Antenatal Massage

Prenatal massage relieves tension and promotes relaxation, especially in the third trimester.

Safety Tip: Ensure you visit a therapist trained in massage for pregnancy.

What If You Miss an Antenatal Appointment?

Missing an antenatal appointment can happen, but it’s essential to reschedule as soon as possible to stay on track. Regular monitoring ensures that both you and your baby remain healthy throughout the pregnancy.

UK Resources for Antenatal Care

NHS Pregnancy Services:

Comprehensive prenatal care, including antenatal scans and mental health support.

Visit NHS Pregnancy Care

Tommy’s PregnancyHub:

Expert advice on managing pregnancy health and preparing for childbirth.

Visit Tommy’s

National Childbirth Trust (NCT):

Offers antenatal classes and support networks for expectant parents.

Visit NCT

Antenatal checkups are more than just routine—they’re an essential part of ensuring a healthy pregnancy. By understanding the timeline of antenatal appointments and knowing what to expect at each stage, you can approach these visits with confidence.

From your first ultrasound to the final weeks of preparation, each checkup brings you closer to meeting your baby. Remember, these appointments are an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and connect with your healthcare team. Prioritising antenatal care ensures the best start for both you and your baby.