When I was pregnant, one of the first things on my mind was my medical appointments and what to expect at each of these appointments. The first sign of pregnancy is usually a missed period. At least that is how I took the home pregnancy test! To know about other early signs of pregnancy read my blog ‘Am I Pregnant? Early Signs of Pregnancy!’
The “+” or “positive” on the home test stick was the first time I called my doctor’s office. I called my family doctor and typically she would take care of me until I am at least 10-12 weeks before I would be referred to an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist (OB/GYN). I am in Canada and the timelines or prenatal appointment activities listed below are based on my experience in Ontario, Canada. This might be different for other Canadian provinces and territories as well as for other countries across the globe. But I thought this helps moms-to-be to understand and know what to expect at these appointments!
| 4-6 weeks | A missed period or confirmation of pregnancy by a home test Blood work to confirm pregnancy The doctor provides an expected due date (usually at 40 weeks of pregnancy) |
| At every visit after | Routine blood pressure and weight check Listen to baby’s heartbeat through doppler |
| 6-14 weeks | Monthly appointments until 28 weeks Prenatal blood work and urine test First visit with OB/GYN Dating ultrasound (to confirm the due date) Genetic screening (optional – only if interested) Pap smear (if due) |
| 15-19 weeks | Routine visit |
| 18-20 weeks | Anatomy Scan (most exciting scan as you can find the gender of the baby if interested!!) |
| 20-24 weeks | Routine visit |
| 24-28 weeks | Glucose challenge test (to check for gestational diabetes) Blood work and urine test Tdap (pertussis vaccine) (recommended) Hospital registration |
| 28-34 weeks | Appointments every two weeks Pelvic exam |
| 32-34 weeks | Growth ultrasound |
| 35-36 weeks | Group B Strep swab Pelvic exam Weekly appointments |
| 40 weeks | Due date |
| 41 weeks | Induction of labor if not already delivered |
Here are some additional resources for you:
- Routine Prenatal Care – https://www.ontarioprenataleducation.ca/routine-prenatal-care/
- Find a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner in Ontario – https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner
- Prenatal Appointment (City of Toronto) – https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/children-parenting/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/during-pregnancy/prenatal-health-care/prenatal-appointment/
- Guide to Healthy Pregnancy – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-pregnancy/healthy-pregnancy-guide.html
Are you getting ready for your new arrival?! Read What to Pack in Hospital Bag? to be prepared when you head to the hospital.
Babies n Mii 