Pregnancy Care Timeline
From Preconception to Postpartum
Your guide to prenatal visits, tests, and screenings throughout pregnancy. Know what to expect at each stage.
Before You Conceive
First Trimester
Weeks 1-13
6-8First Prenatal Visit (Weeks 6-8)
- Confirm pregnancy, estimate due date
- Complete medical & family history
- Physical exam, pelvic exam
- Blood tests: blood type, Rh factor, CBC, STIs, rubella, hepatitis B
- Urine test for protein, glucose
- Possibly early ultrasound
10-13First Trimester Screening (Weeks 10-13)
- Optional: Cell-free DNA screening (NIPT) - can be done from week 10
- Nuchal translucency ultrasound (11-14 weeks)
- Blood tests for chromosomal abnormalities
- Optional: CVS (chorionic villus sampling) if indicated
Second Trimester
Weeks 14-27
15-20Mid-Pregnancy Tests
- Quad screen or integrated screening (15-20 weeks)
- Optional: Amniocentesis (15-20 weeks) if indicated
- AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) screening for neural tube defects
18-22Anatomy Ultrasound
Detailed ultrasound to check baby's development:
- Organs, spine, limbs development
- Placenta location
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Can often determine sex
24-28Glucose Screening & More
- Glucose challenge test for gestational diabetes (24-28 weeks)
- Complete blood count (check for anemia)
- Rh antibody test if Rh-negative
- RhoGAM shot if Rh-negative (28 weeks)
Third Trimester
Weeks 28-40
Visit Schedule
- Weeks 28-36:Every 2 weeks
- Weeks 36-40:Weekly visits
Each visit typically includes weight check, blood pressure, urine test, fundal height measurement, and fetal heart rate.
35-37Group B Strep Test
- Vaginal/rectal swab for GBS bacteria
- If positive, antibiotics during labor protect baby
- About 25% of women carry GBS (harmless to mom)
Tdap Vaccination
Recommended: Weeks 27-36 (ideally early in this window)
Protects baby from whooping cough (pertussis) in first months of life before they can be vaccinated. Safe and recommended every pregnancy.
Late Pregnancy Monitoring
- Fetal movement counts (kick counts)
- Baby's position check
- Signs of labor education
- Birth plan discussion
Postpartum Care
The postpartum period is an important time for recovery and bonding. Follow-up care helps ensure your health.
Postpartum Visits
- • First visit within 3 weeks (or earlier if needed)
- • Comprehensive visit by 12 weeks
- • Check physical recovery
- • Screen for postpartum depression
- • Discuss contraception
When to Call Immediately
- • Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in 1 hour)
- • Fever over 100.4°F
- • Severe headache or vision changes
- • Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
- • Signs of infection at incision site
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique. Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for your specific situation.