Today's Pregnancy Tip
Start researching birth plan options and preferences.
Your Prenatal Appointment Schedule
Your personalized appointment timeline based on ACOG guidelines. Tap any appointment to see what to expect, how to prepare, and questions to ask your provider.
What to Expect
Complete medical history review, physical exam, blood pressure, weight, urine sample, blood draw (blood type, Rh factor, CBC, STI screening, rubella immunity, hepatitis B/C, HIV), and often a dating ultrasound.
How to Prepare
Bring your insurance card, a list of all medications and supplements, your partner's medical history if available, and the first day of your last menstrual period.
Questions to Ask
- What prenatal vitamins do you recommend?
- What foods and medications should I avoid?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you?
- How do I schedule future appointments?
- What is your policy on after-hours calls?
What to Expect
A standard blood draw from your arm. The test analyzes fragments of baby's DNA circulating in your blood. Results typically take 1-2 weeks.
How to Prepare
No fasting or special preparation needed. Check with your insurance about coverage - NIPT is typically covered for those 35+ or with risk factors, but coverage varies.
Questions to Ask
- Is NIPT recommended for my situation?
- Will my insurance cover this test?
- What happens if results show elevated risk?
- How accurate is this screening?
What to Expect
An abdominal ultrasound (you may need a full bladder). The sonographer will measure the nuchal translucency - the clear space at the back of baby's neck. You'll get to see your baby on screen.
How to Prepare
You may be asked to drink water beforehand for a full bladder. Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your abdomen.
Questions to Ask
- Should I do this in addition to NIPT, or instead of it?
- What does an abnormal measurement mean?
- What are the next steps if screening is positive?
What to Expect
Weight, blood pressure, urine sample, fundal height measurement, and fetal heart rate check with a handheld Doppler. Your provider will review any screening results.
How to Prepare
Write down any questions or concerns. Note any symptoms you've been experiencing.
Questions to Ask
- Are my screening results normal?
- When is it safe to announce the pregnancy?
- What exercise is safe for me?
- When will I feel the baby move?
What to Expect
Standard checks (weight, BP, urine, fundal height, fetal heart rate). Quad screen blood draw if applicable. Discussion of the upcoming anatomy scan.
How to Prepare
Start thinking about whether you want to learn baby's sex at the anatomy scan. Write down any new symptoms.
Questions to Ask
- Do I need the quad screen if I already had NIPT?
- Should I sign up for childbirth classes?
- Are my weight gain and blood pressure on track?
What to Expect
A thorough abdominal ultrasound examining all major organs, the placenta position, amniotic fluid levels, and the umbilical cord. You'll see baby's face, hands, and feet. The sonographer may need you to walk around if baby isn't in a good position.
How to Prepare
Eat a light meal beforehand - a slightly active baby makes for better images. Decide in advance if you want to know baby's sex. Bring your partner or a support person.
Questions to Ask
- Is baby developing normally?
- Where is my placenta located?
- Are my amniotic fluid levels normal?
- Is there anything I should watch for?
What to Expect
Standard checks (weight, BP, urine, fundal height, fetal heart rate). You may discuss birth preferences and start thinking about a birth plan.
How to Prepare
Note any Braxton Hicks contractions or other symptoms. Write down any questions about the anatomy scan results.
Questions to Ask
- What are signs of preterm labor I should watch for?
- Should I start counting kicks?
- When should I register at the hospital?
What to Expect
You'll drink a 50g glucose solution (like a very sweet soda). Wait one hour, then have blood drawn. If your levels are above the threshold, you'll need a follow-up 3-hour test. Bring a book or entertainment for the wait.
How to Prepare
Most providers say you don't need to fast for the 1-hour test, but confirm with your office. Eat a normal meal 1-2 hours before. Avoid sugary foods that morning.
Questions to Ask
- Do I need to fast beforehand?
- What happens if I fail the 1-hour test?
- What does gestational diabetes mean for my baby?
- Can I choose the flavor of the glucose drink?
What to Expect
A single injection in your upper arm, usually given during a regular prenatal visit. Your arm may be sore for a day or two.
How to Prepare
No special preparation needed. Let your provider know if you have any vaccine allergies. Encourage your partner and close family members to get vaccinated too.
Questions to Ask
- Should my partner and family get Tdap too?
- Are there any side effects I should expect?
- Is the flu shot also recommended during pregnancy?
What to Expect
Standard checks plus glucose test results review. RhoGAM injection if Rh-negative. Your provider will start monitoring baby's position and growth more closely.
How to Prepare
Start thinking about your birth plan, pediatrician selection, and hospital pre-registration.
Questions to Ask
- Are my glucose test results normal?
- Is baby in the right position?
- What are signs I should go to the hospital?
- When should I pack my hospital bag?
What to Expect
Standard checks (weight, BP, urine, fundal height, fetal heart rate). Discussion of birth preferences, pain management options, and any concerns.
How to Prepare
Consider starting to draft your birth plan. Research pediatricians in your area if you haven't already.
Questions to Ask
- What pain management options are available?
- What are signs of preeclampsia?
- Should I do kick counts? How often?
What to Expect
Standard checks. Your provider will feel your abdomen to determine baby's position. Discussion of labor signs and when to come to the hospital.
How to Prepare
Pack your hospital bag if you haven't already. Pre-register at your hospital or birth center.
Questions to Ask
- Is the baby head-down?
- What happens if baby is breech?
- When should I go to the hospital during labor?
- Can I still travel?
What to Expect
Standard checks. Review of your birth plan and labor preferences. Your provider may do cervical checks starting around this time.
How to Prepare
Finalize your birth plan. Make sure your hospital bag is packed. Arrange childcare for any older children.
Questions to Ask
- Can I review my birth plan with you?
- What are the stages of labor?
- Under what circumstances would I need a C-section?
What to Expect
A quick vaginal and rectal swab, often done by you or your provider during a regular visit. Results take 1-3 days. The test itself is brief and not painful.
How to Prepare
No special preparation needed. The test is very quick and is often done at the start of a regular prenatal visit.
Questions to Ask
- What happens if I test positive for GBS?
- How will antibiotics be given during labor?
- Does GBS affect my birth plan options?
What to Expect
Standard checks plus cervical exam (optional - you can decline). Baby's position will be confirmed. Your provider will review labor signs one more time.
How to Prepare
Install your car seat. Confirm your route to the hospital and backup plan. Make sure someone can drive you.
Questions to Ask
- Is my cervix starting to dilate?
- What does effacement mean?
- Should I get my car seat inspected?
What to Expect
Standard checks. Cervical exam if desired. Discussion of what to expect in the coming weeks and any reasons induction might be recommended.
How to Prepare
Review your birth plan one final time. Make sure your phone is charged and hospital bags are by the door.
Questions to Ask
- Is there any reason to consider induction?
- What if I go past my due date?
- How will I know if my water breaks?
What to Expect
Standard checks. Optional cervical exam and membrane sweep. Discussion of induction options if you're interested.
How to Prepare
Ask about membrane sweeping if you're interested. Know that it's optional and you can decline.
Questions to Ask
- What is a membrane sweep and is it right for me?
- What are the pros and cons of induction?
- Are there natural ways to encourage labor?
What to Expect
Standard checks, cervical exam, and possible membrane sweep. Discussion of induction scheduling if going past due date. Non-stress test if your provider recommends it.
How to Prepare
Have your hospital bag ready and your support person on standby. Know the signs of labor: regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show.
Questions to Ask
- Should we schedule an induction date as a backup?
- What monitoring happens if I go past 40 weeks?
- When should I call you versus go straight to the hospital?
What to Expect
Standard checks plus a non-stress test (NST) and possibly an amniotic fluid check via ultrasound. Discussion of induction timing - most providers recommend induction between 41-42 weeks.
How to Prepare
Be patient! First-time moms often go past their due date. Stay active, rest when needed, and keep your phone charged.
Questions to Ask
- How long past my due date will you let me go?
- What does the non-stress test check for?
- What happens during an induction?
- Are there any concerns about baby's size or position?
Dates are estimates based on your due date. Your provider may adjust this schedule based on your individual health needs. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Pregnancy Cravings: Trimester 2
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