Antenatal Appointments Explained

During your pregnancy you will have a number of appointments with your midwife, the first as you know was your booking appointment usually before 10 weeks, but here we take a look at your appointments going forward. This is based on a ‘typical’ pregnancy and so if you are under a consultant then you may require a few extra appointments. 12 Weeks - Dating Scan Your first look at baby, this is where it gets real, you actually get to see your little baby. At this stage they are teeny tiny but fully formed and measuring around 5.5cm so the size of a passion fruit. During the ultrasound scan the sonographer will estimate your due date, which may be slightly different from the previous date given, check physical developments and also screen for possible conditions including Down’s syndrome. You will also be able to take home a scan photo to show family and friends, just so you are prepared some hospitals may charge. 16 Weeks – Appointment During this appointment your midwife (or doctor) will discuss the results of any screening tests, measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein. You may have been given a sample pot so you can do this beforehand and take in, if not they will ask you for a sample at your appointment. You will also receive information about your next scan at 18 – 20 weeks and of course discuss any questions you have. From 16 weeks you will also be offered the whooping cough vaccine. 18 - 20 Weeks – Anomaly Scan You’ve made it halfway and what a way to celebrate then seeing your baby again. If you’ve been wondering whether your baby is a boy or girl mum then hopefully this is when you can find out, although this does depend on the hospital as some will not disclose this information. It is definitely worth having a chat with your partner before the scan to check you both feel the same about finding out the gender of your baby, just in case you do get the option. During this ultrasound you will get a closer look at your baby, who will now be the length of a banana.

They will also check their physical developments again and you may also be offered some screening checks if you didn’t have them earlier in your pregnancy. The next time you see your baby will be when you are holding them in your arms!!! 25 Weeks - Appointment If this is your first baby mum then you will be seeing your midwife, or doctor, this week to check the size of your bump as well as measure your blood pressure and urine test. 28 Weeks – Appointment You will get to see your midwife again this week and will continue to see them every few weeks going forward. Again, they will check your bump size, using a tape measure, a urine test and measure your blood pressure. You will also be offered some more screening test and your first anti-D treatment if you’re rhesus negative. 31 Weeks – Appointment If this is your first baby mum then you will be seeing your midwife, or doctor again this week to check the size of your bump as well as measure your blood pressure and urine test. You will also receive the results from any screening tests from the last appointment. 34 Weeks – Appointment As you approach the end of your pregnancy, your midwife (or doctor) will give you more information about the labour and birth, how you know you’re in active labour, how to cope during labour and also your birth plan. If not already discussed, you will receive the results from any screening tests you have had, you will have your bump measured as well as blood pressure and urine tested. You will also be offered your second anti-D treatment if you’re rhesus negative. 36 Weeks – Appointment At your appointment this week mum you will be given information about the following: Breastfeeding Caring for a newborn Vitamin K and screening tests for your baby Your health after baby is born ‘Baby blues’ and postnatal depression You will also have the usual checks including measuring your bump, blood pressure and urine as well as checking baby’s position. 38 Weeks – Appointment Mum, you’ve made it and you are now considered full term, although it could still be another 4 weeks until baby makes an appearance. At your appointment this week you will discuss what will happen if your pregnancy lasts longer than 41 weeks as well as checking the size of your bump, blood pressure and urine checked. 40 Weeks – Appointment If this is your first baby, then you will have an appointment this week and you will be given more information about what will happen if your pregnancy goes beyond 41 weeks. You will also have your bump measured, blood pressure and urine checked. 41 Weeks – Appointment If you are still pregnant then you will need to see your midwife or doctor every week until the big day. Again, they will check the size of your bump as well as check your blood pressure and urine. You may also be offered a membrane sweep and discuss your options for induction of labour. 42 Weeks – Monitoring If you get to this point and have chosen not to have an induction then you should be offered increased monitoring of your baby, not long now!!!

Source:

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/your-antenatal-appointments/