Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change, but it also comes with important health considerations. Regular antenatal check-ups help ensure both you and your baby are progressing well, while providing early opportunities to address any concerns. Understanding why these visits are necessary, what they involve and how often they occur can help you feel more confident throughout your pregnancy journey.
Why Antenatal Care Matters
Supporting your health and wellbeing
Antenatal care is designed to monitor your health during pregnancy. Regular appointments allow your care provider to check your blood pressure, weight, and overall wellbeing. These visits also give you a chance to discuss symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or emotional changes.
Monitoring your baby’s growth and development
Each visit provides reassurance that your baby is developing as expected. Measurements of your abdomen, ultrasounds and discussions about movement patterns all help track growth and detect any potential concerns early.
Identifying risks and complications early
Some conditions such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or anaemia, may not cause obvious symptoms at first. Regular check-ups allow your healthcare provider to run tests and monitor for these conditions, giving you the best chance of early intervention if needed.
What to Expect at Antenatal Appointments
First visit
- Usually scheduled within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- Confirms the pregnancy, estimates due date and records medical history.
- May include initial blood tests and an ultrasound.
Ongoing visits
- Blood pressure and urine checks to assess kidney health and rule out pre-eclampsia.
- Monitoring weight and discussing lifestyle or dietary changes.
- Listening to the baby’s heartbeat from around 12 weeks onward.
- Measuring the growth of your baby’s uterus and abdomen.
Later pregnancy appointments
- Glucose screening for gestational diabetes, usually between 24-28 weeks.
- Group B strep testing around 35-37 weeks.
- Discussions about birth plans, pain management options and preparing for labour.
How Often You Should Have Check-Ups
- First trimester: Usually one visit before 10 weeks, then every 4-6 weeks.
- Second trimester: Appointments approximately every 4 weeks.
- Third trimester: Visits may become more frequent – every 2-3 weeks, then weekly as you approach your due date.
This schedule can vary depending on your personal health, pregnancy type (single or multiple), and any additional risk factors.
Benefits Beyond Physical Health
Emotional and mental wellbeing
Pregnancy can bring excitement but also worry. Antenatal visits provide reassurance and a safe space to raise questions or concerns.
Education and preparation
Your provider can guide you on nutrition, safe exercise, medications, vaccinations, and signs of labour. They can also help you prepare for breastfeeding and newborn care.
Building a supportive relationship
Regular check-ups strengthen your relationship with your care provider, making it easier to share openly and confidently as your pregnancy progresses.
When to Contact Your Doctor Between Visits
Even with regular appointments, you should contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife urgently if you notice:
- Heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
- Sudden swelling in your hands, face or feet.
- Severe headaches, blurred vision or dizziness.
- Decreased or absent baby movements after 20 weeks.
- Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.
These could be signs of complications that need prompt medical attention.
Taking the Next Step
Antenatal care is not just about medical monitoring, it’s about supporting you physically and emotionally while ensuring your baby has the best start to life.
At Sirona Women’s Health, our dedicated team provides complete pregnancy care, from early antenatal visits through to birth planning. Learn more about how we can support you by visiting our Pregnancy services page. For broader information about our approach to women’s health across every stage of life, you can also visit our homepage.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.