These are the standard prenatal care visits. However, based on your particular risk-factors and needs, additional visits and ultrasounds may be scheduled.
7-8 weeks: First visit to establish the pregnancy and ultrasound for fetal size and heartbeat
10 weeks: Lab Work -
- CBC, blood type, HIV, RPR (syphilis), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, urinalysis, chlamydia, gonorrhea
- Immunity to rubella, varicella, toxoplasmosis, and parvovirus
- Screening for inherited diseases
- Screening for chromosomal disorders. We offer every patient cell-free DNA technology. This blood test looks for the baby’s DNA in the mom’s circulation to confirm the correct number of chromosomes. Currently, this technology only screens for some of the most common chromosomal abnormalities, including chromosomes 13,18, 21 (Down Syndrome) and the X and Y chromosomes. We will provide you with more information about this testing at your visit. And yes… results of this test can tell you the gender of your baby!
12 weeks: Ultrasound to measure nuchal fold, a screening test for chromosome and cardiac abnormalities. This is a fun ultrasound. Your baby already looks like a little person with arms and legs. You don't feel movement yet, but you'll see you baby doing flips inside your uterus at this visit.
16 weeks: AFP (alpha fetoprotein) is a blood test to screen for neural tube defects (proper closure of the spinal cord). This will typically be the first visit where we listen to your baby's heartbeat using a doppler.
20 weeks: Anatomy ultrasound - ultrasound technology has limitations and not every abnormality can be detected in this way. However, our experienced techs and physicians will review all the basic anatomy of your baby and hopefully reassure you that the chance of any major problem is low.
24 weeks: Routine visit. This is a good time to ask questions, talk about hospital registration, tours, birthing classes and other expectations as we get closer to the birth of your child
28 weeks: 1-hour glucose test, HIV, RPR, CBC, and TDAP vaccine
- Women who have Rh-negative blood types will receive a Rhogam injection
- TDAP immunization is typically given at this visit
30 weeks: Routine visit
32 weeks: Ultrasound to measure fetal weight and position
34 weeks: Routine visit
36 weeks: Group B Strep culture
*Patients are seen weekly after 36 weeks until delivery