Pregnancy is exciting, but it can come with a lot of questions. One of the best ways to feel supported and prepared during this time is by attending regular prenatal care visits. These appointments are a chance to monitor your baby’s development, catch any concerns early, and answer any questions you may have.

Here’s what you can expect from prenatal care in each trimester.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–13): Setting the Foundation

Your first prenatal visit happens once you realize you’re pregnant, which is typically between 6-12 weeks after your last menstrual period. This appointment can be one of the longest because there’s a lot to cover.

What to Expect:

  • Health history and physical exam: Your provider will ask about your medical history, medications, and lifestyle.
  • Lab work: You’ll likely have blood and urine tests to check for things like anemia, blood type, infections, and more.
  • Due date confirmation: An ultrasound might be done to confirm how far along you are. Your due date is not a guarantee of when you’ll have your baby, but an estimate of when you will reach 40 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Initial guidance: You’ll receive advice on nutrition, prenatal vitamins, and what to expect in early pregnancy.

You may also have follow-up appointments every 4–6 weeks during this trimester to monitor how things are progressing.

Prenatal Care WFMC Health

Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27): Monitoring Growth and Milestones

The second trimester is when many people start feeling better physically, nausea eases up, and energy levels increase. It’s also a time of big changes for your growing baby.

What to Expect:

  • Routine checkups every 4 weeks: These visits include blood pressure checks, weight monitoring, and listening to the baby’s heartbeat.
  • Anatomy scan: Around 18–22 weeks, you’ll have a detailed anatomy ultrasound to look at your baby’s organs and development.
  • Glucose screening: Typically done between 24–28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes.
  • Discussing fetal movements: You’ll start feeling kicks and flutters, and your provider may ask you to keep track of them.

The second trimester is also a great time to ask about birth plans, prenatal classes, or mental health support.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–Birth): Preparing for Delivery

As your due date approaches, visits become more frequent. You’ll start going to appointments every 2 weeks, then weekly in the final month.

What to Expect:

  • Continued monitoring: Blood pressure, swelling, baby’s position, and heartbeat are closely watched.
  • Group B strep test: Done around 35–37 weeks to check for bacteria that could affect the baby during birth.
  • Cervical checks: In the final weeks, your provider may check for dilation or effacement.
  • Birth planning: You’ll discuss signs of labor, when to go to the hospital or birthing center, and what to expect during delivery.

This is also when you’ll finalize details with your birthing team and ask any last-minute questions.

Why Prenatal Care Matters

Even if you’re feeling fine, regular prenatal care is essential for both you and your baby. It helps your provider catch potential complications and gives you a regular opportunity to discuss any worries or symptoms. It also builds a relationship of trust between you and your care team, which can make a big difference in how supported you feel throughout pregnancy and birth.

At WFMC Health, we provide compassionate, personalized prenatal care for every trimester. Whether it’s your first time being pregnant or your fourth, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.