pregnancy doctor visits

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Prenatal visits: What to expect and how to prepare

Regular prenatal visits are an important part of your pregnancy care. Find out how often you'll see a healthcare provider, what to expect at each appointment, and smart ways to prepare.

When to schedule a prenatal visit

Prenatal visitation schedule, how should i prepare for a prenatal visit, what happens during prenatal visits, how can i make the most of my pregnancy appointments.

Make an appointment for your first prenatal visit once you're aware you are pregnant – when you receive a positive home pregnancy test, for example. Booking it around week 8 of pregnancy is typical.

You'll come back regularly in the weeks and months following that initial appointment. Most people have between 8 and 14 prenatal visits throughout the course of their pregnancy.

During this time, you'll see a lot of your healthcare practitioner. That's why it's so important to choose someone you like and trust. If you're not comfortable or satisfied with your provider after your first visit or visits, don't be afraid to find someone with whom you have a better connection.

Typically, a pregnant woman will visit their doctor, midwife , or nurse practitioner every four weeks during the first and second trimesters. In the third trimester, you'll be seen more often – usually every other week until 36 weeks, and then every week until the baby is born.

For more information on what happens at these visits, see:

Your first prenatal visit

Second trimester prenatal visits (14 weeks to 27 weeks)

Third trimester prenatal visits (28 weeks through the end of pregnancy)

The specific number of scheduled appointments you'll have depends on if your pregnancy is considered to be high-risk. This is determined by your medical history and whether you have any complications or conditions that warrant more frequent checkups, such as gestational diabetes , high blood pressure , or a history of preterm labor . If you've had any medical problems in the past or develop any new problems during this pregnancy, you may need more prenatal visits than the average pregnant woman.

In the weeks before each visit, jot down any questions or concerns in a notebook or a notes app on your smartphone. This way, you'll remember to ask your practitioner about them at your next appointment. You may be surprised by how many questions you have, so don't miss the opportunity to get some answers in person.

For example, before you drink an herbal tea or take a supplement or an over-the-counter medication , ask your provider about it. You can even bring the item itself – or a picture of the label – with you to your next appointment. Then, your doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner can read the label and let you know whether it's okay to ingest.

Of course, if you have any pressing questions or worries, or develop any new, unusual, or severe symptoms , don't wait for your appointment – call your practitioner right away.

In addition to your list, you may want to bring a partner, friend, family member, or labor coach with you to some or all of your prenatal visits. They can comfort you, take notes, ask questions, and help you remember important information.

The goal of prenatal visits is to see how your pregnancy is proceeding and to provide you with information to help keep you and your baby healthy. It's important that you go to all of your prenatal appointments, even if you're feeling just fine and believe that everything is progressing perfectly.

Your practitioner will start by asking how you're feeling physically and emotionally, whether you have any complaints or worries, and what questions you may have. They'll also ask you about your baby's movements once you begin to feel them, typically during the second trimester. Your practitioner will have other questions as well, which will vary depending on how far along you are and whether there are specific concerns.

Your midwife, doctor, or nurse practitioner will also:

• Check your weight , blood pressure , and urine
• Check for swelling
• Measure your abdomen
• Check the position of your baby
• Listen to your baby's heartbeat
• Perform other exams and order tests, as appropriate
• Give you the appropriate vaccinations
• Closely monitor any complications you have or that you develop, and intervene if necessary

Near the end of your pregnancy, your provider may also do a pelvic exam to check for cervical changes. You will also discuss your delivery plan in more depth.

At the end of each visit, your practitioner will review their findings with you. They'll also explain the normal changes to expect before your next visit, warning signs to watch for, and the pros and cons of optional tests you may want to consider. Lifestyle issues will likely be a topic of discussion, as well. Expect to talk about the importance of good nutrition , sleep, oral health, stress management, wearing seatbelts, and avoiding tobacco , alcohol , and illicit drugs.

Many people look forward to their prenatal appointments but are disappointed to find that, with the exception of the first visit, they're in and out of the office in 10 minutes. A quick visit is typical and is usually a sign that everything is progressing normally. Still, you want to make sure your concerns are addressed – and that you and your baby are being well cared for.

Here are some things you can do to ensure that your prenatal visits are satisfying:

• Speak up. Your practitioner isn't a mind reader and won't be able to tell what you're thinking just by performing a physical exam. So, if anything is bothering you, say your piece. Are you having trouble controlling your heartburn ? Managing your constipation ? Suffering from headaches ? This is the time to ask for advice. Consult the notebook of questions you've been compiling. In addition to physical complaints, let your practitioner know if you have emotional concerns or fitness or nutrition questions.
• Ask the staff about the administrative stuff. Save your questions about things like insurance and directions to the hospital for the office staff so your practitioner has more time to answer your health-related questions. Go to the admin staff with any inquiries about payments, scheduling, office policies, and your contact information.
• Be open-minded. When talking with your doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner, you should feel comfortable speaking freely. But remember to listen, too. Take notes if you find it helpful.

Keep in mind, too, that some days are busier than others. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. That doesn't mean your practitioner doesn't have to answer your questions, but sometimes a discussion can be continued at the next visit if it's a really busy day or if your practitioner needs to head to the hospital to deliver a baby.

At the same time, don't tolerate a healthcare practitioner who won't give you thorough answers, doesn't show reasonable compassion, or barely looks up from your chart. You and your baby deserve more than that.

Now that you know what to expect during all those prenatal visits, you might like a sneak peek at what else is in store. Here's an overview of the next nine months .

Learn more:

• The ultimate pregnancy to-do list: First trimester
• 12 steps to a healthy pregnancy
• When will my pregnancy start to show?
• Fetal development timeline

Was this article helpful?

What happens at second trimester prenatal appointments

What to expect at your first prenatal appointment

What to expect from third trimester prenatal appointments

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

MedlinePlus. (2021). Prenatal care in your first trimester. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000544.htm Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

March of Dimes. (2017). Prenatal Care Checkups. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-care-checkups.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

Office on Women’s Health. (2019). Prenatal Care and Tests. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/prenatal-care-and-tests Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017). What happens during prenatal visits? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconceptioncare/conditioninfo/prenatal-visits Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017). What is a high-risk pregnancy? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/high-risk Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2018). What are some factors that make a pregnancy high-risk? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/high-risk/conditioninfo/factors Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

March of Dimes. (2020). Over-the-Counter Medicine, Supplements, and Herbal Products During Pregnancy. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/over-the-counter-medicine-supplements-and-herbal-products.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

Associates in Women’s Healthcare (2021). Preparing for Your First Prenatal Visit. https://www.associatesinwomenshealthcare.net/blog/preparing-for-your-first-prenatal-visit/ Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

National Health Service (UK). (2018). Your baby’s movements. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/ Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

MedlinePlus. (2021). Prenatal care in your third trimester. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000558.htm Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

UCLA Health. (2021). Schedule of prenatal care. https://www.uclahealth.org/obgyn/workfiles/Pregnancy/Schedule_of_Prenatal_Care.pdf Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

UCR Health. (2021). Healthy Pregnancy: The Importance of Prenatal Care.   https://www.ucrhealth.org/2018/07/healthy-pregnancy-the-importance-of-prenatal-care/ Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Prenatal care: 1 st trimesters visits. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20044882 Opens a new window [Accessed September 21, 2021.]

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• > Prenatal Visit Schedule: What To Expect During Each Appointment

Prenatal Visit Schedule: What To Expect During Each Appointment

Prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy and allows your doctor to regularly monitor you and your baby . But what should you expect when it comes to your prenatal visit schedule?

Basically, you’ll visit your doctor once a month at the beginning of your pregnancy and then once a week at the end of your pregnancy. That said, it’s important to schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you see a positive pregnancy test!

In this article, the experts at Mustela discuss how your prenatal visit schedule will most likely look and what to expect during each appointment.

Prenatal Visit Schedule: First Trimester

This is such an exciting time in your life! When you saw the positive pregnancy test , you were probably four to six weeks pregnant, so go ahead and call your doctor to schedule your first appointment.

During the first trimester , you will have your initial prenatal visit, and then your doctor will schedule your visits every four weeks or once a month.

Check with the doctor or staff for a printout of your prenatal visit schedule.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

Your first prenatal visit will be around six to nine weeks and will most likely be the lengthiest of all your appointments, so block out a good bit of time on your calendar.

Your doctor will ask a good bit of detailed questions and perform a pretty thorough check. Let’s take a look at what they’ll do during this appointment.

Medical History

Your doctor will ask questions about your:

• Last menstrual cycle so they can give you a due date
• Gynecological history
• Obstetrical history (any past pregnancies)
• Personal and family medical history
• Supplements or medicines you’re taking (if any)
• Lifestyle (use of tobacco products, alcohol, and caffeine; eating and exercising habits)
• Recent travel adventures
• Feelings of depression or anxiety (if any)

Your doctor will order various lab work to check your blood for:

• Blood type and Rh status
• Hemoglobin levels
• Infections such as hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV
• Thyroid levels
• Any other important screenings

Physical Exam

To give you and your baby the best care, your doctor will need to do a thorough physical exam, which most likely will also include a Pap smear to detect any abnormal cervical cells.

Your doctor’s observation also includes:

• Checking your blood pressure
• Measuring your height and weight to determine your recommended weight gain for a healthy pregnancy
• A breast exam
• A pelvic exam
• Screening your heart, lungs, and thyroid

Discuss any pregnancy discomforts , such as nausea and fatigue, with your doctor. Be honest with your doctor so they can take care of you and your baby to the best of their knowledge.

Some doctors also do an ultrasound during the first trimester to confirm or date your pregnancy. (Your first prenatal visit will vary based on the specific policies of your doctor’s office.)

What To Expect At Your 12-Week Appointment

You're nearing the end of your first trimester! During this appointment, you can expect your doctor to check the following:

• Weight and blood pressure
• Urine for sugar and protein levels
• Your baby’s heartbeat (This will be the first time you’ll hear it!)
• Size of your uterus
• Hands and feet for any swelling

Prenatal Visit Schedule: Second Trimester

Assuming you have a healthy pregnancy and no further examinations are necessary, this is what your prenatal visit schedule will look like during your second trimester :

• Four-month appointment (around 16 weeks)
• Five-month appointment (around 20 weeks)
• Six-month appointment (around 24 weeks)

What To Expect During Routine Appointments

Many of your appointments from here on out will look similar regarding what your doctor will check for. During these visits, you can expect your doctor to look at:

• Your baby’s heartbeat
• Your fundal height (The size of your uterus is used to assess fetal growth and development. Your doctor will get this measurement by measuring the length from the top of your uterus to the top of your pubic bone. This measurement should match how many weeks you are. Example: If you’re 20 weeks pregnant, your fundal height should equal 20 centimeters.)
• Hands and feet for swelling
• Any symptoms you’ve been experiencing

At this point in your pregnancy, you may notice your skin becoming dry and starting to stretch a bit. Don’t worry; it’s completely normal!

To tackle dry skin, try Mustela’s Stretch Marks Cream . This velvety, hard-working cream delivers immediate moisture and comfort to your skin!

And our Stretch Marks Oil treats recently formed stretch marks. It’s a fast-absorbing oil that hydrates your skin throughout your pregnancy!

What To Expect During Your 20-Week Sonogram:

Sometime around your 20-week appointment, your doctor will schedule an ultrasound to determine the gender of your baby! During this sonogram, your sonographer will take a look at:

• Baby’s size and all their major organs
• Amniotic fluid
• Location of placenta

Your sonographer passes this information to your doctor to give them a clear picture (literally!) of the overall health of your baby and your pregnancy.

Prenatal Visit Schedule: Third Trimester

During your third trimester , your prenatal visits will be every two weeks until the last month of your pregnancy, when you’ll have them every week. So that means your prenatal visit schedule will look like this:

What To Expect At Your Seventh- and Eighth-Month Visits

During your seventh and eighth months of pregnancy, expect your doctor to check the following:

• Urine for sugar and protein
• Your fundal height (top of your uterus)
• Size and position of your baby
• Feet and hands for swelling
• Varicose veins in your legs
• Glucose screen test (read below for more information)
• Group B strep test (read below for more information)
• Blood test for anemia
• Any symptoms you’ve been having

Glucose Screen Test

This test is used to determine if you have gestational diabetes. Once you arrive at your doctor’s office, be prepared to have your blood drawn first.

Next, you’ll drink a very sugary drink that tastes like flat orange soda. Some women enjoy the taste, while others feel a little queasy afterward!

After you consume the entire drink, you’ll wait one hour before having your blood drawn again. If your blood work comes back with elevated numbers, your doctor will order the next level of tests, which is used to officially diagnose gestational diabetes.

Should you need to take the second test (no studying required!), you’ll have to fast before the appointment. Just like with the initial round of tests, your doctor will draw your blood first and then have you consume the drink.

The only difference is this time, your blood will be drawn every hour for three hours. Be prepared to stay in your doctor’s office for three to four hours.

If the results from this test also come back elevated, your doctor will discuss management techniques for gestational diabetes.

But don’t let this information worry you. Most women who monitor their blood sugar levels and work closely with their doctor have perfectly normal pregnancies and healthy babies!

Group B Strep Test

Group B Strep (GBS) is bacteria that can be found in the vaginas of healthy women. (It’s not related to strep, the throat infection.)

If you are a carrier of GBS, your baby can catch the infection during delivery when they pass through the birth canal. While this bacteria isn’t harmful to you, it can be dangerous for your baby.

To check for GBS, your doctor will perform a test just like they would a Pap smear. If the test shows that you’re a carrier, you’ll receive antibiotics through an IV once you’re in labor. This way, you won’t pass the infection to your baby!

You’re routinely tested for GBS around the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy so your doctors can be prepared to give you the antibiotics at the onset of labor.

What To Expect During Your Ninth Month

Similar to months seven and eight, your doctor will closely monitor you and your baby during this time. Since you’re getting closer to your due date, expect a few additional observations from your doctor.

During your last month of pregnancy, they will take a look at:

• Your cervix by an internal examination to check for effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening)
• Baby’s heartbeat
• Baby’s size (At this point in your pregnancy, your doctor may give you an estimation of your baby’s weight. They can tell your baby’s presentation: head or bottom first, and their position: front- or rear-facing.)
• Any questions or concerns you may have about delivery

A Beautiful Pregnancy And Beautiful Skin

Throughout these nine months , your prenatal visits are special moments of checking on your sweet little baby. It’s exciting to see your belly grow with each visit! But that also means possible stretch marks.

The good news is that Mustela offers a line of prenatal products, including our Stretch Marks Cream and Bust Firming Serum , to soothe and hydrate your skin while you manage the busyness of your prenatal visit schedule.

Let Mustela help you start your beautiful pregnancy with beautiful skin!

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Your First Prenatal Visit

If you did not meet with your health care provider before you were pregnant, your first prenatal visit will generally be around 8 weeks after your LMP (last menstrual period ). If this applies to you, you should schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you know you are pregnant!

Even if you are not a first-time mother, prenatal visits are still important since every pregnancy is different. This initial visit will probably be one of the longest. It will be helpful if you arrive prepared with vital dates and information. This is also a good opportunity to bring a list of questions that you and your partner have about your pregnancy, prenatal care, and birth options.

What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Appointment

Your doctor will ask for your medical history, including:.

• Medical and/or psychosocial problems
• Blood pressure, height, and weight
• Breast and cervical exam
• Date of your last menstrual period (an accurate LMP is helpful when determining gestational age and due date)
• Birth control methods
• History of abortions and/or miscarriages
• Hospitalizations
• Medications you are taking
• Medication allergies
• Your family’s medical history

Your healthcare provider will also perform a physical exam which will include a pap smear , cervical cultures, and possibly an ultrasound if there is a question about how far along you are or if you are experiencing any bleeding or cramping .

Blood will be drawn and several laboratory tests will also be done, including:

• Hemoglobin/ hematocrit
• Rh Factor and blood type (if Rh negative, rescreen at 26-28 weeks)
• Rubella screen
• Varicella or history of chickenpox, rubella, and hepatitis vaccine
• Cystic Fibrosis screen
• Hepatitis B surface antigen
• Tay Sach’s screen
• Sickle Cell prep screen
• Hemoglobin levels
• Hematocrit levels
• Specific tests depending on the patient, such as testing for tuberculosis and Hepatitis C

Your healthcare provider will probably want to discuss:

• Recommendations concerning dental care , cats, raw meat, fish, and gardening
• Fevers and medications
• Environmental hazards
• Travel limitations
• Miscarriage precautions
• Prenatal vitamins , supplements, herbs
• Diet , exercise , nutrition , weight gain
• Physician/ midwife rotation in the office

Possible questions to ask your provider during your prenatal appointment:

• Is there a nurse line that I can call if I have questions?
• If I experience bleeding or cramping, do I call you or your nurse?
• What do you consider an emergency?
• Will I need to change my habits regarding sex, exercise, nutrition?
• When will my next prenatal visit be scheduled?
• What type of testing do you recommend and when are they to be done? (In case you want to do research the tests to decide if you want them or not.)

If you have not yet discussed labor and delivery issues with your doctor, this is a good time. This helps reduce the chance of surprises when labor arrives. Some questions to ask include:

• What are your thoughts about natural childbirth ?
• What situations would warrant a Cesarean ?
• What situations would warrant an episiotomy ?
• How long past my expected due date will I be allowed to go before intervening?
• What is your policy on labor induction?

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Ensure you’re giving your baby the best possible start by maintaining the recommended schedule of prenatal visits during your pregnancy . While it may be challenging to fit ongoing office appointments into your busy schedule, prenatal visits are the best way to protect your health and the health of your baby. 

In addition to providing support for physical changes, prenatal visits are also a good opportunity to address your questions and concerns about your body, your baby’s development, and the upcoming birth. 

Your prenatal provider is an important resource for treatment, education, and support throughout your pregnancy. Our OB/GYNs at The Association for Women’s Health Care have the expertise necessary to care for you and your unborn baby whether you have a normal or high-risk pregnancy. 

Our team of pregnancy specialists provides comprehensive pregnancy services, from routine examinations to diagnostic testing, through all stages of pregnancy.

Start as early as possible

Contact our office to arrange your first prenatal visit as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. While most women start their prenatal visits at about eight weeks of pregnancy, we may recommend that you begin your visits earlier if your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to:

• Advanced maternal age
• An existing medical condition
• A history of pregnancy complications
• Symptoms such as abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding 

Your first appointment is typically longer than other prenatal visits. It includes a comprehensive physical exam, pelvic exam, and medical history. You may also have a Pap smear and other tests such as a blood test, STD test, and urine test. 

At this early stage of pregnancy, we give you lifestyle guidelines, such as maintaining proper nutrition, exercising daily, and taking prenatal vitamins to support your health and the healthy development of your baby. 

Follow your recommended schedule of visits

If your pregnancy is free of complications and your overall health is normal, you’re likely to have about 15 prenatal visits during your pregnancy. Your visits are scheduled closer together as your pregnancy progresses. 

Most women have a schedule of prenatal visits that follows this timing:

• One visit every four weeks during weeks 4-28 of pregnancy
• One visit every two weeks during weeks 28-36 of pregnancy
• One visit every week during weeks 36-40 of pregnancy

This schedule is only a guide. We may require more appointments with less time between visits if you have preexisting medical conditions or other issues associated with a high risk of complications. 

Understand what to expect

After your first appointment, your prenatal visits include a physical exam and tests specific to your medical condition and stage of pregnancy. As you progress through your pregnancy, your visits may change to monitor specific medical conditions or physical changes affecting you or your baby.

A typical prenatal visit includes:

• Measurement of your weight and blood pressure
• Urine test for signs of complications including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and urinary tract infections
• Measurement of your abdomen to chart your baby’s growth
• Doppler ultrasound to monitor your baby’s heart rate

Protect your baby’s health

Even if you’re feeling well and your pregnancy is free of complications, regular prenatal visits can make a difference in supporting a smooth birth and healthy baby.

If you go through pregnancy without appropriate prenatal care, your baby has a risk of low birth weight that’s three times higher than babies born to mothers who received prenatal care. Without prenatal care, your baby is also five times more likely to die than a baby whose mother was routinely monitored during pregnancy. 

Premature birth — before the 37th week of pregnancy — and fetal growth restriction, which prevents a baby from gaining adequate weight in the womb, are the two most common causes of low birth weight . 

At recommended prenatal visits, we monitor your baby’s growth to identify the risk of low birth weight and reduce the possibility of these complications. 

Prenatal visits also allow us the opportunity to observe your body for signs of conditions like gestational diabetes, anemia, or high blood pressure, all of which could damage your health and the health of your baby.

Give your baby the best possible start. Contact our Chicago or Northbrook, Illinois, office today to schedule an appointment.

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Prenatal care checkups

Prenatal care is medical care you get during pregnancy. at each prenatal care visit, your health care provider checks on you and your growing baby., call your provider to schedule your first prenatal care checkup as soon as you know you’re pregnant., getting early and regular prenatal care can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a full-term baby., go to all your prenatal care checkups, even if you’re feeling fine..

What is prenatal care and why is it important?

Prenatal care is medical care you get during pregnancy. At each visit, your health care provider checks on you and your growing baby. Call your provider and go for your first prenatal care checkup as soon as you know you’re pregnant. And go to all your prenatal care checkups, even if you’re feeling fine.

Getting early and regular prenatal care can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a full-term baby. Full term means your baby is born between 39 weeks (1 week before your due date) and 40 weeks, 6 days (1 week after your due date). Being born full term gives your baby the right amount of time he needs in the womb to grow and develop.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your provider about personal things. Your provider needs to know all about you so she can give you and your baby the best care. She asks lots of questions about you, your partner and your families. Your medical information and anything you tell her are confidential. This means she can’t share them with anyone without your permission. So don’t be afraid to tell her about things that may be uncomfortable or embarrassing, like if your partner hurts or scares you or if you smoke , drink alcohol , use street drugs or abuse prescription drugs .

Who can you go to for prenatal care?

You can get prenatal care from different kinds of providers:

• An obstetrician/gynecologist (also called OB/GYN) is a doctor who has education and training to take care of pregnant women and deliver babies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  can help you find an OB in your area. 
• A family practice doctor (also called a family physician) is a doctor who can take care of every member of your family. This doctor can take care of you before, during and after pregnancy. The American Board of Family Medicine can help you find a family practice doctor in your area. 
• A maternal-fetal medicine (also called MFM) specialist is an OB with education and training to take care of women who have high-risk pregnancies. If you have health conditions that may cause problems during pregnancy, your provider may want you to see a MFM specialist. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine can help you find a specialist in your area.
• A certified nurse-midwife (also called CNM) is a nurse with education and training to take care of women of all ages, including pregnant women. The American College of Nurse-Midwives  can help you find a CNM in your area.
• A family nurse practitioner (also called FNP) or a women’s health nurse practitioner (also called WHNP). A FNP is a nurse with education and training to take care of every member of your family. A WHNP is a nurse with education and training to take care of women of all ages, including pregnant women. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners can help you find these kinds of nurse practitioners in your area.   

Think about these things to help you choose a provider:

• Is the provider licensed and board certified to take care of you during pregnancy, labor and birth? Licensed means the provider can legally practice medicine in a state. To have a license, a provider has to have a certain amount of education and training and pass certain tests to make sure he can safely take care of patients. Board certified means that a provider has had extra training in a certain area (called a specialty).
• Is the provider covered by your health insurance ? 
• Have you heard good things about the provider? Is she recommended by your friends or family? How does your partner feel about her as your prenatal care provider?  
• Would you rather see a man or a woman provider? How old to you want the provider to be? Does he explain things clearly? 
• Is the office easy to get to? Do the office hours fit into your schedule? Is the office staff friendly and helpful? 
• Who takes care of phone calls during office hours? Who handles them after hours or in an emergency? Do you have to pay if your provider spends time with you on the phone? 
• Is the provider in group practice? If yes, will you always see your provider at prenatal care checkups? Or will you see other providers in the practice? Who will deliver your baby if your provider’s not available when you go into labor? 
• What hospital or birthing center does the provider use? What do you know about it? Is it easy for you to get to?  

How often do you go for prenatal care checkups?

Most pregnant women can follow a schedule like this:

• Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 4 weeks (once a month).
• Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 2 weeks (twice a month).
• Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every week (once a week).

If you have complications during pregnancy, your provider may want to see you more often.

Your partner or support person (a friend or someone from your family) is welcome at your prenatal checkups.

How can you get ready for your first prenatal care checkup?

Be ready to talk with your provider about:

• The first day of your last menstrual period (also called LMP). Your provider can use this to help find out your baby’s due date .
• Health conditions you have, like depression , diabetes , high blood pressure , and not being at a healthy weight . Conditions like these can cause problems during pregnancy. Tell your provider about your family health history . This is a record of any health conditions and treatments that you, your partner and everyone in your families have had. Use the March of Dimes Family Health History Form and share it with your provider. If you have a record of your vaccinations , take it to your checkup.  A vaccination is a shot that contains a vaccine that helps protect you from certain harmful infections. 
• Medicines you take, including prescription medicine , over-the-counter medicine, supplements and herbal products . Some medicines can hurt your baby if you take them during pregnancy, so you may need to stop taking it or switch to another medicine. Don’t stop or start taking any medicine without talking to your provider first. And tell your provider if you’re allergic to any medicine. You may be allergic to a medicine if it makes you sneeze, itch, get a rash or have trouble breathing when you take it.
• Your pregnancy history. Tell your provider if you’ve been pregnant before or if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant. Tell her if you’ve had any pregnancy complications or if you’ve had a preterm baby (a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), a miscarriage or stillbirth . Miscarriage is when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth is when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, using street drugs and abusing prescription drugs. All of these can hurt your baby. Alcohol includes beer, wine and liquor. Street drugs are illegal to use, like heroin and cocaine. Abusing prescription drugs means you use them differently than your provider tells you to. This means you take more than your provider says you can take, you take it with alcohol or other drugs or you use someone else’s prescription drugs.
• Stress you feel. Stress is worry, strain or pressure that you feel in response to things that happen in your life. Talk to your provide about ways to deal with and reduce your stress. High levels of stress can cause complications during pregnancy.
• Your safety at home and work. Tell your provider about chemicals you use at home or work and about what kind of job you have. If you’re worried about abuse during pregnancy and ask about ways you can stay healthy and safe at home and work.

What happens at your first prenatal care checkup?

Your first checkup is usually the longest because your provider asks you lots of questions about your health. At your first prenatal care checkup, your provider:

• Gives you a physical exam and checks your overall health. Your provider checks your weight and height to figure out how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.
• Checks your blood, blood pressure and urine. Blood tests can tell your provider if you have certain infections, like syphilis , hepatitis B and HIV. Your provider also uses a blood test to find out your blood type and Rh factor and to check for anemia. Anemia is when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of your body. Rh factor is a protein that most people have on their red blood cells. If you don’t have it and your baby does, it can cause Rh disease in your baby. Treatment during pregnancy can prevent Rh disease. Blood pressure and urine tests can help your provider diagnose a serious condition called preeclampsia . This is a kind of high blood pressure that can happen during pregnancy. Having too much protein in your urine may be a sign of preeclampsia. Urine tests also can tell your provider if you have a kidney or bladder infection or other conditions, like diabetes.  
• Gives you a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. Your provider checks the pelvic organs (pelvis and womb) to make sure they’re healthy. For the Pap smear, your provider collects cells from your cervix to check for cancer and for infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. The cervix is the opening to the uterus (womb) that sits at the top of the vagina.
• May give you vaccinations, like a flu shot. It’s safe to get a flu shot any time during pregnancy. But some vaccinations are best at certain times and some aren’t recommended during pregnancy. Talk to your provider about what’s best and safe for you and your baby.
• Tells you your due date. Your provider usually uses your LMP to figure out your due date. But you may get an early ultrasound to confirm that you’re pregnant and help your provider figure out your baby’s age. An ultrasound uses sound waves and a computer screen to show a picture of your baby inside the womb.
• Prescribes a prenatal vitamin. This is a multivitamin made for pregnant women. Your prenatal vitamin should have 600 micrograms of folic acid in it. Folic acid is a vitamin that every cell in your body needs for healthy growth and development. If you take it before pregnancy and during early pregnancy, it can help protect your baby from birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (also called NTDs), and birth defects of the mouth called cleft lip and palate .
• Talks to you about prenatal tests. These are medical tests you get during pregnancy. They help your provider find out how you and your baby are doing. You may want to have certain tests only if you have certain problems or if you’re at high risk of having a baby with a genetic or chromosomal condition , like Down syndrome . If your provider thinks you’re at risk for having a baby with one of these conditions, he may recommend that you see a genetic counselor . This person has training to help you understand about genes, birth defects and other medical conditions that run in families, and how they can affect your health and your baby’s health.

What happens at later prenatal care checkups?

Later prenatal care checkups usually are shorter than the first one. At your checkups, tell your provider how you’re feeling. There’s a lot going on inside your body during pregnancy. Your provider can help you understand what’s happening and help you feel better if you’re not feeling well. Between visits, write down questions you have and ask them at your next checkup.

At later prenatal care checkups, your health care provider:

• Checks your weight and blood pressure. You also may get urine and blood tests.
• Checks your baby’s heartbeat. This happens after about 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. You can listen, too!
• Measures your belly to check your baby’s growth. Your provider starts doing this at about 20 weeks of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, she also feels your belly to check your baby’s position in the womb.
• Gives you certain prenatal tests to check you and your baby. For example, most women get an ultrasound at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. You may be able to tell if your baby’s a boy or a girl from this ultrasound, so be sure to tell your provider if you don’t want to know! Later in pregnancy, your provider may use ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby in the womb. Between 24 and 28 weeks, you get a glucose screening test to see if you may have gestational diabetes . This is a kind of diabetes that some women get during pregnancy. And at 35 to 37 weeks, you get a test to check for group B strep . This is an infection you can pass to your baby.
• Asks you about your baby’s movement in the womb. If it’s your first pregnancy, you may feel your baby move by about 20 weeks. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may feel your baby move sooner. Your provider may ask you to do kick counts to keep track of how often your baby moves.
• Gives you a Tdap vaccination at 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccination protects both you and your baby against pertussis (also called whooping cough). Pertussis spreads easily and is dangerous for a baby.
• Does a pelvic exam . Your provider may check for changes in your cervix as you get close to your due date.

How can you get free or low-cost prenatal care?

If you don't have health insurance or can't afford prenatal care, find out about free or low-cost prenatal care services in your community:

• Call (800) 311-BABY [(800) 311-2229]. For information in Spanish, call (800) 504-7081.
• Visit healthcare.gov to find a community health center near you. Community health centers can provide low-cost prenatal care.

Last reviewed: June, 2017

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Have a Healthy Pregnancy

Take Action

Health care during pregnancy is called prenatal care. Getting prenatal care can help you have a healthier baby. It also lowers the risk of your baby being born too early, which can lead to health problems for your baby.

During prenatal care, your doctor or midwife can find any health problems that may come up. A midwife is a health professional who provides health care during pregnancy and helps pregnant people during childbirth.

Get regular prenatal checkups.

Schedule a visit with your doctor or midwife as soon as you know you're pregnant — or if you think you might be. You'll need many checkups with your doctor or midwife during your pregnancy. Don't miss any of these appointments — they're all important.

Be sure to get all the medical tests that your doctor or midwife recommends. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others.

Take steps to have a healthy pregnancy.

To keep you and your baby healthy, it's important that you:

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
• Eat healthy and get enough folic acid
• Stay physically active

Get more tips for a healthy pregnancy:

• If you just learned that you're pregnant, find out what to do next
• Check out these tips for staying healthy and safe during pregnancy

Topics to Discuss

Make the most of each visit with the doctor or midwife..

Talk with your doctor or midwife about:

• Your personal and family health history, including any chronic (long-term) health problems or surgeries you've had
• When you need to get medical care for issues that can come up — like high blood pressure, dizziness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or contractions
• When and where to go for emergency care during your pregnancy
• Any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you take — as well as vitamins, supplements, and herbs
• Healthy weight gain during pregnancy

These visits are also a great time to discuss:

• Questions you have about pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding
• How to get help buying food if you need it — including how to get help from a program called WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
• Anything that’s bothering or worrying you

If you're worried about your health during pregnancy, don't wait to ask for help.  Learn more about pregnancy complications and when to call your doctor or midwife .

Make a birth plan.

A birth plan describes what you want to happen during childbirth and after your baby's birth. It can include:

• Where you'd like to give birth — for example, at a hospital or birthing center
• Who you want with you for support (like your partner, family member, or close friend) before, during, and after childbirth
• How you want to manage pain during childbirth
• Who you want to help you make important medical decisions during childbirth
• Your plan to breastfeed after your baby is born

Talk with your doctor about depression.

Many people experience depression during and after pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about your risk for depression and whether you need counseling to help prevent it.

Medical Tests

Get important medical tests..

During your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will recommend medical tests that all people need as part of routine prenatal care. You’ll need to get some tests more than once.

These tests give your doctor or midwife important information about you and your baby. The tests will check your blood or urine (pee) for:

• Rh factor (a protein some people have in their blood)
• Hepatitis B [PDF - 859 KB]
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Signs of past rubella infections (German measles)
• Group B strep

If you're younger than age 25 or have certain risk factors, your doctor or midwife may also check for other sexually transmitted infectionss (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  Learn more about STIs during pregnancy .

Your doctor or midwife will also check your blood pressure regularly during your pregnancy. They may recommend that you check your own blood pressure at home using a monitor you can buy at a drug store. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a health problem that some pregnant people develop.  Learn more about preventing preeclampsia .

Talk about your family history.

Share your personal and family health history with your doctor or midwife. This will help you and your doctor or midwife decide whether you need any other tests, like genetic testing.  Find out more about genetic testing .

Diabetes Testing

Get tested for gestational diabetes..

All pregnant people need to get tested for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that some people develop during pregnancy.

Pregnant people at high risk for type 2 diabetes may need to get tested earlier than people at normal risk.  Find out about your risk for type 2 diabetes .

What do I need to know about gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can lead to health problems for moms and babies — both during and after pregnancy. It’s important to get tested so that you and your doctor or midwife can take steps to protect you and your baby.

You're at higher risk for gestational diabetes if you:

• Are overweight or have obesity
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Are over age 25
• Are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
• Had gestational diabetes during an earlier pregnancy
• Have had a baby weighing over 9 pounds
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

You can reduce your risk for gestational diabetes by eating healthy and staying active during pregnancy.

• Learn more about gestational diabetes
• Ask your doctor about getting tested for gestational diabetes

Cost and Insurance

What about cost.

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover routine prenatal tests. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these tests at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get help paying for medical care during pregnancy:

• Get connected with free or low-cost services in your state by calling 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229)
• Find a health center near you and ask about prenatal care

Learn more about health insurance options for pregnant people.

Get Prenatal Care

There are lots of things you can do today to help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Get regular prenatal care.

Plan on getting a prenatal checkup at least once a month for the first 6 months (through week 28) — and more often during the last 3 months of your pregnancy (after week 28).  Learn more about prenatal care .

Get important vaccines.

All pregnant people need whooping cough and flu vaccines (shots). Talk to your doctor or midwife about getting other vaccines to help protect you and your baby.  Learn more about vaccines for adults . 

Take charge of your health care.

Speak up and ask questions when you're with your doctor or midwife. When you play an active role in your health care, you help make sure that you and your growing family will get good care.  Find out how to take charge of your health care .

Keep track of your baby’s movement.

Sometime between 16 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you'll probably start to feel your baby move. Keep track of how often your baby moves. If you think your baby is moving less than usual, call your doctor or midwife.

Don't Smoke, Drink Alcohol, or Use Drugs

Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs..

One of the best ways to protect you and your baby is to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs before you become pregnant — or as soon as possible during your pregnancy.

There's no safe amount to drink or smoke while you're pregnant. Both can harm your baby’s health. Talk with your doctor or midwife about ways to help you quit.

Quitting all forms of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes (vapes), is best for you and your baby. Secondhand smoke (smoke from other people’s cigarettes) can also put you and your baby at risk for health problems. Stay away from cigarette smoke during your pregnancy.

Using drugs during pregnancy — including opioid pain medicines and marijuana — can also put your baby’s health at risk. If you’re pregnant and using drugs, talk with your doctor right away.

Learn more:

• Pregnant? Don’t Smoke!

Quit Smoking

• Alcohol Use in Pregnancy
• What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Pregnancy
• Pregnancy and Opioid Pain Medications [PDF — 0.99 MB]

Eat Healthy and Stay Active

Get the nutrients you need..

Making healthy food choices and taking supplements as needed can help you gain weight in a healthy way, feel good while you're pregnant, and have a healthy baby.

• Check out these tips on healthy eating during pregnancy
• Ask your doctor or midwife if you need to take a daily prenatal supplement during pregnancy
• Take a daily supplement with 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid  — folic acid is a vitamin that can prevent birth defects

Gain weight in a healthy way.

Gaining a certain amount of weight during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby.  Learn how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy .

Even if you're overweight, you still need to gain some weight for your baby to grow. Ask your doctor or midwife how much weight is healthy for you to gain. 

Stay active. 

Being physically active can help you have a healthier pregnancy. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — like walking, dancing, or swimming. 

If you haven’t been active before, start slow and do what you can! Even a 5-minute walk has real health benefits, and you can add more activity over time.

Get more information about physical activity during pregnancy from these resources:

• Stay Active During Pregnancy: Quick Tips
• Move Your Way: Pregnancy

Prevent Infections

Take steps to prevent infections..

Follow these tips to prevent infections and help keep your baby safe:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Make safe food choices and prepare food safely
• If you have a cat, learn how to protect yourself from toxoplasmosis (a disease spread by dirty cat litter)
• Get vaccines to protect you from whooping cough and the flu
• Avoid traveling to an area with Zika virus — and if you have to travel to an area with Zika, learn how to protect yourself from Zika virus

Learn more about preventing infections during pregnancy .

Get Support and Plan Ahead

Ask for help if you need it..

Being pregnant may be tiring or stressful at times. Extra support from loved ones can help. For example, family members or friends can:

• Provide emotional support so you feel less stressed
• Visit the doctor or midwife with you
• Go with you to a breastfeeding or birthing class
• Change the litter box if you have a cat
• Help prepare for the baby’s arrival by setting up furniture

Think about what you need, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Plan ahead for the first year with your new baby.

Having a new baby is exciting, but it can be stressful. Take steps to help you prepare for your new baby:

• Create a safe sleeping area for your baby , without soft objects in the crib.
• Talk with your doctor or midwife about newborn screening tests .
• Learn how to breastfeed your baby .
• Know the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression . About 1 in 8 women experience depression after they have a baby. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any questions or concerns.
• Make sure to keep up with postpartum visits to your doctor or midwife.
• Talk to friends and family about helping out after the baby arrives. If you don't want visitors, people can support you in other ways, like dropping off food.

Read more about preparing for your baby .

Before You Get Pregnant

Not pregnant yet plan ahead..

Planning ahead can help you have a healthier pregnancy. For example: 

• Take a daily supplement with 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid .  Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent certain birth defects. Most multivitamins have 400 mcg of folic acid — check the label to be sure.
• Stop drinking alcohol when you start trying to get pregnant .
• If you smoke, quit smoking when you start trying to get pregnant .

Read about more things you can do to plan ahead.

Schedule an appointment with a doctor or midwife.

• Get your blood pressure checked . If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor how you can control it before and during your pregnancy.
• If you have a chronic (long-term) health condition, like diabetes, ask your doctor how you can control it before and during your pregnancy.
• Ask about getting vaccines before you get pregnant .
• Talk with your doctor about your family health history , including any medical conditions you have that could affect a pregnancy.
• Talk with your doctor about your risk for depression during pregnancy and whether you need counseling to help prevent it.  Learn about depression during and after pregnancy .
• Talk with your doctor about any medicines you’re taking — both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines may not be safe to take while you’re pregnant.
• If you take opioid pain medicine, talk with your doctor about how to protect yourself and your baby. Learn more about opioids and pregnancy .

Content last updated May 7, 2024

Reviewer Information

This information on healthy pregnancy was adapted from materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, and the Office on Women’s Health.

Reviewed by: Heather Hamner, Ph.D., M.S., M.P.H. Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Valerie Levy, M.P.H. Public Health Advisor National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

August 2021

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Get Vaccines to Protect Your Health (Adults Ages 19 to 49 Years)

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• First Trimester
• OB-GYN & Prenatal Care

Everything to Know About Your Prenatal Appointment Schedule

Over the course of your pregnancy, you might start to feel like you live at your provider’s office—and that’s actually a good thing. Studies show that moms-to-be and pregnant people who visit their providers regularly during pregnancy deliver much healthier babies on average. Your prenatal appointment schedule will of course vary depending on your provider and your own physical state, but these general guidelines should give you an idea of what to expect. Read on to learn from experts what a typical prenatal visit schedule looks like and how you can prepare.

Prenatal Appointment Schedule

It’s no secret that you’ll see your provider frequently during pregnancy and go through all types of tests and screenings. But exactly how often are prenatal visits scheduled? At a glance, you’ll likely have pregnancy appointments once every month (so every four weeks), between your first prenatal visit and 28 weeks of pregnancy, says Stephanie Hack , MD, ob-gyn and host of the Lady Parts Doctor podcast. Between 28 and 36 weeks, you’ll see your provider twice a month. After 36 weeks, as you get closer to delivery, that will increase to weekly—and may increase to bi-weekly after 40 weeks, Hack explains. Read on for an in-depth breakdown of the types of tests and routines to expect at each prenatal visit.

Pregnancy Appointment Schedule for First Trimester

During the first (and second) trimester, there will be optional testing to look for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. Keep in mind that these tests aren’t mandatory and may not even be recommended, depending on your individual circumstances. It’s always best to discuss what prenatal tests are beneficial specifically for you with your provider.

First prenatal appointment

When you’ll have your first prenatal appointment can vary, as it’ll depend on when you get a positive pregnancy test . Hack says the first prenatal appointment usually takes place between 8 and 12 weeks. “By this point, an ultrasound can reveal a clear image of your developing baby, showing a healthy fetus and confirming the sound of its heartbeat,” says Cary Dicken , MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at RMA of NY–Long Island. Along with a possible transvaginal ultrasound, the first visit will also include:

• A full workup of your medical and family history
• A thorough physical examination
• Blood work to test for infections and anemia
• Urine analysis
• Blood pressure check
• Pap smear, depending on when your last one was

Additional tests may also be recommended, depending on your personal history and risk for complications. These include:

First trimester screen

This noninvasive optional screening is usually time sensitive and completed between weeks 11 and 13. It includes the nuchal translucency ultrasound and a blood test. Your provider will evaluate the results from both of these screenings along with your age to assess baby’s risk for certain chromosomal issues and conditions, such as Down syndrome. This screening is usually recommended in conjunction with other noninvasive testing, detailed below.

Cell-free DNA test

Also known as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or NIPS, this test is optional. Blood tests look for the most common chromosomal abnormalities that can affect pregnancy. While you can get NIPT at any age, experts usually recommend it for those over age 35. If you do opt for the testing, you can also use it to find out baby’s sex.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is another optional test that occurs between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, this one is invasive, as it takes tissue samples from the placenta to analyze genetic information about the pregnancy, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes. The test is usually recommended for those over 35, those with a family history of genetic conditions or those with positive high-risk results from their other noninvasive prenatal screenings.

Prenatal Appointment Schedule for Second Trimester

During your prenatal appointments in the second trimester, “the focus will primarily be on monitoring your ongoing progress, the growth of your baby and their development,” Dicken says. “Your provider will closely monitor key indicators such as weight and blood pressure.” You can also expect some more testing, as well as the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan. Below, what to know about your pregnancy appointments timeline for the second trimester.

Week 14 prenatal visit

During the second trimester, you’ll see your provider about every four weeks. At every appointment, you’ll have to provide a urine sample for analysis, do a weigh-in and get your blood pressure taken.

Amniocentesis

This test is optional, but it’s an almost definitive way to assess the genetic abnormalities that may be affecting your pregnancy. It’s usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Like the others, amniocentesis is recommended for women over age 35 or those with a family history of genetic conditions. It’s also recommended for those with abnormal results from their quad or sequential screening, which, according to Penn Medicine , uses a subsequent blood test, combined with the results from the first trimester screening to asses overall risk of chromosal and genetic conditions.

Triple/Quad screen test

Also conducted between weeks 15 and 22, this is another optional prenatal screening that looks at the risk of the pregnancy being affected by any of the three most common genetic disorders: Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and neural tube defects , the American Pregnancy Association notes. The screening can also look at the risk of complications such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia .

Mid-pregnancy anatomy scan

This scan is also sometimes called the 20-week ultrasound, but it’s important to note it can occur anytime between weeks 18 and 22, Dicken says. As the name would suggest, it tells expectant parents baby’s sex, as well as evaluates baby’s growth; the formation of baby’s internal organs; amniotic fluid levels and the location of the placenta.

Week 24 prenatal visit

You’ll have your next visit following the anatomy scan around 24 weeks. This will be a routine check-up with a weigh in, monitoring of your blood pressure and a urine analysis.

Glucose challenge screening

The glucose challenge screening occurs between weeks 24 and 28 and is used to assess the risk of gestational diabetes . During this screening, your provider will have you drink a very sweet beverage and draw your blood an hour later to check your blood glucose levels.

Glucose tolerance test

This test is normally only given if your one-hour glucose screening result is abnormal. The glucose tolerance test is longer and requires fasting for a few hours prior to your appointment. Your provider will offer you another extremely sweet drink and then draw your blood an hour later, two hours later and three hours later to assess whether or not you have gestational diabetes. If the results are positive, know the condition can be managed through diet , exercise and, if needed, medication.

Pregnancy Appointment Schedule for Third Trimester

You’ve reached the home stretch! As mentioned, your prenatal appointments will be a bit more frequent in the third trimester, as you’ll see your provider every two to three weeks and then weekly as you get closer to meeting baby. These appointments may also involve some new tests to monitor baby’s heart rate and overall well-being.

Week 28 prenatal visit

Your first prenatal appointment in the third trimester will be around week 28. At this visit, your provider will conduct a urine analysis, do a weigh-in, check your blood pressure and chat with you about any questions, concerns or symptoms you may have.

Nonstress test

The nonstress test is a way for your provider to assess baby’s well-being, Hack says. Not everyone gets this test though. It’s generally recommended if there’s ever decreased fetal movement or for high-risk pregnancies. You’ll have sensors attached to your belly with soft belts. These allow your provider to listen to baby’s fetal heart rate and see how it responds to baby’s movement. While the first nonstress test occurs around 28 weeks, your provider may want to repeat it later on, depending on how the pregnancy is progressing.

Week 30, 32 and 34 prenatal visits

Because your provider will be checking in with you every two to three weeks, you’ll likely have visits at weeks 30, 32 and 34. At these appointments, you’ll get weighed, do a urine test and have your blood pressure taken.

Group B strep test

Group B strep (GBS) is a bacteria that can naturally occur in the body, including the vaginal and rectal areas. While it’s typically not harmful to you, it can be harmful to baby if they’re exposed to it during a vaginal birth. For this reason, between 36 and 37 weeks, your provider will swab your vagina and rectum to screen for GBS, Dicken says. If it’s positive and you’re hoping for a vaginal birth, you may need antibiotics.

Weeks 37, 38 and 39 prenatal visit

After 36 weeks, your prenatal appointments will increase to at least weekly until childbirth. As with previous visits, you’ll get a urine test, your blood pressure checked and do a weigh-in. Hack and Dicken note your provider may also:

• Do any necessary repeat testing for sexually transmitted infections
• Perform an in-office ultrasound to look at baby’s positioning (i.e. head down, breech , etc.)
• Do a pelvic exam to evaluate cervical effacement and dilation
• Discuss your birth plan and pain management preferences

“It’s also a valuable time for you to receive guidance and information about labor, postpartum care and life with a newborn, to help you feel more prepared,” Dicken says.

Week 40 prenatal visit

By this point, you’ll no doubt be pretty eager to meet baby. You’ll get the routine examination at this visit, including a urine test, blood pressure check and weigh-in. For high-risk pregnancies, your provider may also discuss increasing your visits to monitor baby’s health with weekly or biweekly nonstress tests and ultrasounds (otherwise known as a biophysical profile . Or, they may ask you to do kick counts at home to get a sense of baby’s well-being.

Reasons Why Your Prenatal Appointment Schedule Might Change

How frequently you have prenatal appointments will depend on how you and baby are progressing. If there are any complications that arise, like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or other high-risk factors, you may need to come in more frequently. “Sometimes, things might change in your pregnancy that require more attention from your healthcare provider,” Dicken says. “It could be something like a complication, or maybe just needing a bit more monitoring as you get closer to your due date.

Questions to Ask About Your Prenatal Appointment Schedule

With all the phrases, tests and symptoms thrown at you during pregnancy, it’s natural to have some (a lot) of questions—and these questions may change as your pregnancy progresses, depending on personal symptoms, circumstances and concerns. Below, some topics to keep in mind as you head into your pregnancy appointments each trimester:

• Questions for the first trimester: Hack recommends asking about nutrition, supplements and any lifestyle changes that should be made. “Make sure to discuss any pre-pregnancy health conditions you may have, or previous pregnancy complications, so you understand how they may impact your current pregnancy,” she adds. Dickens agrees, noting that you’ll also want to ask about any aspect of prenatal care you don’t understand, as well as how to manage early pregnancy symptoms .
• Questions for the second trimester: As pregnancy moves into the second trimester, experts recommend asking questions about fetal development, childbirth classes and staying active.
• Questions for the third trimester: Experts recommend asking questions about labor signs , pain management, birth plans, breastfeeding and postpartum care .

Regardless of what questions you have, Dickens stresses the importance of open and honest communication. “Ask questions that address your concerns, help you understand the progress of your pregnancy and prepare you for childbirth and postpartum.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do virtual prenatal visits.

While some visits may be done over the phone or video chat, both Hack and Dicken note that when physical exams are required, the pregnancy appointments will need to be in-person.

How often do you go to the doctor when pregnant?

You’ll have monthly prenatal appointments during weeks 4 to 28, and bi-monthly appointments between weeks 28 and 36. After that, as you get closer to delivery, your provider will want to see you weekly or even more frequently. Ultimately, how often you go to your provider during pregnancy will depend on how you and baby are progressing.

When do prenatal appointments become weekly?

Prenatal appointments become weekly towards the end of pregnancy, typically after 36 weeks, Hack says.

How many postpartum visits will I have?

According to Dickens, you can expect to have at least one, but the frequency will depend on your personal circumstances surrounding birth and postpartum. Your provider should ideally contact you via phone shortly after birth, Hack notes, but the first in-person postpartum visit may not happen until 4 to 6 weeks after birth for someone without complications. For women with more complicated medical histories or birth experiences, your initial postpartum visit may be sooner. “For example, you may have a visit at two weeks postpartum after a cesarean section so that your incision may be evaluated, and then come back for your postpartum visit two to four weeks later,” Hack explains. During the postpartum visits, your provider will check in on your physical and emotional health, as well as discuss your postpartum recovery, birth control options, breastfeeding and newborn care.

While this is a good cheat sheet of what a prenatal appointment schedule typically looks like, know it “differs from person to person and even pregnancy to pregnancy,” Hack says. One of the best things you can do for your health and baby’s? “Maintain a good line of communication with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy,” she adds. This includes asking for clarifications, expressing concerns and raising your hand whenever something feels off.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Cary L. Dicken , MD, is a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at RMA of NY–Long Island. She earned her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her residency at Columbia University.

Stephanie Hack , MD, MPH, is board certified ob-gyn and host of the Lady Parts Doctor podcast. She obtained her medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, as well as a masters degree in public health. She completed her residency at Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center.

Science and Babies: Private Decisions, Public Dilemmas, Prenatal Care: Having Healthy Babies , 1990

Johns Hopkins Medicine, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Penn Medicine, Sequential Screening (Combined First and Second Trimester Screening)

American Pregnancy Association, Triple Screen Test

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15 Crucial Questions Every Woman Needs to Ask Her OB/GYN During Pregnancy

Medical review policy, latest update:, what over-the-counter medications are safe, what about prescription meds that i might take, do i need to change my beauty routine, how much weight should i gain, what should i eat and avoid eating, what exercise is okay during pregnancy, what vaccinations should i get, how long can i work when i'm pregnant, what pregnancy symptoms are normal, and what's an emergency, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, can we discuss my birth plan, what should i expect during my labor and delivery, who will deliver my baby, what's the likelihood i'll need a c-section, what should i know if i want a vbac, what support can i get if i want to breastfeed.

The bottom line: Don’t be afraid to call your practitioner if you’re unsure about anything. He or she knows this is likely a new experience for you, and can help you figure out what’s normal and what’s not.

What to Expect When You're Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Your First Prenatal Appointment , January 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Medications During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and What’s Not? , March 2021. WhatToExpect.com, How Much Weight You Should Gain During Pregnancy , October 2020. WhatToExpect.com, 19 Best Foods to Eat During Pregnancy , May 2020. WhatToExpect.com, The Best Pregnancy Workouts and Exercises You Can Do While Expecting , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Signs of Labor , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, How to Create a Birth Plan , June 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Having a C-Section (Cesarean Section) , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, How a Lactation Consultant Can Help You Breastfeed , February 2019. WhatToExpect.com, The COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Vaccines to Get Before and During Pregnancy , July 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Weight Gain During Pregnancy , 2020. American Family Physician, ACOG Updates Recommendations on Vaginal Birth After Previous Cesarean Delivery , January 2011. Food & Drug Administration, Advice about Eating Fish , December 2020.  Kristina Mixer , M.D., OB/GYN, Spectrum Health United Hospital, Greenville, MI. Karen Deighan , M.D., OB/GYN, Loyola University Medical Center, North Riverside, IL.

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Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Signs and symptoms of lupus may change over time and overlap with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis.

Laboratory tests

Blood and urine tests may include:

• Complete blood count. This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets as well as the amount of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Results may indicate you have anemia, which commonly occurs in lupus. A low white blood cell or platelet count may occur in lupus as well.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This blood test determines the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube in an hour. A faster than normal rate may indicate a systemic disease, such as lupus. The sedimentation rate isn't specific for any one disease. It may be elevated if you have lupus, an infection, another inflammatory condition or cancer.
• Kidney and liver assessment. Blood tests can assess how well your kidneys and liver are functioning. Lupus can affect these organs.
• Urinalysis. An examination of a sample of your urine may show an increased protein level or red blood cells in the urine, which may occur if lupus has affected your kidneys.
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. A positive test for the presence of these antibodies — produced by your immune system — indicates a stimulated immune system. While most people with lupus have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, most people with a positive ANA do not have lupus. If you test positive for ANA , your doctor may advise more-specific antibody testing.

Imaging tests

If your doctor suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, he or she may suggest:

• Chest X-ray. An image of your chest may reveal abnormal shadows that suggest fluid or inflammation in your lungs.
• Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to produce real-time images of your beating heart. It can check for problems with your valves and other portions of your heart.

Lupus can harm your kidneys in many different ways, and treatments can vary, depending on the type of damage that occurs. In some cases, it's necessary to test a small sample of kidney tissue to determine what the best treatment might be. The sample can be obtained with a needle or through a small incision.

Skin biopsy is sometimes performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

More Information

• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Echocardiogram
• Liver function tests
• Sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

Treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. Determining whether you should be treated and what medications to use requires a careful discussion of the benefits and risks with your doctor.

As your signs and symptoms flare and subside, you and your doctor may find that you'll need to change medications or dosages. The medications most commonly used to control lupus include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), may be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects of NSAIDs may include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems.
• Antimalarial drugs. Medications commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), affect the immune system and can help decrease the risk of lupus flares. Side effects can include stomach upset and, very rarely, damage to the retina of the eye. Regular eye exams are recommended when taking these medications.
• Corticosteroids. Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can counter the inflammation of lupus. High doses of steroids such as methylprednisolone (Medrol) are often used to control serious disease that involves the kidneys and brain. Side effects include weight gain, easy bruising, thinning bones, high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy.
• Immunosuppressants. Drugs that suppress the immune system may be helpful in serious cases of lupus. Examples include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (Cellcept), methotrexate (Trexall, Xatmep, others), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf) and leflunomide (Arava). Potential side effects may include an increased risk of infection, liver damage, decreased fertility and an increased risk of cancer.

Biologics. A different type of medication, belimumab (Benlysta) administered intravenously, also reduces lupus symptoms in some people. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and infections. Rarely, worsening of depression can occur.

Rituximab (Rituxan, Truxima) may be beneficial for some people in whom other medications haven't helped. Side effects include allergic reaction to the intravenous infusion and infections.

In clinical trials, voclosporin has been shown to be effective in treating lupus.

Other potential drugs to treat lupus are currently being studied, including abatacept (Orencia), anifrolumab and others.

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Explore Mayo Clinic studies  testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Take steps to care for your body if you have lupus. Simple measures can help you prevent lupus flares and, should they occur, better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience. Try to:

• See your doctor regularly. Having regular checkups instead of only seeing your doctor when your symptoms worsen may help your doctor prevent flares, and can be useful in addressing routine health concerns, such as stress, diet and exercise that can be helpful in preventing lupus complications.
• Be sun smart. Because ultraviolet light can trigger a flare, wear protective clothing — such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants — and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 55 every time you go outside.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise can help keep your bones strong, reduce your risk of heart attack and promote general well-being.
• Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Sometimes you may have dietary restrictions, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney damage or gastrointestinal problems.
• Ask your doctor if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements. There is some evidence to suggest that people with lupus may benefit from supplemental vitamin D. A calcium supplement can help you meet the daily recommended dietary allowance of 1,000 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams — depending on your age — to help keep your bones healthy.

Sometimes people with lupus seek alternative or complementary medicine. There aren't any alternative therapies that have been shown to alter the course of lupus, although some may help ease symptoms of the disease.

Discuss these treatments with your doctor before initiating them on your own. He or she can help you weigh the benefits and risks and tell you if the treatments will interfere adversely with your current lupus medications.

Complementary and alternative treatments for lupus include:

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Taking supplements containing this hormone along with conventional treatment may help reduce lupus flares. dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may lead to acne in women.
• Fish oil. Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids that may be beneficial for people with lupus. Preliminary studies have found some promise, though more study is needed. Side effects of fish oil supplements can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth.
• Acupuncture. This therapy uses tiny needles inserted just under the skin. It may help ease the muscle pain associated with lupus.

If you have lupus, you're likely to have a range of painful feelings about your condition, from fear to extreme frustration. The challenges of living with lupus increase your risk of depression and related mental health problems, such as anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. To help you cope, try to:

• Learn all you can about lupus. Write down any questions you have about lupus as they occur to you so that you can ask them at your next appointment. Ask your doctor or nurse for reputable sources of further information. The more you know about lupus, the more confident you'll feel in your treatment choices.

Gather support among your friends and family. Talk about lupus with your friends and family and explain ways they can help out when you're having flares. Lupus can be frustrating for your loved ones because they usually can't see it, and you may not appear sick.

Family and friends can't tell if you're having a good day or a bad day unless you tell them. Be open about what you're feeling so that your loved ones know what to expect.

• Take time for yourself. Cope with stress in your life by taking time for yourself. Use that time to read, meditate, listen to music or write in a journal. Find activities that calm and renew you.
• Connect with others who have lupus. Talk to other people who have lupus. You can connect through support groups in your community or through online message boards. Other people with lupus can offer unique support because they're facing many of the same obstacles and frustrations that you're facing.

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor, but he or she may refer you to a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory joint conditions and immune disorders (rheumatologist).

Because the symptoms of lupus can mimic so many other health problems, you may need patience while waiting for a diagnosis. Your doctor must rule out a number of other illnesses before diagnosing lupus. You may need to see a number of specialists such as doctors who treat kidney problems (nephrologists), blood disorders (hematologists) or nervous system disorders (neurologists) depending on your symptoms, to help with diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

• When did your symptoms begin? Do they come and go?
• Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms?
• Have your parents or siblings had lupus or other autoimmune disorders?
• What medications and supplements do you take regularly?

You may also want to write down questions to ask your doctor, such as:

• What are the possible causes of my symptoms or condition?
• What tests do you recommend?
• If these tests don't pinpoint the cause of my symptoms, what additional tests might I need?
• Are there any treatments or lifestyle changes that might help my symptoms now?
• Do I need to follow any restrictions while we're seeking a diagnosis?
• Should I see a specialist?
• If you are considering pregnancy, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Some medications cannot be used if you get pregnant.

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may leave time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• Does sun exposure cause you to develop skin rashes?
• Do your fingers become pale, numb or uncomfortable in the cold?
• Do your symptoms include any problems with memory or concentration?
• How much do your symptoms limit your ability to function at school, at work or in personal relationships?
• Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
• Are you pregnant, or do you plan to become pregnant?

Oct 21, 2022

• Ferri FF. Systemic lupus erythematosus. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020.
• Goldman L, et al., eds. Systemic lupus erythematosus. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020.
• Wallace DJ, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020.
• Wallace DJ. Overview of the management and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020.
• Dorner T, et al. Novel paradigms in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lancet. 2019; doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30546-X.
• Calcium fact sheet for professionals. Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/. Accessed Nov. 5, 2020.
• Fangtham M, et al. Non-pharmacologic therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus. 2019; doi:10.1177/0961203319841435.
• Sahu, P, et al. Pharmacological activities of dehydroepiandrosterone: A review. Steroids. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108507.
• Wierenga, KA, et al. Lupus, silica and dietary omega-3 fatty acid interventions. Toxicologic Pathology. 2019; doi:10.1177/0192623319878398.
• He Y, et al. Drug-induced lupus erythematosus: An update on drugs and mechanisms. Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 2018; doi:10.1097/BOR.0000000000000522.
• Yung S, et al. A review of advances in the understanding of lupus nephritis pathogenesis as a basis for emerging therapies. F1000Research. 2020; doi:10.12688/f1000research.22438.1.
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At 20 Weeks Pregnant, An Ultrasound Revealed Something Unthinkable. What Happened Next Is My Deepest Regret.

Guest Writer

I was laying in bed watching reruns of “The Office” when my water broke.

As Michael Scott was burning his foot on a George Foreman grill, I felt what can only be described as a small “pop” in my lower abdomen. Concerned and confused, I stood up, took two steps towards the bathroom in our tiny one-bedroom Seattle apartment and felt a rush of amniotic fluid soak through my sweatpants, pooling beneath my feet on our hardwood floor.

“This is it! Oh my God, this is it!” my then-boyfriend said, visibly unable to contain his excitement as he pee-danced his way toward the front door to grab our carefully packed go-bags.

“Yeah, let me take a shower first,” I responded flatly, paralyzed by excitement, fear and a debilitating wave of grief.

This *is* it , I thought, the reality of my situation assaulting the recesses of my brain like a rogue pinball. It’s time to say hello ... and goodbye.

A little over nine months earlier, at a Planned Parenthood tucked away in a nondescript building in South Seattle, an overly kind ultrasound technician calmly informed me that I wasn’t just pregnant — I was pregnant with twins. After accidentally blurting out a string of expletives and requesting the technician count the embryos again … and again … and again ... I left the exam room armed with half-a-dozen fuzzy black-and-white pictures of two alien-looking sacs and a full-blown smile.

I was going to be a mom. My boyfriend was going to be a dad. We were going to be parents, twice over.

We purchased two of everything — onesies, sleep sacks and soft toys no newborn has the physical capacity to use but which were necessary nonetheless.

Carelessly, I allowed my mind to craft a picture of what our future would look like as a family of four: my boys snuggled up in a crib/ The beautiful chaos that was sure to be two toddlers exploring every sharp corner and potentially dangerous outlet in our apartment. Anxiety-inducing swim lessons and emotional first-day-of-school drop-offs and teenage mishaps that two born-together brothers would no doubt try to hide from me.

My family felt so certain, so meant-to-be — until, at almost 20 weeks’ gestation, another overly kind ultrasound technician gave me a look that shattered that facade of inevitability.

One of the twins ― Twin A, who was given a beautiful name I still, 10 years later, cannot bring myself to say out loud ― no longer had a heartbeat. For reasons no doctor could articulate, my body was hospitable to one fetus and hostile to another.

For the remainder of my pregnancy, I was cursed with carrying both life and death inside of me ― left to hope, beg, plead, and wish that the diminished twin, my futureless baby boy, would not cause the termination of the other.

So when my water broke and I was staring the pains of labor and delivery in the face, I knew I finally had to say goodbye. My future child ceased to exist before he ever had a chance to live, and he was deteriorating inside me … but he was still with me. Bringing his remains into the world meant facing what I had instinctively avoided for nearly 20 weeks.

The tapestry of an impossible future I had selfishly allowed myself to weave would unravel the moment I heard the cry of one baby and the silence of another.

Labor and delivery is as advertised ― painful, exhausting, and fraught with an ungodly amount of bodily fluids. After nearly 24 hours, I pushed my perfect living son from my body and into the world ― his presence sliced through the air of that labor and delivery room with all the pomp and circumstance I have come to expect of my now-9-year-old attention-seeker.

As the nursing staff took my son away to clean him and check his vitals, I was once again instructed to push. All the energy that propelled my son into the universe drained from my body in an instant. There would be no cry at the end of this labor; no warm body to hold to my chest; no “reward” for the physical sacrifice of childbirth, just an emptiness that threatened to swallow me whole.

I closed my eyes, whispered a tender goodbye, and pushed.

What I am told were nearly unidentifiable remains slithered from my body. My physician looked up and, with an equal amount of pity and kindness in her eyes, asked me if I wanted to look at what would have been ― should have been ― my second son.

I had considered the realities of this moment countless times. I thought long and hard about what I wanted and why. I obsessed over the pros and cons. But in that moment, instinctively and without hesitation, I said no and turned away, choosing to focus solely on my newborn son’s hunger cries and his perfect, chubby thighs.

“Are you sure?” my boyfriend asked. I shook my head yes as tears ran down my cheeks, my gaze steadfast on the baby who lived.

Both my boyfriend and best friend were in the delivery room when my son made his foray into the world. And both looked at the remains of the twin who died. Died . The finality of it all still feels absurd.

In the years since, I have asked what it — what he — looked like.

“Not human,” my boyfriend has said.

“More like an alien,” my best friend has promised.

“You wouldn’t have known it was a baby,” they both insist.

They love me, so I am convinced they are lying. They saw the way the loss, the birth, and the postpartum months that followed broke me in a thousand different ways. They would never tell me that I should have looked at my son; that I owed him as much; that a good mother — whatever that means — would have decided differently.

They love me, so they don’t judge me the way I judge myself.

Five years later, my second child — another son — was born. As I stared at his perfect face, I wondered if he looked like Twin A. Did he have his nonexistent brother’s cheeks? His eyes? His nose? The same tuft of dark brown hair? Was he the boy I had mourned simply reincarnated, somehow smart enough to know that as a new mother I could only handle one baby at a time? Did he see my faults ahead of time and spare me that feeling of ineptitude by simply deteriorating into the ether, only to return again, now healthy and exquisite?

I’ll never know, of course, and it’s a regret I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Whenever I see twins, or hear about twins, or a friend or co-worker or acquaintance gives birth to twins, I think about the cowardice that kept me from looking at my son’s remains — of the fear that made me refuse to honor him by bearing witness to the only form he would ever take, as bloody, diminished and alien-looking as it may have been.

Now, as a journalist and freelance writer, I have covered wars in Ukraine and Israel; school shootings in Uvalde, Highland Park, Covenant and more; disasters in Puerto Rico, Ohio and Syria. I have stared death in the face, bearing witness to irrevocable loss that cannot be adequately described.

I have sat with mothers as they shared photos of their deceased children; watched videos of students gunned down with callous abandon and mothers caressing, hugging and kissing their lifeless babies’ bodies; listened to stories of death and destruction and violence on a scale that has kept me up for nights at a time.

And every single time, I silently pay homage to the son I couldn’t bear to honor in the same way. He is with me in the darkness — a reminder that we cannot shield ourselves from the horrors of life, because with them come the things as breathtakingly beautiful as the cries of a newborn baby with immaculate, chubby thighs.

Danielle Campoamor is a former NBC and TODAY reporter and award-winning freelance writer and editor published in The New York Times, Washington Post, TIME, New York Magazine’s The Cut, CNN, MSNBC, Mother Jones, Marie Claire, Vogue, Vanity Fair and more. She covers a wide variety of topics, including reproductive justice and abortion care, gun violence, mental health, gender-based violence, climate change and more. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and two feral sons.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at [email protected].

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This ‘Boy Meets World’ star credits shaman elixir for her pregnancy at 54. Doctors have some questions.

For many people, getting pregnant can prove difficult. For those past the age of 40, it can be extremely difficult.

So, when a celebrity like former "Boy Meets World" star Trina McGee says she became pregnant at 54 without IVF, after getting her tubes tied and a year into menopause, thanks to an "elixir" recommended to her by "shamans" in Belize, it may give people at that age false hope that a natural pregnancy is still possible. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for McGee about her pregnancy.

Fertility doctors insist it's not − and they implore those inspired by McGee's story not to be fooled. If you want to conceive a child without IVF, you have limited time to do so.

"If she is pregnant (naturally) at 54, it is the biggest miracle of my career," says Dr. Allison Rodgers , a reproductive endocrinology infertility specialist at Fertility Centers of Illinois.

How Trina McGee says she got pregnant

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight , published online Tuesday, McGee made claims about how she became pregnant at 54. The actress announced her pregnancy on Instagram Monday.

McGee told the outlet she and her husband Marcello Thedford have wanted a child for a while but were unsuccessful conceiving without intervention. She said they considered in vitro fertilization, or IVF, but she was hesitant to do it. Instead, they went to Belize.

Thanks to natural remedies recommended there, McGee said, she reversed her menopause and conceived. McGee credited medicinal herbs, a healthy lifestyle and a low-stress environment for her "miracle, beautiful, triumphant" pregnancy.

Fertility doctors say there has to be more to McGee's story beyond holistic treatment.

More: 'Boy Meets World' star Trina McGee reveals she's pregnant at age 54

Dr. Mickey Coffler , a reproductive endocrinologist with HRC Fertility, suspects she didn't actually reach menopause when she thought she did, she underwent fertility treatment she thought was "natural" but really wasn't or she's an extreme medical anomaly.

In Rodgers' view, telling people herbs or elixirs will help you get pregnant − let alone while well into menopause − is deeply irresponsible. In her practice, she says, older patients come to her all the time with false hope that they can still conceive naturally, thanks to misinformation.

They're heartbroken when she tells them the truth.

"There are a lot of people who are preying on the hopelessness of people trying to get pregnant, and they feed misinformation that a supplement or an elixir is going to cure them," Rodgers says. "It is an absolute lie that people believe. No supplement is going to bring back your eggs that have already been lost."

More: More men are getting their sperm checked, doctors say. Should you get a semen analysis?

The truth about getting pregnant in your 50s

Rodgers says it's important women know the truth about their reproductive system so they can make prudent decisions about family planning. The truth, she says, is that by the time a woman is 40, she only has about 1% of her eggs left. Most women, she says, lose their viable, healthy eggs entirely somewhere between ages 42 and 44.

In her 20 years since medical school, the oldest patient Rodgers has ever seen conceive naturally was 46.

Still, she says there are ways to have a child past the age of 50 with medical intervention. For instance, if a woman freezes her eggs when she's younger, she can use those eggs for an embryo transfer later in life and become pregnant. This can also be done with an egg from a donor.

I'm single at 35 and want a family. This decision brought an immense amount of relief.

Rodgers encourages people reading stories like this to use common sense and consult their doctors for fertility advice rather than celebrities.

"I'm not this person's doctor," Rodgers says. "I cannot say one way or another how this person got pregnant. But, if there is an elixir getting 54-year-olds pregnant, I'm sure the whole world would be on it."