Prenatal Visits

Overview & Typical Frequency of Visits

• 12-28 weeks gestation: visits every 4 weeks
• 28-34 weeks gestation: visits every 2 weeks
• 35 weeks-onwards: visits weekly until delivery

Some people may require more frequent visits.

• 8-10 weeks: Dating ultrasound (this tells you your estimated due date)
• 10-12 weeks: Routine lab tests (e.g., infection screening – HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B/C, Rubella, chlamydia, gonorrhea, urine; thyroid function; blood type; and complete blood count)
• 11.5-13.5 weeks: Genetic screening may be initiated based on provincial/territorial recommendations (e.g. eFTS, IPS or NIPT test + NT scan). NIPT can be done as early as 9 weeks gestation.
• 14 weeks-20 weeks 6 days: Second trimester screening may be combined or initiated in your province or territory if first trimester screening has not been performed.
• 18-20 weeks: Anatomy Scan (more information in the following pages)
• 24-28 weeks:
• • Gestational Diabetes screening (Glucose Challenge Test)
  • Repeat screening for anemia (blood work) is often done at this visit
• 28 weeks: RhIG (e.g., RhoGAM) if a pregnant person has a negative blood type (e.g., O-)
• 35-37 weeks: GBS screening (Vaginal-Rectal Swab)
• 38 weeks-onwards: “Stretch and Sweep” or “Membrane Sweep” may be offered if you are planning a vaginal birth. This is an internal exam where your doctor can sweep the baby’s membranes away from your cervix to release your body’s own prostaglandins if the cervix is open. This can encourage the start of labour. It can be associated with bleeding and cramping. There is also a small risk of the water breaking.
• 40 weeks: Post-date surveillance if you have not yet delivered

The following handouts have more information about these aspects of prenatal care.

What is Done at a Typical Visit?

At a typical prenatal visit, your weight and blood pressure will be measured. At 20 weeks, your health care provider will measure your symphysis fundal height (SFH) regularly. Later in pregnancy, they may begin to perform Leopold’s maneuver. Prenatal visits are also used to review test results, discuss upcoming tests, and answer questions.

Symphysis Fundal Height

The length from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus is measured, to ensure your baby is growing properly.

Leopold’s Maneuvers

Your health care provider will palpate your belly to feel the position of your baby (e.g., vertex or breech).