Your first pregnancy appointments
When to see a doctor once you know you are pregnant, what happens at the first appointment and what the check-ups look like until the birth.
4 min read
In this article
See a doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant. The first full appointment usually happens between weeks 8 and 12. It is the longest one, often about an hour, because the doctor takes your health history and gives you your first advice.
Your check-ups may be with an obstetrician-gynaecologist, your family doctor or a midwife at your health centre. The exact schedule varies by doctor and by country, but the main steps are similar everywhere.
What happens at the first appointment
The questions
The doctor will ask about:
- the first day of your last period
- any previous pregnancies
- health conditions you have and medicines you take
- your mental health
- smoking, alcohol and exercise
- your work and your situation at home
Some questions may feel personal. They are asked to understand whether you need more support, and your answers stay confidential.
The checks
- your blood pressure, which is followed throughout the pregnancy
- a urine test for infections
- blood tests, such as your blood group and Rh factor, and other tests your doctor recommends
- your weight and height
Vitamins
Your doctor will talk to you about folic acid, which is taken every day until week 12. The usual dose is 400 micrograms, but some women need a higher dose, which the doctor decides. Ask about vitamin D too. Avoid multivitamins that contain vitamin A (retinol), because too much can harm your baby.
What to bring
- the date of your last period
- a list of medicines and supplements you take
- test results or notes from previous pregnancies, if you have them
- your questions, written down so you do not forget them
A rough schedule of check-ups
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1
Weeks 8 to 12
The first full appointment: health history, blood pressure, urine and blood tests.
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2
Weeks 11 to 14
The first scan, which dates the pregnancy. You may also be offered screening for Down’s syndrome and other conditions.
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3
Week 16
A check-up: test results, blood pressure and urine.
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4
Weeks 18 to 21
The anomaly scan, which checks how your baby is developing.
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5
Weeks 24 to 28
A blood sugar test, for women who are more likely to develop diabetes in pregnancy.
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6
Week 28
Blood tests. If your blood is Rh negative, you may be offered an injection to protect your baby.
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7
Weeks 28 to 40
More frequent check-ups: blood pressure, urine, the size of your bump and your baby’s position.
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8
After week 40
If you have not given birth yet, your doctor will talk to you about what happens next.
The World Health Organization recommends at least 8 contacts during pregnancy. If you have a long-term condition, are expecting more than one baby or had problems in a previous pregnancy, you may need more. Read more in ultrasound scans in pregnancy.
Do not wait for your next appointment if
Contact a doctor straight away, or go to emergency care, if you have:
- vaginal bleeding
- severe tummy pain
- a severe headache, problems with your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- fluid leaking from your vagina
- a high temperature
- your baby moving less than usual, later in pregnancy
No question is too small. If something worries you, call your doctor rather than wait.
Common questions
When should I first see a doctor?
How long does the first appointment take?
How many appointments will I have?
Can my partner come with me?
Sources we consulted
Written by the mam.al editors as general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.