The World Health Organization recommends at least 8 prenatal visits or contacts with a healthcare provider during pregnancy. Evidence shows that regular care improves outcomes for both you and your baby: many complications have no obvious symptoms but can be detected during routine checks.
The visit schedule
- Before 12 weeks - first visit: confirming how far along you are, tests, and a care plan
- 20 and 26 weeks - second trimester
- 30, 34, 36, 38, and 40 weeks - third trimester, when closer monitoring matters most
If labour has not started by 41 weeks, see your doctor: they will assess you and your baby and discuss the next steps.
What happens at each visit
- Blood pressure measurement - the main way to detect pre-eclampsia early
- Assessment of fetal growth and wellbeing
- Discussion of symptoms and questions
- Later in pregnancy, discussion of the birth plan
Why visits are more frequent in the third trimester
From 28 weeks, the risk of complications, especially blood pressure-related problems, increases. Five third-trimester contacts help detect changes early, when they can often be managed more easily.
Carry your records with you
WHO recommends that pregnant women carry their own pregnancy notes or medical records. This helps any healthcare provider understand your pregnancy history quickly, especially when travelling or seeking unplanned care.
Your schedule may be adjusted by your healthcare provider based on your health. Individual medical advice always comes first.