Pregnancy resources
Prenatal care and tests
Prenatal care is simply regular check-ins that let your team catch small things before they become big ones. Knowing what's coming makes appointments feel less like being processed and more like being cared for.
The usual visit rhythm
Weeks 8–28
About every 4 weeks — weight, blood pressure, urine check, belly measurement, and baby's heartbeat.
Weeks 28–36
Every 2 weeks — plus glucose screening and often a blood count and antibody recheck.
Weeks 36–birth
Weekly — Group B strep swab, position check, and conversations about labor, birth preferences, and warning signs.
Twins, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other considerations may mean more frequent visits — that's normal and protective, not a red flag about you.
Common tests, explained
First trimester labs
Blood type and Rh factor, complete blood count, immunity to rubella and varicella, hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and a urine culture. If you're Rh negative, you'll be offered RhoGAM around 28 weeks and after birth.
Genetic screening (optional)
Cell-free DNA (NIPT) from about 10 weeks can screen for common chromosomal conditions and can share fetal sex. Carrier screening looks at what you and your partner may pass on. Nuchal translucency ultrasound is offered around 11–13 weeks. Diagnostic tests — CVS or amniocentesis — are available if screening or history suggests it. All of this is your choice.
Anatomy ultrasound (18–22 weeks)
A detailed look at baby's brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, placenta location, and amniotic fluid. It's usually the longest, most exciting scan — and often when fetal sex can be seen if you want to know.
Glucose screening (24–28 weeks)
A sweet drink followed by a blood draw to check for gestational diabetes. If the first test is high, a longer three-hour test confirms. A positive result is not a failure — it's information, and most people manage it well with food, movement, and monitoring.
Group B strep (36–37 weeks)
A quick swab. If positive, you'll receive antibiotics during labor to protect baby. It's very common and easily handled.
Questions worth bringing
- Which symptoms should make me call you, and what number do I use after hours?
- Are my labs and blood pressure trending normally?
- Which supplements do you want me taking, and at what dose?
- Is my exercise routine safe to continue as I am?
- What are my options for pain relief and birth positions?
- Who will actually be at my birth, and what happens if you're not on call?
- What does postpartum follow-up look like for me?
Write them in your phone as they come to you during the week. You deserve appointments where your questions get answered, and a provider who makes space for them.