Your antenatal visits
What happens at each antenatal visit, how often to go, and what to bring.
- Book before 14 weeks if you can
- Blood pressure, urine and growth are checked at every visit
- Visits become more frequent after 28 weeks
- Bring your record, ID and all medicines
Antenatal care finds problems early, when they are easiest to treat. Book as soon as you know you are pregnant — ideally before 14 weeks.
At the first (booking) visit your history is taken, your dates are worked out, and blood tests are done: haemoglobin, blood group and Rhesus, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Your blood pressure, weight and urine are checked and you are started on folic acid, iron and calcium.
At every visit after that you can expect your blood pressure, weight and urine to be checked, your abdomen measured, and from about 24 weeks the baby's heartbeat and position checked. You should be asked about your baby's movements and about danger signs.
Visits are usually monthly until 28 weeks, every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks — more often if there is a problem.
Bring your Maternity Case Record or your Nalady record, your clinic card, your ID and all your medicines. Write down your questions before you go.
If you develop a danger sign between visits, do not wait for your next appointment — go to the clinic or hospital.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.