screening tests, which will let you know if your kid has a higher risk of having a problem, but can’t confirm the problem for sure
diagnostic tests, which show whether your child has a problem, with a much higher level of certaintys
The timing and number of some of the visits and tests listed below may rotate slightly depending on the antenatal care you choose, if you’ve had a prior pregnancy and if you are having any problems
confirmation that you are pregnant
counting how many weeks your pregnancy is and when your due date will be. You may be offered an ultrasound scan if the date is not clear.
blood pressure, height, and weight
blood test, to check your blood group and test for anemia, rubella immunity, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV
urine test, to see if you have a bladder or urinary tract infection
screening for Down syndrome
cervical screening to check for human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or any signs of cervical cancer
if at danger of vitamin D deficiency, a test for this may be offered
As part of your check-up, you will normally also discuss with your gyanecologist or midwife:
which medicines you are taking
whether you smoke or drink alcohol
whether you would like influenza (flu) vaccination
which vitamin and mineral supplements you can use or should avoid
antenatal care options available to you
where you can get further information and antenatal classes
19-20 weeks
blood pressure
check Size of your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby’s growth
checking how your health is and if there are any difficulties
an ultrasound scan to check your baby’s physical development, growth, and any complications with your pregnancy. If you require to, during the ultrasound, you can discover out whether the baby is a boy or girl.
22 weeks
blood pressure
check size your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby’s growth
monitoring how your health is and if you have any problems
26-27 weeks
blood pressure
check size your tummy (abdominal palpation) to check your baby’s growth
checking how your health is and if you have any difficulties
blood glucose tolerance test for diabetes
28 Weeks
Blood pressure.
Examining how your health is and if you have any problems.
Monitoring your baby’s heartbeat and movements.
A blood test to check for anemia and blood platelet levels. Your health specialist may also check again for syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
If your blood type is Rh-negative, an anti-D immunoglobulin injection may be given.
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination.
Urine test, if you have signs of urinary tract infection or raised blood pressure.
32 Weeks
Blood pressure.
Checking how your health is and if you have any difficulties.
Checking your baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Urine test, if you have signs of urinary tract infection or raised blood pressure.
34–36 Weeks
Blood pressure.
Checking how your health is and if you have any difficulties.
Checking your baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Urine test, if you have signs of urinary tract infection or raised blood pressure.
Vaginal swab for Group B streptococcus (GBS).
If your blood type is Rh-negative, a second anti-D immunoglobulin dose may be provided.
Evaluating presentation (which way up your baby is) and station (how far down the baby’s head has moved into your pelvis).
38–39 Weeks
Blood pressure.
Checking your baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Urine test, if you have signs of urinary tract infection or raised blood pressure.
Assessing presentation and station.
40–41 Weeks
Blood pressure.
Checking your baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Urine test, if you have signs of urinary tract infection or raised blood pressure.
Assessing presentation and station.
If you haven’t had your child yet, monitoring your baby’s heartbeat and the amount of liquid around them.
As well as the tests, scans, and check-ups listed above, your GP or midwife may offer further tests depending on your risk factors and circumstances. These can include:
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): A small quantity of the baby’s placenta is collected to test for chromosome difficulties such as Down syndrome or other abnormalities. This is usually performed between 10 and 11 weeks of pregnancy, or at another time if a problem is suspected.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): A highly accurate test to identify Down syndrome and certain other abnormalities. It is done between 11 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
Nuchal Translucency Scan: This scan looks at the back of your baby’s neck to evaluate the risk of Down syndrome. It is performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 days and may be conducted at the same time as the dating ultrasound.
Amniocentesis: A small quantity of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the baby) is collected to test if the baby has a chromosome difficulty or other abnormality. This is usually done between 15 and 18 weeks, or later if a problem is identified.