Prenatal Appointment schedule

Some of you are moms, some are pregnant, and some want to be pregnant now or in the future. One big question is how many appointments will I have and when are my major appointments and what happens? Here is a schedule of appointments please note these weeks are approximate but some tests must be done at certain points:

4 weeks: Optional blood test to confirm pregnancy
8 weeks: this is around the time when most doctors have you come in for the first time. There is usually the first ultrasound to do a dating scan to get an accurate due date. Your medical history will be taken as well as a physical exam done. They will do blood work, urinalysis, STD testing, and a pap smear if one hasn't been done recently.
12 weeks: You can have the Nuchal Translucency test done which is blood work and an ultrasound to test for Down Syndrome.
11-12 weeks: Optional Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). This is a prenatal test that checks for genetic defects such as Down Syndrome, other trisomies, sex chromosome abnormalities, and more.This test is invasive and carries a slight risk of miscarriage so it is recommended only for those at high risk.
15-20 weeks: Optional Amniocentesis. This is like the CVS but this can also test for neural tube defects. This carries a risk of miscarriage.
16 weeks: Quad screen blood test for neural tube defects and Down Syndrome.
20 weeks: Full Anatomy scan and gender reveal.
24 weeks: blood glucose test for Gestational Diabetes
28 weeks: fetal heartbeat
32 weeks: fetal heartbeat
34 weeks: fetal heartbeat
36 weeks: Group B strep test. You will get a swab done to check for Group B strep. If it is positive you will receive antibiotics during labor.
37 weeks: cervical check
38 weeks: cervical check
39 weeks: cervical check
40 weeks: cervical check

also normally at each visit you will also have a urine test done. You may receive more ultrasounds. The number depends on your doctor, insurance, and if you have any complications.