1st Trimester  (1 - 13 weeks)

Normally at the first visit an ultrasound is done in the office to confirm the due date as well as reassure the mother. If all is normal, a second visit is scheduled to occur several weeks later. At that second prenatal visit, necessary prenatal labwork is obtained and a complete physical exam is performed. Genetic screening can be offered for at risk mothers through a late first trimester ultrasound (a nuchal lucency screen) and blood tests.

2nd Trimester  (14 - 26 weeks)

During the second trimester visits are usually at four week intervals. Between 15 and 20 weeks a maternal tetrascreen blood test is offered to all patients. This blood test looks at certain proteins in the mother's blood to screen for fetal problems such as Down's syndrome. A formal ultrasound is usually performed between 18 and 20 weeks to make sure the fetus is growing appropriately and baby's anatomy is normal. It is at about this point in the pregnancy that fetal movement begins to be felt. Between the 24th and 28th week a glucose tolerance test is performed. This blood test is used to screen for diabetes in pregnancy.

3rd Trimester  (27 - 40 weeks)

During the third trimester visits are scheduled at two week intervals until 36 weeks and thereafter every week. If the mother is Rh negative a Rhogam injection is administered at 28 weeks. Fetal kick count charting is started at 30 weeks. At 36 weeks a Group B Strep vaginal culture is performed. After this point traveling out of town is not recommended. Towards the end of the pregnancy, specific time is set aside to go over decisions regarding pain management in labor, birth plans and choosing a pediatrician.