Prenatal Appointments: 2nd Half (What to Expect)

I shared a post discussing what to expect with prenatal appointments for the first half of pregnancy (up until 20 weeks). Today I wanted to share visits for the second half. I am now 37 weeks and will be delivering in the next 3 weeks either naturally or by induction. Although, I would prefer not to be induced a second time, I just follow my doctor’s recommendations when it comes to anything delivery related. I learned with our older son that you truly have to just roll with it in that area and do what’s best for you and baby.

Appointments 20-40 Weeks

You will continue going in monthly until your doctor switches you to bi-weekly (some time in the third trimester) and then weekly around 36 weeks. If you do not have anything specific for an appointment they will generally just include a urine sample, vitals, heartbeat, belly measurement and questions/concerns with the doctor. My appointments were all around 15 minutes!

Fifth Appointment

After our 20 week anatomy scan, I went back at week 24 for my glucose test. This time around was a little different because I was actually given my drink to take at home before my appointment. My bloodwork was also done at my doctor’s office, which was not the case with our son. I drank my drink before the appointment, had my regular check-up as noted above, and then did my bloodwork (has to be an hour from drink). If something is flagged you will complete a second test that has a 3 hour window.

You can check out more on glucose on my IGTV.

Sixth Appointment

This was around week 28 and was a standard check up!

Seventh Appointment

This was around week 32 and was a standard check-up! My bi-weekly started after this appointment.

Eighth Appointment

This was week 34 where we had our third sonogram. Typically you will do your last one anywhere between 32-34 weeks, however my doctor wanted me to be closer to 34 to confirm if baby was going to stay head down. My husband got to go which is always so neat experiencing that together! They will take measurements and basically check everything they did at the anatomy scan, however it is much faster. I did my urine sample and vitals before the sonogram so after it was complete, my doctor came into the room to go over everything and ask about questions/concerns.

Ninth Appointment

This was week 36 for me where I also transitioned to weekly appointments. You will continue with your standard things like urine, vitals, heartbeat, however you will also begin cervix checks. Before your cervix check you will be swabbed for strep (if you are positive you are given antibiotics during birth) and the doctor will check dilation and effacement. I also did my last blood work at this appointment where they check everything before delivery.

Tenth-Twelfth Appointment

The next three appointments will include regular check up items and the cervix check. You may also talk about induction with your doctor if that is something they are recommending or wanting to discuss.

Stay tuned for delivery, recovery, and newborn life!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac