Pregnancy – one of the most incredible journeys in our life, one filled with a myriad emotions and… change: as your life is turned “upside down” (for good!) by the arrival of a tiny baby, your body changes, your habits change and even your house!

During this journey, antenatal appointments serve as guiding lights, ensuring both the mother and baby’s well-being. 

However, it is understandable to feel worried about what to expect, especially if you have never experienced an antenatal appointment before.

This is why we have put together this helpful guide about what to expect from your antenatal appointments. 

In this article, we will help you to prepare for your antenatal appointments so you know what to expect, from typical procedures and tests to when to expect your first ultrasound.

Traditionally, midwives have been the guardians of maternal care. Today, they work alongside obstetricians to provide comprehensive care. 

While most antenatal appointments are with midwives, certain complications or high-risk pregnancies might necessitate consultations with an obstetrician.

Monitoring Health and Pregnancy Progression
Your antenatal appointments also give you a chance to discuss any health concerns with your healthcare provider and keep an eye on the health of your baby.

The first antenatal appointment is a significant milestone, marking the beginning of a structured care plan for your pregnancy.

• Scheduling and Timing
  Typically, once you inform your general practitioner about your pregnancy, the first antenatal appointment is scheduled between 8-12 weeks.
  
  This timing is crucial as it sets the tone for subsequent care. 

• Questions and Physical Examination
  This appointment is comprehensive.
  
  The community midwife will ask about your health, family history, and lifestyle. It’s a holistic approach, aiming to understand not just your physical but also emotional and mental well-being.
  
  Expect a thorough physical examination, including blood pressure and weight checks. Discussions about prenatal vitamins, diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption are standard. It’s also the perfect time to voice any concerns or ask questions.

• Importance of Building a Relationship with Your Midwife
  The bond with your community midwife is special. They’re not just healthcare providers but also your support system, guiding you through pregnancy and even post-birth.
  
  Their role extends beyond the hospital or clinic, often visiting you at home, ensuring both you and your baby are thriving.

As the pregnancy progresses, the nature and frequency of appointments evolve, reflecting the growing needs of the mother and baby.

• Medical Screening Tests
  Medical screenings are standard procedures, ensuring early detection of potential issues. These might include blood tests and urine samples, checking for conditions like anaemia or infections.

• Routine Screenings and Vaccinations
  The NHS has a structured screening program. Within the first 10 weeks of your pregnancy, you should be offered a thalassaemia screening test and some women will also be offered to screen for sickle cell disease. These screenings involve a blood test and are routine screenings to check for blood disorders. There is more information about what these tests involve on the NHS website, and your options should your results return positive.

• Regular Check-ups and Monitoring
  At 16 weeks you will also be offered the whooping cough vaccine which you can receive up until 32 weeks of pregnancy. You will also be offered screenings for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis as your pregnancy progresses. 

Following your initial appointment you will have regular check-ups with your midwife team throughout your pregnancy. These check-up appointments will usually occur every 4-6 weeks and may get more frequent as your due date approaches. 

These appointments will monitor how your baby is growing and your maternal health during your pregnancy. Your midwife will regularly check your blood pressure, take measurements of your bump, and will ask for urine samples at each appointment. 

Your antenatal appointments are a great time to bond with your midwife and ask any questions you may have about pregnancy, don’t worry if you feel your question is too silly to ask, as no doubt your midwife will have heard it all before. 

If you have a high-risk pregnancy you may see your midwife more often or be monitored by an obstetrician alongside your antenatal appointments. This is usually a precaution to monitor your baby’s development and your midwife will explain if you need additional care. 

During your pregnancy, you will also be asked to attend ultrasound scan appointments. This is usually carried out at a hospital and involves a jelly-like cream being placed on your abdomen so that an ultrasound can be taken of your baby. 

• The ‘Dating Scan’
  The first ultrasound, known as the ‘dating scan’, is scheduled between 11-14 weeks. It’s a pivotal moment, determining the due date and assessing the baby’s physical development.
• The ’20 Week Scan’
  The subsequent major scan occurs between 18 to 21 weeks. This ’20 week scan’ is comprehensive, evaluating the baby’s development and checking for any health conditions. It’s also when many parents find out their baby’s gender.

You are not usually permitted to take any photos or videos during your ultrasound scans, however, your sonographer can print a copy of your ultrasound out for you to keep.

As your pregnancy progresses closer to your due date you will begin to discuss your plans for the birth with your midwife. 

Your midwife will chat you through options available to you that will result in the safe delivery of your baby. You will also be able to voice any concerns you may have or discuss any preferences you have for the birth. 

• Discussing Birth Plans with Your Midwife
  Birth is a deeply personal experience, and every mother has her vision. Discussions with the midwife revolve around available options, ensuring the baby’s safe delivery. It’s also a time to voice any concerns or preferences.
• NHS Antenatal Classes
  The NHS offers antenatal classes, preparing parents for birth and subsequent baby care. These classes are invaluable, offering practical advice and fostering a sense of community among expectant parents.

Photo by Bastien Jaillot on Unsplash

Antenatal appointments are a crucial part of your care while you are pregnant and will provide you with valuable information on how to take care of yourself during pregnancy. It is important to attend all your appointments, from the initial appointment which will establish your pre-pregnancy health to ongoing appointments that help to monitor the development and well-being of your baby.

Expecting a little one?

Sarah Walton Photography is a specialist Maternity, Baby and Newborn photography studio based in Steeton, Keighley – within easy reach of Skipton, Ilkley, Leeds and Bradford.

Read about my Maternity sessions here https://www.sarahwaltonphotography.co.uk/maternity-photo-shoots/

or explore other baby first year photoshoots:

• Newborn Sessions: https://www.sarahwaltonphotography.co.uk/newborn-baby-photography/

• First Birthday Cake Smash & Splash Sessions: https://www.sarahwaltonphotography.co.uk/cake-smash/