Your prenatal care is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you choose a midwife, OBGYN, or maternal fetal medicine specialist, your prenatal journey typically involves about 14 scheduled visits over 40 weeks.

Here’s what to expect:

• First trimester: Initial blood work, urine tests, and possibly early ultrasounds
• Second trimester: Anatomy scan, glucose screening, heartbeat checks with a doppler
• Third trimester: Baby position monitoring, group B strep test, birth planning conversations

During each visit, your provider checks your vitals, baby’s growth, and your overall wellness. These are great opportunities to ask questions about nutrition, movement, sleep, discomfort, and emotional health.

Tips to make the most of your visits:

• Keep a running list of questions
• Don’t hesitate to bring up mental health
• Involve your partner or support person
• Ask about labor preferences and birth options early on

Midwives often provide more personalized, holistic care, while OBs may be more common in hospital settings. Choose what makes you feel most supported.