Prenatal Appointment Timeline

The timing of your prenatal visits may vary according to your specific care needs. 

We try to coordinate your prenatal tests, prenatal appointments and any other specialist appointments on the same day whenever possible. This means you may travel to Mount Sinai Hospital less often, but it can make for a very long day. So come prepared to spend several hours at the hospital.

During each prenatal appointment, your health-care provider will perform a physical exam, go over test results and answer any questions you may have. We will work with you to develop a care plan that meets your individual needs.

During your pregnancy, the following tests and procedures may be offered. You will have the chance to discuss each test with your health-care provider.

First trimester (0 to 13 weeks)

• First prenatal appointment
• Blood test to determine your blood type and test for rubella, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Urine test
• Pap test
• Dating ultrasound to determine how far along you are in pregnancy
• Enhanced First Trimester Screening (FTS) to screen for genetic conditions

Second trimester (14 to 27 weeks)

• 18-22 weeks: Anatomy scan ultrasound to monitor your baby’s development and the location of the placenta
• 24-28 weeks: Glucose challenge testing for diabetes screening and a complete blood count to check for anemia
• 21 - 32 weeks: Tdap vaccine may be considered to be given to you 
• 28 weeks: Anti-body screening if you are Rh negative; you will also receive an injection of Rh(D) immune globulin injection at this time to prevent Rhesus disease

Third trimester (28 to 40 weeks)

• Prenatal appointments every two weeks, then every week as your due date approaches
• Monitoring for medical complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are more likely to occur at this time
• Monitoring the position of your baby
• 35-37 weeks: Group B streptococcus swab
• Depending on your health and your baby’s needs, you may be offered other tests such as an ultrasound

Come to the Labour and Delivery Triage unit on the 15th floor if you experience any of the following:

• Painful uterine contractions lasting at least 45 seconds and occurring regularly every five minutes or less—come to the hospital after one to two hours of regular contractions (after half an hour if you’ve had a baby before)
• Ruptured membranes (water breaking)—come to the hospital within two hours of your membranes rupturing (come immediately if the fluid is green or brown)
• Bright red bleeding (pink to light red discharge is normal in the hours or days before labour)  
• You feel your baby move less than six times in two hours

Learn more about what to do when you’re in labour.

6 weeks postpartum

Make an appointment with your health-care provider for a postpartum checkup.