Your Appointments For Pregnancy Timeline

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, and regular check-ups help ensure both you and your baby stay healthy. Dr. Basu, a trusted obstetrician in Brisbane, provides personalised care and guidance throughout each stage of the pregnancy timeline with these carefully planned appointments.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): Early Pregnancy & Prenatal/Antenatal Appointment Timeline

Your first trimester is all about confirming the pregnancy, assessing your health, and identifying any early risk factors.

Key Check-Ups and Tests:

• First Antenatal Appointment (6–10 weeks):
  • Medical history and lifestyle discussion
  • Blood pressure, weight, and BMI assessment
  • Urine and blood tests
  • Antenatal supplements and nutrition guidance
• Dating Scan (6–12 weeks):
  • Confirms pregnancy viability
  • Determines estimated due date
  • Detects early signs of multiple pregnancy (twins)
• First Trimester Screening for Chromosomal and Genetic Conditions (10–13 weeks):
  • Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): A blood test to estimate the chance of your baby having a chromosomal condition like Down syndrome. This test can also be used to reveal the gender if you wish to know. It can be performed from 10 weeks. It is generally accompanied by an early anatomy ultrasound to assess for any structural abnormalities. 
  • Combined first trimester screening: Involves an ultrasound between 11-13 weeks and blood test between 10-13 weeks. It can identify approximately 85-90% of those babies with Down syndrome compared with 99% detection rate with the NIPT. 
• Full blood count: 
  • To check your haemoglobin and platelets which can have an impact on your pregnancy
• Blood Group and Antibody Screen:
  • Determines Rh factor to assess potential risks for Rh incompatibility
• Rubella, Hepatitis B & C, HIV, and Syphilis Screening:
  • Ensures immunity and screens for infections that could affect pregnancy
• Iron and Vitamin D Testing:
  • Checks for deficiencies that may impact your pregnancy

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27): Growth and Development Monitoring

The second trimester is when your baby’s organs develop, and screening tests help track growth and identify any concerns.

Key Check-Ups and Tests:

• Routine Antenatal Visits (Every 4 Weeks):
  • Comprehensive assessment of your health and your baby’s development 
  • Monitoring blood pressure and weight
  • Checking for gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia risk factors
  • Listening to baby’s heartbeat
• Morphology Scan (18–22 weeks):
  • A detailed ultrasound to check baby’s growth, organs, and spine
  • Identifies the baby’s sex (if you wish to know)
  • Detects structural abnormalities
• Gestational Diabetes Test (24–28 weeks):
  • Glucose tolerance test (GTT) to check for pregnancy-related diabetes
• Full blood count, blood group and antibody screen (if rhesus negative blood group) +/- iron studies are also checked with a blood test between 24-28 weeks

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40): Preparing for Birth

The final trimester focuses on ensuring your baby is growing well and preparing for a smooth birth.

Key Check-Ups and Tests:

• Routine Antenatal Visits (Every 2 Weeks from 28 Weeks, Weekly from 36 Weeks):
  • Monitoring baby’s position and growth
  • Checking for signs and symptoms of preeclampsia (blood pressure and urine tests)
  • Assessing foetal movement and well-being
• Anti-D Injection (If Rh-Negative) at 28 and 34 Weeks:
  • Prevents complications related to Rh incompatibility
• Full blood count, blood group and antibody screen (if rhesus negative blood group) +/- iron studies are also repeated with a blood test between 34-36 weeks
• Birth Plan Discussion:
  • Preparing for delivery, including pain relief options and hospital arrangements

Additional Tests If You Have a High-Risk Pregnancy

If you have a high-risk pregnancy due to medical conditions, multiple pregnancies, or previous pregnancy complications, additional tests may be recommended, such as:

• Extra ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth 
• Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for diagnosing fetal conditions
• Fetal monitoring (CTG) in late pregnancy to assess your baby’s well-being

Staying on Track with Your Pregnancy Care

Regular antenatal appointments and undergoing recommended investigations are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Dr. Basu provides expert care to guide you through each stage, ensuring you feel informed and supported.

Book an antenatal consultation today to discuss your personalised pregnancy care plan.