Your Month-by-Month Pregnancy Scan & Checkup Guide

What to expect at every prenatal appointment from conception to birth.

From the moment you see those two pink lines, your calendar starts filling up with doctor’s appointments, blood tests, and ultrasounds. It can be overwhelming to keep track of what happens when.

Knowing which scans are coming up helps you prepare your questions and, of course, gives you those exciting opportunities to see your baby! Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the essential checkups and scans you'll encounter on your journey.

Month 1 & 2: The Booking Appointment (Weeks 4-8)

Your first visit is usually the longest. Your doctor will confirm the pregnancy with a urine or blood test and take your full medical history.

• The Scan: You may have a "Dating Scan" or "Viability Scan" (around week 7-8) to see the heartbeat and confirm how many babies you are carrying!
• Pro Tip: Use our Pregnancy Due Date Calculator before your visit so you can compare your dates with the doctor’s!

Month 3: The First Screening (Weeks 9-12)

This is a major milestone month.

• The NIPT Test: A simple blood test that can screen for genetic conditions—and can also reveal the gender as early as week 10!
• The NT Scan: An ultrasound (usually week 12) that measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck.
• Fun Fact: This is the scan moms use for the Nub Theory to guess baby gender before the results are official!

Month 4 & 5: The Anatomy Scan (Weeks 16-20)

This is often the most anticipated appointment.

• The Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound: Between weeks 18 and 22, you’ll have a detailed anatomy scan. The sonographer checks the baby’s heart, brain, spine, and limbs.
• Gender Reveal: This is usually when the gender can be visually confirmed with high accuracy.

Month 6 & 7: Growth & Glucose (Weeks 24-28)

The focus shifts to your health as much as the baby's.

• Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): You’ll drink a sugary solution to screen for gestational diabetes.
• Anti-D Injection: If you have an Rh-negative blood type, you may receive an injection around week 28.

Month 8: Monitoring and Position (Weeks 32-36)

Your appointments will likely move to every two weeks now.

• Growth Scan: To check the baby’s weight and the amount of amniotic fluid.
• Position Check: The doctor will check if the baby is "Head Down" (cephalic) or breech.

Month 9: The Home Stretch (Weeks 37-40)

You’ll see your doctor weekly now.

• GBS Swab: A routine check for Group B Strep bacteria.
• Cervical Checks: Your doctor may check to see if your cervix is beginning to thin (efface) or dilate.

Final Thoughts

Every pregnancy is unique, and your doctor may suggest more or fewer appointments based on your health needs. The most important thing is to attend every checkup and never hesitate to ask questions—no matter how small they seem!

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment and educational purposes. Always consult a medical professional for family planning and fertility advice.