Your Prenatal Care: What to Expect

Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network > Your Prenatal Care: What to Expect

This prenatal care schedule gives you an overview of the appointments, screens, and tests that may be offered throughout your pregnancy. Your prenatal care is based on your individual needs. Always connect with your healthcare team and/or 811 for any specific questions or concerns about your pregnancy.

  • You will go to your first prenatal appointment. Your healthcare team will ask questions about your pregnancy, review your medical, immunization, and family health history, and share resources & important information about pregnancy.
  • At each appointment, your healthcare team may:
    • do a physical assessment, including taking your blood pressure and weight.
    • talk about any symptoms you are having.
    • talk about recommended prenatal bloodwork and/or an early ultrasound. An early pregnancy ultrasound (also known as a dating ultrasound) will let you know your estimated due date.
  • You may wish to talk about prenatal genetic screening, which is optional screening that shows the chance that the baby has a chromosome or birth defect.
  • If you choose to do prenatal genetic screening, the blood tests will be completed along with the nuchal translucency screening ultrasound between 11-14 weeks.
  • Start thinking about:
    • where you want to have your baby.
    • who you want to see for your prenatal care (family physician, midwife, or obstetrician).
    • any questions you want to ask your healthcare team.

Key topics to think about and discuss with your healthcare team:

Genetic screening:

Options for prenatal care and delivery:

Changes or symptoms you may experience:

Safety considerations:

When to call your provider or go to the hospital:

Resources if you are unsure about pregnancy:

  • Make appointments with your prenatal care provider every 4 weeks, or more often if needed. During these appointments, talk about how you are feeling, share any symptoms, and ask questions.
  • Decide on a delivery provider and/or where you want to have your baby. Let your healthcare team know your decision so they can send a referral letter, if needed.
  • Your healthcare team will continue to share ways to support your health during pregnancy.
  • You can expect your healthcare team to measure your uterus (fundal height), listen to the baby’s heartbeat with a doppler, and continue to take your blood pressure and weight.
  • Between 18-20 weeks, you will have the detailed anatomy ultrasound to look at how the baby is developing. This is often when you can find out the baby’s sex if you choose to.
  • By week 20 you will likely start to feel the baby’s movements.
  • Your healthcare team usually checks for gestational diabetes between 24-28 weeks. If you had diabetes in a previous pregnancy, you may need to do this screening earlier. Learn about screening for gestational diabetes.

Key topics to think about and discuss with your healthcare team:

Changes or symptoms you may experience:

Vaccines:

Physical activity:

Prenatal classes – Explore what is offered and sign up for one that fits your needs. Some options include:

When to call your provider or seek emergency care:

  • Between 27-32 weeks it is recommended that all pregnant people receive a dose of Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis). Learn about immunization: tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap vaccine).
  • After 30 weeks you may start to see your prenatal care provider at least every 2 weeks, or more often if required.
  • You will feel your baby move every day. You may be asked to keep track of baby’s movements or do movement counting.
  • You will be offered screening for group B streptococcus (GBS) between 35-37 weeks. GBS is a common bacteria found in adults but can affect a baby born vaginally. If the swab is positive, your healthcare team will review your options with you. Learn about group B streptococcus screening in pregnancy.
  • After week 36 you will see your prenatal care provider weekly, or more often if needed, as you get closer to your due date.
  • You may go for another ultrasound to check the baby’s position and continue to check growth and development.

Key topics to think about and discuss with your healthcare team:

Changes or symptoms you may experience:

Preparing for delivery:

When to call your provider or go to the hospital:

  • A public health nurse may contact you in the first few days after delivery and visit you at home or see you at a public health center.
  • Your baby will need to see a health care provider within 1-2 weeks of birth.
  • You will see your delivery provider for a follow-up appointment(s) between 2-6 weeks after your baby is born. You may talk about multiple topics, including recovery, return to physical activity, pelvic floor health, birth control, mental health, and adjustment to parenting.
  • Ask for help from your healthcare team if you have concerns about feeding your baby.
  • You can call the dedicated Parent and Newborn Line 1-833-805-BABY (2229) for the first two months with any questions or concerns.

Key topics to think about and discuss with your healthcare team:

Feeding your baby:

Adjusting to having a newborn:

Birth control and intimacy:

Physical changes and when to call your provider or seek emergency care:

Tips on how to advocate for your care (from Health Quality Alberta):

How to Find Credible Information Online:

Recommended Online Resources:

Community Resources: