Later antenatal appointments

Following on from the booking appointment your appointments are usually every four weeks until 28 or 30 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly after that, although in some areas they are less frequent.

This is what usually happens at these later antenatal appointments:

• You will have a chance to ask any questions and discuss any worries that you have
• Your blood pressure will be checked
• You will be asked to give a urine sample so that it can be checked for protein and for the level of sugar in it
• You may be weighed. A sudden rapid gain in weight can be a sign of pre-eclampsia
• The midwife will probably ask if you have noticed any swelling in your ankles or fingers, and may check these herself. Sudden swelling can be sign of pre-eclampsia
• The midwife will ask to feel your tummy to get an idea of how your baby is growing and, in the later stages (after about 28 weeks), which way it is lying
• The midwife will listen to your baby’s heartbeat. This is much easier to hear from about 16 weeks

At one of your antenatal appointments between 28 and 36 weeks, depending on where you live, you will be asked to give another blood sample. This will be tested to see if you are anaemic. If you are Rhesus negative, it will also be tested for antibodies. In some areas, to test for diabetes, you may be asked to drink a glucose drink before the sample is taken. The blood is tested to find out how your body copes with this added load of sugar.

Where to next?

• Types of antenatal care
• Confirming your pregnancy
• The first antenatal appointment

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