Later appointments
Following on from the booking visit, 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 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 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.
