Dr. Sidra Khot
MBBS DGO FRM FMIS
Consultant Obstretician, Laparoscopic Surgeon, and Fertility Specialist
Contact on whatapp +91 9321738667
Email - drsidrakhotclinic@gmail.com
MBBS DGO FRM FMIS
Consultant Obstretician, Laparoscopic Surgeon, and Fertility Specialist
How Often Should I Visit the Doctor During Pregnancy?
When you're pregnant, regular check-ups with your doctor are an important part of your journey. These visits are exciting—you’ll learn your baby’s due date, hear their heartbeat for the first time, and make sure everything is going smoothly. Your doctor will also give you advice on nutrition, exercise, and preparing for labor and delivery, as well as tips on caring for your baby once they arrive.
Suggested Schedule for Doctor Visits
For a healthy pregnancy, here’s the usual schedule your doctor may recommend:
- Weeks 4 to 28: One visit every month
- Weeks 28 to 36: One visit every two weeks
- Weeks 36 to 40: One visit every week
It’s important to follow the schedule your doctor gives you, even if life gets busy. These visits help keep you and your baby healthy. Studies show that babies born to moms who skip prenatal care are more likely to have low birth weight. Regular check-ups allow your doctor to catch and address any problems early.
When You Might Need More Visits
The typical schedule doesn’t work for everyone. If you have not had health problems before pregnancy or develop any issues during pregnancy, your doctor may ask you to come in more often. Extra visits and tests may be needed to make sure you and your baby stay healthy.
Here are some common reasons you might need more frequent check-ups:
1) If you’re 35 or older -
Most women in their late 20s or early 30s have healthy babies. But after 35, the risk of complications or birth defects is slightly higher, so your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.
2) Pre-existing health conditions -
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions like asthma, anemia, or obesity, your doctor will likely schedule extra visits. They’ll work with you to manage these conditions and reduce risks for you and your baby.
3) Health problems during pregnancy -
Your doctor will keep an eye out for issues like high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) or gestational diabetes. If these occur, you may need more frequent visits so your doctor can ensure you and your baby are safe.
4) Risk of early labor -
If you’ve had preterm labor or a premature birth before, or if you show signs of early labor, your doctor will want to check on you more often. These extra visits can give you peace of mind and help ensure a safe pregnancy.
