For those who are used to visiting their health care providers once a year, or even less often than that, pregnancy presents a big change – but for a good cause: you’re growing a human being, after all! Prenatal visits are considered preventive medicine, so it’s likely that you’ll receive coverage through your health plan for each of your visits.
Conception to 28 weeks
For the first several months of pregnancy, you’ll visit with your provider every four weeks or so. The first prenatal visit, which typically happens around 8 weeks, is likely the longest that you’ll attend throughout pregnancy. You’ll undergo a variety of tests and measurements to confirm the pregnancy and screen for potential issues, go over your medical history, learn your due date, and have the opportunity to ask your health care provider any questions you might have.
You’ll likely see your provider every four weeks from the first visit through 28 weeks.
Each following appointment will likely be shorter, though there will be parts that don’t change, as you’ll probably have your weight and blood pressure measured, and may provide a urine sample, at every visit. You’ll also always have the opportunity to ask your health care provider about any questions you might have.
Other appointments might involve additional testing, but for the most part, you can expect similar visits throughout pregnancy.
28 to 36 weeks
Beginning at 28 weeks, you’ll probably start attending prenatal visits every two weeks. These visits will probably go similarly to your early visits, with your provider continuing to check your baby’s heartbeat and positioning.
36 weeks on
Starting at this time, you’ll probably start visiting your health care provider on a weekly basis. The familiar tests and measurements will continue, and they may start checking for cervical dilation. You’ll also be tested for group B strep around 36 weeks.
It’s important to note that not every woman or health care provider follows this schedule. Some providers may recommend less frequent visits, especially earlier on, and depending on your risk factors, it’s possible that you may see a provider more than that.
The length of a visit can also vary widely: if you’re seeing a certified nurse midwife as your primary care provider during pregnancy, you’ll probably spend more time with them at each visit than you would with an OB/GYN.
It’s likely that each of these visits will be fully covered as preventive medicine by your health plan.
If you would like to review or have questions about your health plan benefits, call the number on the back of your member ID card.
