It’s essential not to miss any of your antenatal appointments as tests and checks are done to ensure the health of yourself and your baby. They are also planned at particular times of your pregnancy to be able to spot any problems or anomalies. The dates and times of these appointments will be communicated to you by your midwife or midwifery service.

8-14 weeks dating scan

This is the ultrasound scan to estimate when your baby is due, check the physical development of your baby, and screen for possible conditions, including Down's syndrome.

At 16 weeks pregnant

Your midwife will give you information about the ultrasound scan you'll be offered at 18 to 20 weeks

18 to 20 weeks

You'll be offered an ultrasound scan to check the physical development of your baby. This is also known as the 20-week scan.

25, 28, 31 weeks pregnant

These check-ups will be to measure the size of your uterus, your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

34 weeks

As well as the same checks you had at 25, 28 and 31 weeks;  Your midwife or doctor should give you information about preparing for labour and birth, including how to recognise active labour, ways of coping with pain in labour, and your birth plan.

36 weeks

As well as the same checks you had at 34 weeks; You will be offered a further routine ultrasound scan and the midwife should also give you information on breastfeeding, caring for your newborn baby, tell you about vitamin K and screening tests for your newborn baby. The midwife will also discuss your own health after your baby is born and advise you about the "baby blues" and postnatal depression.

38 weeks

As well as the same checks you had at 34 weeks; Your midwife will discuss options and choices about what happens if your pregnancy lasts longer than 41 weeks

40 weeks

As well as the same checks you had at 38 weeks; Your midwife will discuss options and choices about what happens if your pregnancy lasts longer than 41 weeks

41-42 weeks

As well as the same checks you had at 40 weeks; Your midwife will offer a membrane sweep and discuss the options and choices for induction of labour

If you have not had your baby by 42 weeks and have chosen not to have an induction, you should be offered increased monitoring of the baby.