The check-ups and scans a pregnancy typically includes, and roughly when. The exact schedule depends on your country, your provider and your pregnancy.
There isn't one schedule. Health systems organise antenatal care differently, and your midwife or doctor will add appointments if you or the baby need a closer eye. Use this as a map of what's typical — and the schedule you're actually given as the one to follow.
In the UK (NHS) A first pregnancy usually has at least 10 appointments; if you've had a baby before, at least 7. There are usually two ultrasound scans. 8–12 weeks: Booking appointment with a midwife — health history, first checks, and the care and screening you'll be offered. It can take about an hour. 11–14 weeks: Dating scan, with the option of screening for some chromosomal conditions. 16 weeks: Check-up, including a blood pressure check. 18–21 weeks: Mid-pregnancy scan, checking the baby's development. 25 weeks: Check-up (first pregnancy). 28 weeks: Check-up with blood tests, including iron levels. 31 weeks: Check-up (first pregnancy). 34, 36 and 38 weeks: Check-ups, including getting ready for the birth. 40 weeks: Check-up (first pregnancy). 41 weeks: Check-up, and a conversation about your choices if the baby hasn't arrived — on the NHS, induction is offered if labour hasn't started by 41 weeks.
In the US (a typical routine schedule) Weeks 4–28: About once a month. Weeks 28–36: About twice a month. Week 36 to birth: Weekly.
The WHO recommendation The World Health Organization recommends at least eight antenatal contacts. Up to 12 weeks: The first contact. Then: Contacts at 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 38 and 40 weeks.
Making the most of each appointment Write questions down as they come up, in the weeks before — both of you. Decide who's going, and if the partner can't make it, add their questions anyway. Afterwards, write down what was said, so you both have it.