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Pregnancy is exciting, sometimes overwhelming, and always filled with new information to take in. A critical part of the journey is knowing how often to see your OB/GYN.
At Innovative Women’s Care in Las Vegas, Nevada, board-certified OB/GYN provider Marguerite Brathwaite, MD, F.A.C.O.G, provides personalized prenatal care to help keep both you and your baby healthy. Regular visits allow her to track your baby’s growth, catch potential concerns early, and guide you through each stage of pregnancy with confidence.
Your OB/GYN does more than just check your belly or listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Prenatal visits help catch problems early. They provide an opportunity to ask questions, track progress, and stay informed about essential screenings.
Pregnancy is unique for every individual, so Dr. Brathwaite may adjust your schedule to meet your specific needs. But there’s a general pattern most people follow.
In most uncomplicated pregnancies, you see your OB/GYN about once every four weeks during the first 28 weeks. From weeks 28 to 36, you visit every two weeks. Then, from 36 weeks until delivery, you come in weekly. This schedule allows Dr. Brathwaite to closely monitor your baby’s development and your health as your due date approaches.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, Dr. Brathwaite may ask you to come in more often. She may order extra ultrasounds, schedule additional blood tests, or provide closer monitoring for specific conditions. She explains any changes to your schedule and outlines what to expect if you need extra care.
In early pregnancy, you’ll usually have your first appointment between 6 and 10 weeks. During this visit, Dr. Brathwaite confirms the pregnancy, estimates your due date, and reviews your health history. It is also when you’ll go over any medications you’re taking, your lifestyle habits, and what to expect over the next few months.
Blood tests, a urine sample, and possibly an early ultrasound will help Dr. Brathwaite check on your baby’s development. You may also be offered genetic screening options for explanation.
During the second trimester, your baby starts to grow rapidly, and your visits will continue every four weeks. Dr. Brathwaite measures your belly to track growth, checks your blood pressure, and listens to the baby’s heartbeat. Around 18 to 22 weeks, you’ll have a detailed anatomy ultrasound to check how your baby is developing.
It is also the time when many people find out their baby’s sex if they choose to. You’ll also be screened for gestational diabetes, typically between 24 and 28 weeks. If anything unusual arises, your visit schedule may need to be adjusted.
Once you hit 28 weeks, you’ll start coming in every two weeks. Dr. Brathwaite keeps a closer eye on the baby’s position, movement, and your overall health. From week 36 until delivery, you’ll have weekly visits. These appointments help ensure everything stays on track as labor approaches.
Dr. Brathwaite may check your cervix for dilation, talk about your birth plan, and test for group B strep. If you have signs of complications like high blood pressure or decreased fetal movement, she may increase your visits or schedule extra monitoring.
Never wait for your next appointment if something doesn't feel right. Call the office if you notice unusual symptoms like heavy bleeding, severe headaches, blurred vision, or decreased baby movement. Trust your instincts. It’s always better to check in than to wonder.
Dr. Brathwaite wants to hear from you, especially if you feel unsure or concerned.
Seeing Dr. Brathwaite regularly during pregnancy helps you stay informed, feel supported, and catch potential issues early. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today if you have any questions.