8 Maternal Health Checkups You Should Not Miss

Pregnancy brings a stream of appointments that can feel overwhelming, but a handful of checkups make the biggest difference for your health and the baby’s. Start by booking a first prenatal visit as soon as you suspect pregnancy or have a positive home test; many providers aim for that visit near eight to ten weeks. Early visits set baseline measurements — blood type, hemoglobin, and initial screens — and create a personalised schedule for future testing. Routine visits continue throughout pregnancy, with timing that depends on risk factors and findings. A large recent study has called out maternal mental health as a major influence on pregnancy outcomes, so screening for depression and anxiety is increasingly seen as essential (Nature Medicine, 2025). For low-risk pregnancies some labs note a minimum of four antenatal visits, though many clinicians recommend more frequent checks later on (Metropolis Lab). This article keeps the title’s promise of “8 essential checkups,” then separates three closely related follow-ups into their own headings so you can see details and timing clearly. That means you’ll see eleven numbered sections below: eight core appointments plus three important, commonly scheduled follow-ups. Use this list as a conversation guide for your clinic — every pregnancy is different, and your care plan should be built with your clinician. If you want official schedules or specifics, ask your provider or check authoritative sources like ACOG and the CDC for U.S.-based guidance.

1. First prenatal visit (pregnancy confirmation and baseline health)

The first prenatal appointment is where pregnancy care begins and it often happens around eight to ten weeks when possible. Expect a review of your personal and family medical history, a physical exam, and basic checks like blood pressure, weight, and urine. Your clinician will usually order baseline blood tests that check for anemia, blood group and Rh factor, and certain infections, plus discuss folic acid and other supplements. This visit is also a chance to talk about medications you take and lifestyle habits such as diet and travel. If you have prior pregnancy complications or chronic conditions, your provider will outline a closer follow-up schedule. Use this appointment to ask practical questions — when to call for bleeding, how often to track fetal movement later on, or whether early genetic screening is recommended in your case. If you waited to schedule your first visit, don’t worry: an early visit is still valuable and helps put a clear care plan in place. Bring a list of medications, any prior records, and a support person if possible; practical details like clinic parking, language help, or telehealth options make the visit less stressful.