Antenatal Appointments: What to Expect During Your Pregnancy
- Rado Photo Studio
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative journey — and antenatal care plays a crucial role in supporting both your health and your baby’s development. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your third, knowing what to expect during your antenatal appointments can help you feel more confident, informed, and prepared.
As a maternity photographer based in Gloucester, I often chat with expectant mums about their pregnancy journey — and these appointments are always a big part of the story. So here’s a helpful breakdown of what to expect from your antenatal care in the UK.
What Are Antenatal Appointments?
Antenatal appointments (also called prenatal appointments) are regular check-ups during your pregnancy. They help your midwife or doctor monitor your health, track your baby’s growth, and provide support and advice as your body changes.
These appointments are also a great time to ask questions, voice concerns, and start planning for birth and beyond.
When Do Antenatal Appointments Start?
Your first appointment, known as the booking appointment, usually happens around 8 to 10 weeks into your pregnancy. After that, your schedule of visits depends on whether it’s your first baby or not, and whether your pregnancy is considered low or high risk.
Typical Antenatal Appointment Schedule (UK Guidelines)
First Pregnancy:
Booking appointment (8–10 weeks) – Medical history, blood tests, due date estimate.
12-week scan – Also called the dating scan.
16-week check-up – Test results, early health updates.
20-week scan – Detailed anatomy scan of the baby.
25 weeks – Midwife checks baby’s heartbeat, bump size.
28 weeks – Blood tests, iron levels, glucose screening.
31, 34, 36, 38, 40 weeks – Regular checks to monitor baby’s position, size, and your well-being.
Second or Later Pregnancies:
Fewer visits are usually needed unless extra monitoring is required. You may skip the 25-week appointment, for example.
What Happens at Each Appointment?
At each antenatal appointment, your midwife will likely:
Check your blood pressure
Test your urine for protein
Measure your baby bump
Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
Answer any questions about symptoms, birth plans, or baby care
Later appointments focus more on preparing for labour, recognising early signs of labour, and finalising your birth plan.
Questions to Ask at Your Appointments
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — this is your time to feel informed and supported. Here are some things you might ask:
Are my symptoms normal?
What can I do for back pain or tiredness?
Can I travel during pregnancy?
What are my birth options?
How can I prepare for labour?
It’s also a good time to ask about antenatal classes and other local resources in Gloucester, Cheltenham, or the Cotswolds.
Bonus Tip: Start Planning Your Maternity Photos
As your bump grows and your due date approaches, many mums find the second trimester (weeks 14–27) the perfect time to book a maternity photography session. You're feeling more energised, your bump is beautifully visible, and it's a lovely way to celebrate your journey.
I offer natural, relaxed maternity photography in Gloucester and surrounding areas, perfect for marking this special chapter before your little one arrives.
Why Antenatal Care Matters
Regular antenatal appointments are essential for:
Catching any potential issues early
Supporting your mental and physical health
Building a trusting relationship with your midwife
Preparing for birth with confidence
Even if everything feels like it’s going smoothly, these check-ins offer reassurance and expert guidance every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Antenatal appointments are more than just routine check-ups — they’re a chance to connect with your baby, plan for birth, and take care of yourself during this transformative time.
If you’re currently navigating your pregnancy journey and considering maternity photography in Gloucester, I’d love to help you capture this incredible stage with timeless, heartfelt images. Let’s celebrate your strength, beauty, and growing family together.
Rado Photo Studio, Gloucester - www.radophoto.co.uk
