Prenatal Visit Schedule: What to Expect at Each Pregnancy Appointment in Alexandria, VA

By Women’s Health Care Specialists | Medically reviewed by Navita Modi, MD, FACOG, board-certified OB/GYN | Last updated: October 2026

Quick answer: For a low-risk pregnancy, the typical prenatal visit schedule is one visit every 4 weeks until week 28, one every 2 weeks from week 28 to week 36, and one every week from week 36 until you deliver. Your own prenatal appointment schedule may look a little different, and we will shape it around your health.

Finding out you are pregnant is exciting. It also brings a lot of questions. One of the first is simple: how often will I see my doctor, and what happens at each visit?

This guide answers that. We walk you through the full prenatal visit schedule, from your first appointment to your postpartum checkup. You’ll learn when each test is typically scheduled, which symptoms warrant a call, and how to prepare. Here is how your prenatal visit schedule in Alexandria, VA usually works with our team.

Whether you are searching for prenatal doctors in Alexandria, VA for the first time or comparing options, this guide will also help you know what good care looks like. If you are looking for an OB GYN in Alexandria, VA, you can trust, we are glad you are here.

Prenatal Visit Schedule at a Glance

Most women have about 10 to 15 prenatal visits in an uncomplicated pregnancy. The recommended timing is based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It is also the starting point for the pregnancy appointment schedule in Alexandria, VA that we use with every patient. From there, we adjust for you.

This is a general prenatal appointment schedule, not a promise. If your pregnancy is high risk, if you are expecting twins, or if you have a condition such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, you may come in more often. Your doctor decides what is right for you.

Your First Prenatal Appointment in Alexandria, VA

Your first prenatal appointment in Alexandria, VA usually takes place at about 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Call us as soon as you have a positive home test. If you have a health condition or a past pregnancy concern, we may want to see you sooner. If you need care quickly, read about same-day OB prenatal appointments in Alexandria and how they work.

An OB/GYN is a physician trained to provide care for women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. That is who you will usually see for prenatal care. Here is what to expect at this visit:

• Health history. We’ll review your medical history, current health, medications, previous pregnancies, and relevant family history.
• Physical exam. This may include a breast and pelvic exam.
• Urine sample. This checks for infections and other issues that can happen in pregnancy.
• Blood tests. These check your blood type, Rh factor, and blood count. They also screen for infections such as hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis, and check your immunity to rubella.
• Early ultrasound, if needed. This confirms how far along you are.
• Your due date. We give you an estimated due date.
• Genetic screening options. We explain choices such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). You decide what feels right for you.
• Healthy habits. We talk about nutrition, exercise, prenatal vitamins, and ways to ease nausea.

Good questions to ask at your first visit:

• Who will I see at each appointment?
• Which tests should I expect during pregnancy?
• Which medicines and foods should I avoid?
• How can I contact the office outside regular hours?
• Where will I deliver, and who can I expect to be there?

This first visit is also when trust begins. You should leave feeling heard and clear on the next steps.

First Trimester Visits (Weeks 1 to 13)

Many women have an early pregnancy visit, followed by appointments roughly once a month. Between weeks 10 and 13, we may offer NIPT, a blood test that screens for certain chromosome conditions. We may also offer a nuchal translucency ultrasound. Both are optional. Around this time, you may hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.

Tips for this stage:

• Keep a simple pregnancy journal for symptoms, questions, and how you feel.
• Ask about safe medicines, travel, and exercise.
• See your dentist. Hormone changes can make your gums more sensitive.

Second Trimester Visits (Weeks 14 to 27)

During the second trimester, you will usually come in every 4 weeks. Most women feel better now, and many start to feel the baby move.

At each visit, we typically check your weight and blood pressure, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, and measure your belly. We also check in on how you’re feeling and take time to address your questions.

Key moments in this trimester:

• Anatomy scan (about 18 to 22 weeks). This detailed scan looks at your baby’s growth, heart, and body. It is often the ultrasound appointment in Alexandria, VA that parents remember most, because you may learn the baby’s sex if you wish. Ask us when you book whether your scan is done in our office or at a nearby imaging center.
• Glucose screening (weeks 24 to 28). This test checks for gestational diabetes.
• Preterm labor signs. We explain what to watch for, such as regular contractions or fluid leaking before 37 weeks.
• Birth classes. Now is a good time to sign up.

Third Trimester Visits (Week 28 to Delivery)

At about week 28, your visits move to every 2 weeks. Then, from week 36, they become weekly.

Around week 28

• We may also screen for anemia and check for certain antibodies.
• If you are Rh-negative, you may get a RhoGAM injection to protect future pregnancies.
• Your Tdap vaccine is usually given between weeks 27 and 36. Based on CDC guidance, we will also talk about the flu shot and the RSV vaccine, which is given in a set window late in pregnancy during RSV season. We will confirm which ones apply to you.

Weeks 28 to 36

• We track your baby’s growth and position.
• We talk about kick counts. Tell us right away if you notice a clear drop in movement.
• We cover birth classes, what to pack, and when to head to the hospital.

Weeks 36 to 40 and beyond

• We test for group B strep, a common bacterium. It is usually harmless, but it can affect a newborn, so antibiotics are given during labor if you test positive.
• We may check your cervix if you have frequent contractions or an induction is planned.
• We discuss signs of labor and talk through your preferences for the birth. You do not need a formal birth plan. If you have strong wishes, write them down and bring them with you.
• After 40 weeks, we monitor you and your baby more closely and talk about induction if needed.

What Happens at Every Prenatal Visit

No matter the week, most visits include these steps:

• Vital checks: your weight and blood pressure, and a urine check when needed.
• Baby checks: your baby’s heartbeat and, later in pregnancy, your belly measurement.
• Symptom talk: how you feel and anything that worries you.
• Tests and scans: whatever is due for your week.
• Planning: know what’s ahead and which signs to look out for before your next visit.

Write your questions down before each visit. You are an active partner in your care.

When Your Prenatal Appointment Schedule May Change

Your prenatal appointment schedule may look different if you have:

• A pregnancy that requires closer monitoring, such as with gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
• Twins or more
• A previous experience with preterm labor or pregnancy loss
• A chronic condition that needs extra monitoring
• Mental health concerns that may benefit from additional support

Some low-risk patients may need fewer in-person visits, and some visits may be done by telehealth. ACOG says visit frequency should be individualized, so always follow your own doctor’s plan.

When to Call Us or Go to the Emergency Room

Contact your healthcare provider before your next visit if you notice any of these signs:

• Vaginal bleeding, even a small amount
• Fluid leaking from the vagina.
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks
• A severe headache that does not go away, or vision changes such as blurring or spots
• Sudden swelling of your face or hands
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in one calf
• A clear drop in your baby’s movement
• Fever
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others

Call our office at 571-316-2952 for urgent questions. If you believe you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Postpartum Visits: Your Care Continues After Birth

Your care does not end at delivery. ACOG recommends that your care team contact you within the first 3 weeks after birth, with a full postpartum visit no later than 12 weeks. Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits, and we’ll create a schedule that works for your needs.

At these visits, we check on:

• Healing and bleeding
• Your mood, including signs of postpartum depression or anxiety
• Birth control and future planning
• Pelvic floor concerns, such as leaking urine; our urinary incontinence care can help.
• When it is safe to return to exercise

It helps to book your gynecologist appointment in Alexandria, VA for postpartum care before you deliver, so the visit is already on the calendar.

How to Prepare for Each Prenatal Appointment in Alexandria, VA

A little planning makes each prenatal appointment in Alexandria, VA easier. Bring:

• Your photo ID and insurance card
• A list of your medicines and vitamins
• Your health history and any records from past pregnancies
• Your family health history
• A written list of questions
• Your partner or support person, if you like

If your appointment includes an ultrasound or blood test, check with the front desk about eating, drinking, or arriving early.

How to Choose a Prenatal Clinic in Alexandria, VA

A strong prenatal clinic in Alexandria, VA should offer routine prenatal care, lab work, access to ultrasounds, and genetic screening options. It should also give you clear instructions for every stage and make you feel at ease. We explain more in our guide to choosing a prenatal clinic in Alexandria, VA.

What to look for in prenatal doctors in Alexandria, VA

When you compare prenatal doctors in Alexandria, VA, ask:

• Are they board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology?
• Will the same doctor usually provide my care?
• How easy is it to get an appointment, and can I be seen the same day if I need to?
• Which hospital will I deliver at?
• How do they handle questions between visits?

Think of your OB/GYN as your maternity doctor in Alexandria, VA, from your first visit through your postpartum care. That long relationship is worth choosing carefully.

Why choose our OB GYN in Alexandria, VA

Our practice is led by Navita Modi, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN with more than 14 years of experience.

• Board certification earned through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• A Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC
• Recognized by the Consumers Research Council of America as one of America’s Top OB/GYN physicians, and a member of the HealthTap Medical Advisory Board
• Skilled in minimally invasive surgery, including da Vinci robotic and Olympus 3D imaging technology, in case you ever need gynecologic surgery.

Patients describe Dr. Modi as an expert who listens and takes time to talk through their health. If you prefer to see one of the gynecologist female doctors in Alexandria, VA, you can book with her directly. Learn more on Dr. Modi’s profile.

Many women also want one trusted partner for ongoing care, such as female primary care doctors in Alexandria, VA.  Explore our comprehensive women’s health services and our pregnancy care services.

Our practice has grown over the years from Lanham to Greenbelt, Maryland, and now to Alexandria, Virginia. We make every step easier to understand by explaining your care in clear, everyday language.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Prenatal Visit Schedule

How often are prenatal visits scheduled?

For a low-risk pregnancy, you will usually have a visit every 4 weeks until week 28, every 2 weeks from week 28 to 36, and every week after that until delivery. This is the standard prenatal appointment schedule. High-risk pregnancies often need more visits.

When should I schedule my first prenatal appointment in Alexandria, VA?

Call as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. Most first visits happen at about 8 to 10 weeks. If you have an existing health condition or a history of pregnancy complications, we may recommend an earlier appointment. Early care helps us confirm your due date and plan your care.

How many prenatal visits will I have?

Most women with an uncomplicated pregnancy have about 10 to 15 visits. The exact number depends on your health, your baby’s growth, and when you deliver. A high-risk pregnancy usually means more visits.

What happens at the first prenatal visit?

We review your health history, do a physical exam, and take blood and urine samples. We confirm your due date, offer an early ultrasound if needed, explain genetic screening choices, and answer your questions. You’ll leave knowing what to expect at your upcoming visits.

What is the pregnancy appointment schedule in Alexandria, VA at your office?

We follow ACOG guidance as our starting point: monthly visits to week 28, visits every 2 weeks to week 36, then weekly visits. Dr. Modi adjusts your plan if your pregnancy needs closer care. Your first visit sets the plan.

When do prenatal visits become weekly?

Around 36 weeks, prenatal visits typically become weekly through delivery. During these appointments, we monitor your health and your baby’s well-being, screen for group B strep, and discuss signs of labor and your birth preferences.

When are ultrasounds done during pregnancy?

Many women have an early ultrasound to confirm the due date if needed, and a detailed anatomy scan at about 18 to 22 weeks. Additional ultrasounds may be recommended when medically necessary, such as to monitor growth or confirm the baby’s position.

What tests are done at 28 and 36 weeks?

Around week 28, you may have anemia and antibody checks, a RhoGAM shot if you are Rh-negative, and the Tdap vaccine window opens. Group B strep testing commonly takes place during weeks 36–37. Glucose screening happens between weeks 24 and 28.

Can I have fewer prenatal visits if I am low risk?

Sometimes. ACOG says visit frequency should be individualized, and some low-risk patients may be offered fewer in-person visits. Never cut visits on your own. Ask your doctor what is safe for you.

What should I look for in a prenatal clinic in Alexandria, VA?

Look for a board-certified OB/GYN, clear instructions at every stage, access to ultrasounds and lab work, genetic screening options, and a team that listens. Also ask about hospital affiliation, same-day availability, and how to reach the office after hours.

Can I switch to a new doctor during pregnancy?

Yes. You can choose among prenatal doctors in Alexandria, VA at any point. Switching earlier is easier, so request your records and book a visit with the new office as soon as you decide.

Ready to Book Your Prenatal Care?

A clear prenatal visit schedule takes away much of the worry. Every pregnancy is different, so your prenatal appointment schedule should fit you, not a one-size template.

If you are ready to start, book your prenatal appointment in Alexandria, VA, with our OB GYN team. We will explain your prenatal visit schedule in Alexandria, VA, answer your questions, and support you from the first visit through postpartum care. As a prenatal clinic in Alexandria, VA, we want every step to feel clear and calm.

Women’s Health Care Specialists

Address: 6000 Stevenson Avenue, Suite 104, Alexandria, VA 22304

Phone:

Ph: 571-316-2952

Fax: 571-316-2954

Hours:

Thursday – 9:00 – 5:00

Saturday – 10:00 – 4:00

Book your first prenatal visit.