Scans & tests, week by week

Every routine checkup, scan, screening test and vaccine on one timeline. Enter your due date and the dates fill in for you.

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Stays on your device. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Can also show the baby’s sex

  1. Weeks 4–5

    Home pregnancy test

    Self-care

    Detects hCG in urine. Most reliable from the first day of a missed period.

  2. Weeks 6–10

    First prenatal visit & bloodwork

    Checkup

    Health history, blood pressure, urine, blood type and Rh factor, blood count, and infection screening (hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, rubella immunity). The UK aims to see you by 10 weeks.

  3. Weeks 6–9

    Early / dating ultrasound

    Ultrasound

    Confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus, sees the heartbeat, counts babies and dates the pregnancy. Often part of the first visit or combined with the 12-week scan.

  4. Weeks 10–40

    NIPT (cell-free DNA blood test)

    Blood test

    A blood test that screens for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomies 18 and 13, and can report sex chromosomes. It is a screening test. A high-chance result is confirmed with CVS or amniocentesis.

    Baby’s sex: Sex from ~10 weeks, typically >98–99% accurate

  5. Weeks 10–13

    CVS (chorionic villus sampling)

    Diagnostic

    Diagnostic test on a tiny placenta sample, offered after a high-chance screening result or known family condition. The NHS gives the miscarriage risk as less than 1 in 200 for most pregnancies. The UK usually does it at 11–14 weeks.

    Baby’s sex: Diagnostic, only done for medical reasons

  6. Weeks 11–13

    NT scan / 12-week scan

    Ultrasound

    Measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck (nuchal translucency). Combined with blood hormones, it estimates the chance of chromosomal conditions. The window is about 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days.

  7. Weeks 15–22

    Second-trimester (quad) screening

    Blood test

    A blood test (AFP, hCG, estriol, inhibin-A) for chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects, if you didn’t have first-trimester screening or NIPT. The NHS offers it at 14–20 weeks.

  8. Weeks 15–20

    Amniocentesis

    Diagnostic

    Diagnostic test on a small sample of amniotic fluid. Offered after a high-chance screening result. The NHS gives the miscarriage risk as about 1 in 200. A 2019 review estimated the added risk at about 0.3%.

    Baby’s sex: Diagnostic, only done for medical reasons

  9. Weeks 18–22

    Anatomy scan (anomaly scan)

    Ultrasound

    A detailed ultrasound of the baby’s brain, heart, spine, face, kidneys, limbs and growth, plus the placenta position and fluid. The NHS usually does it at 18–21 weeks.

    Baby’s sex: Sex usually visible if the baby’s position allows. Ask if your hospital reports it

  10. Weeks 24–40

    Know your baby’s movements

    Self-care

    Get to know your baby’s pattern. If movements slow down, change or stop, contact your maternity unit straight away. Don’t wait until the next day.

  11. Weeks 24–28

    Glucose test (gestational diabetes)

    Blood test

    A sugary drink followed by blood sugar checks. The UK offers it based on risk factors. The US screens almost everyone.

  12. Weeks 27–36

    Whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine

    Vaccine

    Antibodies pass to the baby and protect them in their first weeks. The US recommends 27–36 weeks. The NHS offers it from 16 weeks, usually around 20, and ideally before 32.

  13. Week 28

    Anti-D (if Rh-negative) & repeat bloods

    Blood test

    If your blood group is Rh-negative, anti-D immunoglobulin is offered around 28 weeks. Blood count and antibodies are often rechecked.

  14. Weeks 28–36

    RSV vaccine

    Vaccine

    Protects newborns from RSV, a serious lung infection. The US gives it at 32–36 weeks in RSV season. The UK offers it from 28 weeks. Check local guidance.

  15. Weeks 36–37

    Group B strep swab

    Self-care

    A vaginal and rectal swab. If positive, antibiotics are given during labour. Routine in the US. The UK doesn’t screen routinely.

  16. Weeks 36–37

    Baby’s position check

    Checkup

    Checks whether the baby is head-down. If they are breech, turning the baby from the outside (ECV) may be offered.

  17. Weeks 36–40

    Weekly checkups

    Checkup

    Blood pressure, urine, growth, position and movements, plus planning for labour. Often weekly in the US. The NHS schedule is usually 36, 38 and 40 weeks.

  18. Weeks 39–40

    Membrane sweep & post-dates plan

    Checkup

    A membrane sweep may be offered. If labour doesn’t start, induction is usually offered between 41 and 42 weeks.

Schedules vary by country and by your health. Follow your own care team’s plan.

Questions

What scans do you have during pregnancy?

Most people have a dating or 12-week scan (around 11–14 weeks) and an anatomy scan (18–22 weeks). Extra growth or position scans may be offered later if needed.

When is the glucose test in pregnancy?

Usually between 24 and 28 weeks. Earlier testing may be offered if you have risk factors.

When is the Group B strep test done?

In the US, between 36 weeks 0 days and 37 weeks 6 days. In the UK it is not routinely offered.