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First pregnancy: at least 10 appointments and 2 scans. Dates computed from LMP 2 Aug 2026 → EDD Sunday 9 May 2027. Confirm at the dating scan.
| Week | Est. date | What it is | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–10 | Sept 2026 | Self-referral to maternity services | Fill the online form. Don't wait for the GP. |
| 8–12 | 27 Sep–25 Oct 2026 | Booking appointment. ~1 hour. Health history, bloods, blood pressure, urine, BMI, mental health, care plan. | Go with her. Bring your own family medical history — they ask. |
| 11+2–14+1 | 20 Oct–9 Nov 2026 | Dating scan. Confirms due date (crown–rump length 45–84 mm) and number of babies. Optional combined screening for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes — the neck-fold measurement only works inside this window. | A scan before 20 Oct loses the screening: check the date offered. Decide about screening before you're in the room. First photo. |
| 16 | 22 Nov 2026 | Midwife check. BP, urine. Screening results discussed. | — |
| 14+2–20+0 | 10 Nov–20 Dec 2026 | Quadruple test — fallback only, if the dating scan was too early/late or the neck fold could not be measured. Blood test; Down's and Edwards' only, less accurate. | Avoidable. See Lesson 6. |
| 18–21 | 20 Dec 2026 | 20-week screening scan. Detailed anatomy check of the baby's development. | Agree in advance whether you want to know the sex. |
| 24–28 | 17 Jan–14 Feb 2027 | Gestational diabetes test, if higher-risk. | — |
| 25 | 17 Jan 2027 | Midwife check — first babies only. Bump measured, movements, mental health, birth preferences raised. | Start thinking about birth preferences. |
| 28 | 14 Feb 2027 | Bloods again (anaemia check), bump measured, labour and newborn screening explained. | Third trimester starts. Paternity leave notice due around here. |
| 31 | 7 Mar 2027 | Midwife check — first babies only. Birth prep, recognising labour. | Antenatal classes should be booked by now. |
| 34 | 28 Mar 2027 | Check-up. Birth plan discussed properly. | Hospital bag half-packed. |
| 36 | 11 Apr 2027 | Check-up. Baby's position checked from here on. | Bag packed. Route to hospital known. Car seat fitted. |
| 37 | 18 Apr 2027 | Term begins. Birth from here is not premature. | Be reachable. Fuel in the car. |
| 38, 40 | 25 Apr / 9 May 2027 | Check-ups. | — |
| 41 | 16 May 2027 | Check-up. Membrane sweep and induction options discussed. | Understand what induction involves before this appointment. |
| 42 | 23 May 2027 | Outer limit of term. | — |
If you're employed, you're entitled to unpaid time off to attend two antenatal appointments, up to 6.5 hours each. Choose them deliberately — most partners pick the dating scan and the 20-week scan. Many employers give more than the minimum; ask before assuming.