Antenatal care and check-ups

Regular check-ups are one of the best gifts you can give your baby

In 2016, the World Health Organization updated its guidance on antenatal care "for a positive pregnancy experience," moving from an older 4-visit model to a model of at least 8 contacts with a health provider across the pregnancy. The change followed evidence that more frequent contact was linked to fewer stillbirths and a better experience of care for the mother — not just a box-ticking exercise, but real touchpoints for support and safety.

The WHO schedule spaces these contacts roughly around 12, 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 38, and 40 weeks of pregnancy — though your own midwife or doctor will tailor the exact timing to you. At each contact, a provider typically checks your and your baby's wellbeing, offers relevant screening, and gives you space to ask questions and raise concerns. Missing one contact is not a crisis — the goal is simply to stay connected to care across the whole pregnancy, not just at the start and the end.