Weeks 1–12: Confirming & Checking the Basics

First Visit

Expect your first antenatal checkup around 6–8 weeks — when you’re either still in shock, or already Googling strollers at 2 a.m.

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What They’ll Check:

• Urine test to confirm pregnancy and check for infections

• Blood pressure, weight, and BMI baseline

• Blood test to check your blood group, Rh status, haemoglobin, sugar levels, immunity (rubella, hepatitis B, HIV), and more

• Medical history review (yours and your partner’s)
   

Key Scan:

• Dating Scan (7–10 weeks)
  Confirms how far along you are and whether it’s one baby… or more.
   

This is also when you might get your very first ultrasound photo — cue tears and overexcited WhatsApps.

Weeks 13–27: Watching Baby Grow

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This is the golden era — when you start to look pregnant, feel your baby flutter, and hopefully experience fewer nausea drama days.

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Checkup Frequency:

• Every 4 weeks (or as advised by your OB/Gyn or Klinik Kesihatan)
   

Routine Checks:

• Blood pressure

• Urine test (checking for protein/sugar)

• Fundal height (to measure baby’s growth)

• Listening to baby’s heartbeat
   

Key Scans:

• Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–14 weeks) - Screens for chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome.
   

Detailed Anomaly Scan (around 18–22 weeks):

Checks baby’s anatomy head to toe. You’ll see the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs — the works.
This is also when many parents find out the baby's gender!

Weeks 28–40: Almost There, Time to Prepare

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The countdown begins! You’re likely waddling, craving ice chips, and wondering if your belly button will ever go back in.

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Checkup Frequency:

• Every 2 weeks from 28–36 weeks

• Weekly from 36 weeks onwards (depending on your doctor)
   

What They’ll Check:

• Baby’s position (head down? breech?)

• Baby’s movements

• Blood pressure, urine

• Fundal height & fetal heartbeat

• Swelling, fatigue, unusual symptoms
   

Common Tests:

• OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) for gestational diabetes (between 24–28 weeks)

• Group B Strep (around 35–37 weeks, in some clinics/hospitals)
   

Final Scan(s):

Some mothers may get another scan in the third trimester to check baby’s growth, amniotic fluid levels, or position. Not always routine — it depends on your individual case.

• Malaysia-Specific: The Pink Book & Klinik Kesihatan 

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• If you’re using government services, your Buku Rekod Kesihatan Ibu (a.k.a. the Pink Book) will be your best friend. It keeps track of all checkups, tests, and milestones — and helps keep your care coordinated.

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• You’ll also get support from:

• Nurses (jururawat) for education & monitoring

• Klinik Kesihatan appointments that cover all necessary screenings
   

• Tip: Bring the book to every appointment — it's basically your pregnancy passport.

Why These Checkups Matter

Every scan and test is designed to:

• Monitor your baby's development

• Catch any issues early

• Keep you healthy and informed

• Give you space to ask questions and get guidance
   

Even if everything feels fine, don’t skip them — they're not just for emergencies, they're for assurance and expert eyes on both of you.

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Key Takeaway

Every pregnancy is different. Some mamas might need extra tests, some might breeze through. Whether you're high-risk or low-fuss, these visits are tailored to you.

You’re not being monitored — you’re being cared for.

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Next Step:

Check what trimester you're in, and hop over to our week-by-week breakdown for a deeper dive into what's happening with your baby and body right now!