Prenatal care

When you’re expecting, prenatal care is important to keep yourself and your baby healthy and to prepare for a healthy delivery.

Our extensive network of birth experts at UCHealth help thousands of women each year along the Front Range prepare for optimal deliveries and healthy babies. We’re here to provide the physical and emotional support you need through every phase of your pregnancy.

Find prenatal care locations

Prenatal care visits

When to start

Recommended prenatal care begins as soon as you think you’re pregnant. Contact your health care provider to schedule your first prenatal appointment. Whether you choose a UCHealth family physician, obstetrician, midwife or another prenatal care provider, expect to visit:

  • Once a month during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy
  • Twice a month during the 28th through 36th weeks of pregnancy
  • Once a week after 36 weeks of pregnancy
  • More often if you have a high-risk pregnancy

What to expect

At each prenatal visit, your care provider will:

  • Answer your questions and discuss any symptoms or problems
  • Check your weight, blood pressure and temperature
  • Listen to the baby’s heartbeat
  • Check the size and position of the baby
  • Perform prenatal tests as needed such as ultrasound to view images of the baby and blood tests to check for any problems such as gestational diabetes

Specialized pregnancy care

At UCHealth, you have access to advanced, specialized care should you or your baby need it before and after birth. Your prenatal care provider can help connect you to special programs and services to meet your specific needs, such as:

Pregnant women sitting near sunlit window