Antenatal care can feel like a series of appointments with no obvious logic. There is one: each stage of pregnancy has particular things worth checking, and the scans are timed to when they can actually be seen.
Here is what happens and when, and what our trimester packages cover.
First trimester — confirmation to week 12
The early scan confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus, establishes how far along you are, and checks for a heartbeat and the number of embryos. Dating here is more accurate than at any later point, which matters for everything that follows.
Early blood work covers blood count, blood group and antibodies, immunity to rubella, thyroid function, and screening for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. These are routine and they are done early because early is when knowing changes the plan.
Our 1st Trimester Package covers this stretch as one arrangement: four consultations at around weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12, three ultrasounds, and the first-trimester blood screen.
Second trimester — weeks 13 to 28
This is when the anomaly scan happens, typically around 20 weeks. It examines the baby's anatomy in detail — brain, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys, limbs — and checks the placenta and fluid volume.
Glucose screening for gestational diabetes usually falls in this window too, which matters particularly in the UAE where rates are high. Blood count is repeated because iron deficiency is common by this stage.
Our 2nd Trimester Package covers five consultations, three ultrasounds and second-trimester screening, with options depending on whether you want the NT and anomaly scans included.
Third trimester — weeks 29 to delivery
Growth scans check that the baby is growing as expected, along with fluid levels and the position of the placenta. Appointments become more frequent, and blood pressure and urine are checked each time — these are how pre-eclampsia is caught.
Later in the trimester the conversation shifts to position, delivery planning and what to expect.
What is worth asking at each visit
Antenatal appointments move quickly. Writing down two or three questions beforehand tends to produce a better consultation than trying to remember them in the room.
- Is the growth where it should be for this stage?
- What did this scan look at, and was anything unclear?
- What symptoms should make me call before my next appointment?
- What is the plan between now and the next visit?
Common questions
When is the first pregnancy scan?
Usually between 6 and 9 weeks, confirming the pregnancy is in the uterus, dating it accurately and checking for a heartbeat. Dating is most accurate early, which is why this scan is worth having on time.
What does the anomaly scan check?
Around 20 weeks, it examines the baby's anatomy in detail — brain, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys and limbs — along with the placenta and amniotic fluid.
Is an ultrasound included in the consultation?
Yes. Our obstetrics and gynaecology consultations include an ultrasound, and the trimester packages bundle the scans and screening for each stage.
This article is general health information, not medical advice, and does not replace a consultation. Care at Smart Care Polyclinic is provided by DHA-licensed clinicians.