Get to as many of the visits as possible. Seeing what goes on and understanding the procedures involved is the perfect way to share in your partner's pregnancy, also you won't miss out on seeing and hearing your baby as he/she develops.

There are many meetings to attend and some are more important than others, so to miss a few is not always a big deal, but you should never miss out on the scans, otherwise you will definitely regret it afterwards.  

The schedule for visits varies slightly between countries and sometimes the big "scan" visits are done separately or even at another location with another doctor.  The general outline plan goes something like this:

• After a missed period and a positive home pregnancy test, a first visit to the obstetrician is required.

• Each month up to the 26th or 27th week there is another appointment.

• At either 6, 10 or 12 weeks (depending on country and doctor) the first ultrasound scan will be made.

• Between 19 and 24 weeks, the second ultrasound scan is done.  This is the morphological scan.

• From about the 26th week to the 34th week, there are fortnightly visits, although these are sometimes every three weeks for some doctors.

• After the 36th week, a visit each week is needed up to the birth and a final ultrasound will be done during this time to be sure that everything is in good order and the baby is fully prepared for the birth. 

• For details on genetic testing appointments during pregnancy, please see Genetic Testing Options in Pregnancy

Details of what to expect at each stage and how a man (and his partner) can prepare for these visits can be found on the following pages:

Introduction

1. Doctor visits during the 1st trimester 

2. 1st trimester ultrasound appointments

3. Doctor visits during the 2nd trimester 

4. 2nd trimester ultrasound scan - Part 1 

5. 2nd trimester ultrasound scan - Part 2 

6. 2nd trimester ultrasound scan - Part 3 

7. Doctor visits during the 3rd trimester