During a normal pregnancy, when do examinations change from occurring every 4 weeks to every 3 weeks?

During a normal pregnancy, the schedule of prenatal visits follows a standard timeline to monitor both the health of the mother and the developing fetus. Initially, prenatal examinations occur every 4 weeks during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses and the risk factors increase, particularly in the third trimester, the frequency of visits changes.

At 28 weeks, the schedule shifts from visits every 4 weeks to every 3 weeks. This change is important because the third trimester is a critical time when complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal growth issues can arise. More frequent check-ups allow for closer monitoring of the mother's health and the baby's development, ensuring any potential issues can be identified and addressed promptly. Thus, the transition to examinations every 3 weeks at 28 weeks is a key part of standard prenatal care during this stage of pregnancy.