Start Prenatal Care Early (Preferably Before 12 Weeks)

ACOG recommends starting prenatal visits as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, ideally by 10–12 weeks.

Early prenatal care helps your maternity team:

• Confirm the due date
• Check your overall health
• Screen for early complications
• Review medications that may or may not be safe
• Provide guidance on nutrition, vitamins, lifestyle, and emotional health

Early care leads to better outcomes for both parent and baby.

Prenatal Visit Schedule

The typical schedule remains:

• Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
• Every 2 weeks from 28–36 weeks
• Weekly from 36 weeks until birth

However, ACOG now encourages personalized care plans. This means your provider may adjust your visit schedule if you have:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• A history of pregnancy complications
• Carrying multiples
• Concerns about baby’s growth

Hybrid models (some in-person, some virtual) may also be used based on patient needs and provider availability.

Genetic & Prenatal Testing Options

One of the biggest changes in recent years is who qualifies for Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).

✓ NIPT is now recommended for all pregnant individuals

Not just those over age 35.

NIPT is a blood test done around 10–12 weeks that screens for common chromosome conditions such as:

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
• Trisomy 18 and 13
• Some sex-chromosome conditions

This test is safe for both you and your baby.

Carrier Screening

Should be offered once in a lifetime, covering:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
• Hemoglobin disorders (like sickle cell trait)

Updated Infectious Disease Screenings (CDC)

All pregnant individuals should be screened for:

• HIV
• Syphilis (initial + 3rd trimester if high-risk)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C (at least once during pregnancy)
• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea when indicated

• These screenings protect both parent and baby.

Ultrasound & Monitoring Recommendations

First Trimester Ultrasound

Recommended to confirm due date and ensure the pregnancy is developing normally.

Anatomy Scan (18–22 weeks)

This detailed ultrasound checks:

• Baby’s heart
• Brain and spine
• Kidneys
• Bones
• Placenta position

It is one of the most important screening tools in pregnancy.

Third Trimester Growth Ultrasound

May be recommended if there are concerns about:

• Baby’s size
• Parent’s blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Decreased fetal movement
• Prior growth concerns

Blood Pressure Monitoring Has Increased Importance

High blood pressure (preeclampsia) remains one of the leading causes of pregnancy complications. Because of this, ACOG now emphasizes:

• Checking blood pressure at every prenatal visit
• Teaching families how to recognize warning signs
• Home blood pressure monitoring for high-risk individuals

Warning signs of preeclampsia include:

• Severe headache
• Visual changes (“spots,” blurriness)
• Right-upper belly pain
• Sudden swelling of face or hands
• Shortness of breath

If any of these occur, seek immediate care.

Nutrition, Weight Gain, & Vitamin Recommendations

ACOG continues to recommend:

• 400–800 mcg folic acid daily
• Iron supplementation if you have anemia
• Vitamin D if low or deficient
• Eating a balanced diet with lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Avoiding raw fish, soft unpasteurized cheeses, undercooked meats, and high-mercury fish

Updated research supports the benefits of:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Limiting added sugars
• Adequate hydration

Your provider will guide weight gain recommendations based on your pre-pregnancy BMI.

Pregnancy is a special and transformative time for families. Staying informed with current, evidence-based guidelines helps you feel confident and empowered every step of the way. Luxe Maternity Concierge is here to help you understand your options, prepare for your birth experience, and support your journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Mental Health Screening Twice During Pregnancy

In response to rising maternal mental health concerns, ACOG now recommends:

• Depression and anxiety screening at least twice during pregnancy
• Another screening postpartum

Emotional health is just as important as physical health.

If you experience:

• Persistent sadness
• Excessive worry
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loss of interest in normal activities

Tell your provider right away—help is available, and early support improves outcomes.

Updated Vaccine Recommendations

Tdap Vaccine

Given between 27–36 weeks to protect your newborn from whooping cough.

RSV Vaccine (New 2023–2024)

For pregnant individuals 32–36 weeks during RSV season to reduce severe RSV infection in newborns.

Flu Vaccine

Safe and recommended during any trimester.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Updated boosters recommended during pregnancy.

All vaccines listed are considered safe and protect both parent and baby.

Recognizing Maternal Warning Signs (CDC HEAR HER Initiative)

The CDC’s updated campaign (2023–2025) highlights symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum that should never be ignored:

• Severe headache
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Swelling of hands/face
• Fever
• Vision changes
• Extreme fatigue
• Thoughts of harming yourself

If something feels “off,” trust your instincts and get care immediately.

Make a Birth Plan With Shared Decision-Making

ACOG encourages pregnant individuals and families to participate actively in decisions regarding:

• Pain management
• Labor preferences
• Induction options
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Feeding goals
• Postpartum support

A birth plan helps guide your care team while prioritizing safety and personal preferences.

Pregnancy is a special and transformative time for families. Staying informed with current, evidence-based guidelines helps you feel confident and empowered every step of the way. Luxe Maternity Concierge is here to help you understand your options, prepare for your birth experience, and support your journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Clinical updates and patient care guidelines. https://www.acog.org

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). Prenatal care recommendations and practice advisories. https://www.acog.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Updated prenatal testing and screening recommendations. https://www.cdc.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Syphilis and infectious disease testing in pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Hear Her maternal warning signs campaign. https://www.cdc.gov/hearher