8 to 12 weeks
Booking appointment
Your first midwife appointment is usually arranged in this window. It is a chance to discuss your health, previous pregnancies, preferences, and any questions about your care.
UK Pregnancy Appointment Timeline
Last reviewed: July 2026Reviewed against cited UK guidance
Use this general NHS pregnancy appointment timeline to understand the milestones that may appear in your care. Your local maternity team will confirm your individual appointments, tests, and scan dates.
This page is for general pregnancy planning and date guidance only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy dates are estimates and can change after a scan or advice from your midwife, GP, or maternity team.
If you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your pregnancy, speak to your midwife, GP, or maternity team. For urgent help, use NHS 111; call 999 in an emergency. Read how we source and review content in our editorial policy.
Turn your due date into a personal plan
This guide explains the usual sequence. For date estimates based on your due date, use the timeline and scan calculators below, then follow the dates given by your maternity team.
Typical NHS pregnancy milestones
11 to 14 weeks
Dating scan
In England, hospitals offer an ultrasound scan in this window. Measurements can help estimate the due date, and screening may be offered depending on your choices and local service.
16 weeks
Routine antenatal appointment
Your midwife will discuss your wellbeing, screening results where relevant, and the next stages of care.
18 to 21 weeks
20-week screening scan
This scan is usually offered between 18 and 21 weeks. Your maternity team will explain the purpose of screening and how your local service arranges appointments.
24 to 28 weeks
Care that may be offered for your pathway
If you have a higher chance of gestational diabetes, testing is commonly offered in this period. Appointment timing and tests depend on your individual care plan.
25 and 31 weeks
Extra appointments for a first baby
The NHS notes that appointments at 25 and 31 weeks are usually offered if this is your first baby. Your schedule can differ if you have had a baby before or need additional care.
28 weeks onwards
Later pregnancy appointments
Later appointments commonly cover your health and wellbeing, blood pressure and urine checks, your baby's growth and movements, birth preparation, and choices if you go beyond your due date.
Maternity leave and pay planning
If you are employed, GOV.UK sets notice rules for maternity leave and pay. These depend on your due date and intended leave start date, so check the official guidance and use our calculator as a planning aid.
Calculate maternity leave planning datesSources and further reading
Checked for UK pregnancy appointments and maternity planning guidance in July 2026.
- NHS: Your antenatal care and appointments
- NHS: Ultrasound scans in pregnancy
- GOV.UK: Maternity pay and leave - how to claim
We prioritise official NHS and GOV.UK guidance, then relevant professional-body information where needed.
Source links are checked on the review date shown above. Your midwife, GP, maternity team, fertility clinic, or employer can give advice that is more specific to your circumstances.