How often should I schedule antenatal appointments for a low-risk preg

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

For a low-risk pregnant woman, the recommended schedule for routine antenatal appointments differs based on parity:

Nulliparous women (first pregnancy) should be offered 10 routine antenatal appointments with a midwife or doctor. These include: booking appointment by 10+0 weeks, 16 week appointment (14–16 weeks), 25 week appointment, 28 week appointment, 31 week appointment, 34 week appointment, 36 week appointment, 38 week appointment, 40 week appointment, and 41 week appointment if birth has not occurred by then.
Parous women (previous pregnancies) should be offered 7 routine antenatal appointments with a midwife or doctor. These include: booking appointment by 10+0 weeks, 16 week appointment (14–16 weeks), 28 week appointment, 34 week appointment, 36 week appointment, 38 week appointment, and 41 week appointment if birth has not occurred.

All pregnant women should also be offered two ultrasound scans: one between 11+2 and 14+1 weeks and another between 18+0 and 20+6 weeks.

The booking appointment should take place by 10+0 weeks of pregnancy, or within 2 weeks if the woman presents later than 9+0 weeks.

Additional or longer antenatal appointments may be offered depending on the woman's medical, social, and emotional needs.

How often should I schedule antenatal appointments for a low-risk pregnant woman?