Prenatal Appointment Schedule in France
All required and recommended medical examinations in France, month by month. This schedule helps you stay on track, from the first consultation to the postnatal visit.
Month 1
GW 3-6 — Early pregnancy
Pregnancy test
Urine test followed by a confirmatory blood test (beta-HCG levels) to date the start of pregnancy.
1st required prenatal consultation
Pregnancy declaration with your doctor or midwife. Full clinical examination and opening of your medical file.
Required
Initial blood panel
Blood type, Rh factor, serologies (toxoplasmosis, rubella, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B), blood sugar, complete blood count (CBC).
Required
Folic acid prescription
Vitamin B9 supplementation (400 mcg/day) to prevent neural tube defects. Ideally started before conception.
Recommended
Month 2
GW 7-10
Prenatal consultation
If the first visit was late, this consultation allows you to catch up on the initial assessments and declare the pregnancy within the required timeframe.
Monthly toxoplasmosis test
Monthly blood test if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis. Repeated every month until delivery.
Month 3
GW 11-13 — 1st trimester
T1 ultrasound (dating scan)
Accurate dating of the pregnancy, nuchal translucency measurement for Down syndrome screening, confirmation of viability and number of embryos.
Required
T1 serum markers
Blood test for combined Down syndrome screening (PAPP-A and free beta-HCG), to be combined with nuchal translucency measurement.
Recommended
Pregnancy declaration
Submission of the declaration to the CAF (family allowance fund) and the Assurance maladie (health insurance) before 14 GW. Opens your rights to benefits and 100% coverage.
Required
Early prenatal interview (EPP)
Individual 45-minute session with a midwife. An opportunity to address your questions and concerns and to develop a birth plan.
Recommended
Month 4
GW 14-17
2nd required prenatal consultation
Weight gain monitoring, blood pressure, fundal height, listening to the baby's heartbeat.
Required
Blood test: CBC, antibody screen, toxoplasmosis
Complete blood count, irregular antibody screening, and toxoplasmosis monitoring if not immune.
Final Down syndrome screening results
Results of the combined T1 screening. If the risk is high (>1/250), an amniocentesis or NIPT (cell-free fetal DNA test) will be offered.
Month 5
GW 18-22
3rd required prenatal consultation
Monthly clinical examination, weight gain, blood pressure, fundal height, fetal heartbeat.
Required
T2 ultrasound (anatomy scan)
Detailed examination of the baby's anatomy: brain, heart, kidneys, limbs, spine. Gender determination if desired.
Required
Toxoplasmosis blood test
Monthly monitoring if not immune.
Month 6
GW 23-26
4th required prenatal consultation
Clinical examination. From this month onward, all pregnancy-related medical expenses are reimbursed at 100%.
Required
Complete blood panel
CBC, irregular antibody screening, and monthly toxoplasmosis test.
Required
Gestational diabetes screening
O'Sullivan test or OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) between GW 24 and 28. Tests for pregnancy-related diabetes.
Recommended
Maternity hospital registration
If not already done, register quickly at your chosen maternity hospital. Some hospitals are fully booked as early as the 3rd month.
Recommended
Start of birth preparation classes
First childbirth preparation classes with a midwife. Various methods available: traditional, sophrology, yoga, aquatic.
Month 7
GW 27-30
5th required prenatal consultation
Clinical examination, blood pressure, weight, fundal height, heartbeat monitoring.
Required
Toxoplasmosis blood test
Monthly monitoring if not immune.
Anti-D injection (if Rh negative)
If you are Rh negative, anti-D immunoglobulin injection at 28 GW to prevent Rh incompatibility with the baby.
Anesthesiologist consultation
Required consultation if you are considering an epidural. Review of your medical history, allergies, and back examination. Coagulation blood test.
Required
Childbirth preparation sessions
7 sessions reimbursed at 100% by the Securite sociale. Breathing, pushing, positions, pain management, breastfeeding.
Recommended
Month 8
GW 31-35
6th required prenatal consultation
Clinical examination, checking the baby's position (head-down, breech), pelvic assessment.
Required
T3 ultrasound (growth scan)
Evaluation of the baby's growth, position (cephalic or breech), placenta location, amniotic fluid volume, weight estimation.
Required
Toxoplasmosis blood test
Monthly monitoring if not immune.
Vaginal swab (Group B Streptococcus)
Swab taken between GW 34 and 38. If positive, antibiotics will be administered during labor to protect the baby.
Required
Pack your hospital bag
Prepare your belongings and the baby's. The maternity hospital usually provides a list. Remember your medical file, ID documents, and family record book.
Recommended
Month 9
GW 36-41 — The home stretch
7th required prenatal consultation
Final required visit. Checking the baby's presentation, cervical status, engagement assessment. Discussion of the birth plan.
Required
Fetal monitoring (if past due date)
Recording of fetal heart rate and contractions. From 40 GW, closer monitoring with cardiotocography and ultrasound.
Post-term monitoring
Follow-up consultation at 40 GW + 2 days, then every 2 days. Monitoring, amniotic fluid levels, fetal well-being.
Induction if necessary
Induction is generally considered at 41 GW + 6 days if labor has not started spontaneously.
Postpartum
After delivery
Postnatal visit
Required consultation 6 to 8 weeks after delivery. Gynecological examination, healing assessment, contraception, psychological well-being.
Required
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
10 to 20 sessions reimbursed at 100% by the Securite sociale. With a midwife or specialized physiotherapist. To begin after the postnatal visit.
Recommended
Postpartum contraception
Discussion with your doctor or midwife during the postnatal visit. Several options compatible with breastfeeding.
Recommended
Mental health follow-up
Baby blues (first few days), postpartum depression (following weeks/months): do not hesitate to speak up. Screening is systematic during the postnatal visit.
Recommended