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Prenatal Care in Korea: What to Expect Trimester by Trimester
Quick answer: Prenatal care in Korea is usually led by an OB-GYN, with frequent visits and ultrasound at most appointments. Visits are typically every 4 weeks early on, then every 2 weeks, then weekly near the due date. Common tests include blood work, screening for chromosomal conditions, and a glucose test. Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station provides early pregnancy care in English.
Who provides prenatal care in Korea?
In Korea, prenatal care is mainly provided by OB-GYN doctors rather than midwives. Many women begin care at a local clinic and later move to the hospital where they plan to deliver. Some continue at one women's hospital from start to finish. Because delivery requires a hospital, it is wise to choose your delivery hospital early, often by the end of the first trimester.
Eunice Women's Clinic provides pregnancy confirmation and early pregnancy care. It does not deliver babies and refers patients to partner hospitals for delivery and hospital-level care.
How often are prenatal visits?
A common schedule in Korea is:
| Stage of pregnancy | Typical visit interval |
|---|---|
| Up to about 28 weeks | Every 4 weeks |
| About 28 to 36 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| From about 36 weeks | Every week |
Your doctor may suggest more visits if there are risk factors. Ultrasound is used at most visits in Korea, more often than in some other countries.
What tests are done in the first trimester?
- Confirmation ultrasound: to confirm location, heartbeat, and due date.
- First prenatal blood tests: commonly blood type, complete blood count, hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, rubella immunity, and urine tests. Thyroid function may be checked.
- Nuchal translucency ultrasound: usually around 11 to 14 weeks, measuring fluid at the back of the baby's neck.
- Screening for chromosomal conditions: blood-based screening tests, and in some cases non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free DNA, which is often non-covered.
What happens in the second trimester?
- Second-trimester blood screening as part of combined screening, depending on the hospital.
- Detailed anatomy ultrasound: usually around 20 to 24 weeks, checking the baby's organs and growth.
- Glucose screening: a test for gestational diabetes, commonly around 24 to 28 weeks.
- Anemia check and iron supplements if needed.
What happens in the third trimester?
- Growth ultrasounds and position checks
- Group B streptococcus testing at some hospitals
- Fetal heart rate monitoring (non-stress test) near the due date
- Planning for delivery and hospital admission
Can I bring a partner or interpreter to visits?
Partners are usually welcome in consultation and ultrasound rooms at Korean clinics and hospitals, although rules can differ during infection outbreaks. If you do not speak Korean and your hospital has no English-speaking doctor, you can bring a friend who speaks Korean, use a phone interpreter service, or ask whether the hospital has an international patient center. Large hospitals in Seoul often have such centers.
Which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?
Many guidelines recommend a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine during each pregnancy, usually in the late second or third trimester, and a flu vaccine during flu season. Live vaccines such as MMR are not given during pregnancy, which is why checking rubella immunity before pregnancy is useful. Ask your doctor about current recommendations. See Tdap vaccine.
How much does prenatal care cost?
For NHIS members, many prenatal tests and ultrasounds are partly covered, and the pregnancy and childbirth voucher helps pay remaining costs. Some tests, such as NIPT, are usually non-covered. Without NHIS, all costs are paid out of pocket. At Eunice Women's Clinic, posted non-covered pregnancy ultrasound prices are 50,000 KRW (1st trimester), 110,000 KRW (1st trimester detailed), and 80,000 KRW (2nd/3rd trimester) (list last checked 2026-01-01; prices may change; confirm with the clinic).
What are common warning signs during pregnancy?
Contact your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room for vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, severe headache or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, fever, or reduced baby movement in later pregnancy. In an emergency, call 119. Keep your delivery hospital's after-hours number saved on your phone, and learn how to explain these symptoms in Korean or keep a written note ready.
Tips for foreign women
- Keep a pregnancy notebook or photos of every result. Korean hospitals often provide a mother's handbook (산모수첩).
- Ask for key results in writing, especially blood type, infection results, and the due date.
- If you plan to travel or move during pregnancy, ask for an English summary of your care.
- Save the hospital's night-time contact number for labor or emergencies.
For the first steps after a positive test, read pregnant in Korea: first steps. For pre-pregnancy planning, see pre-pregnancy checkup and early pregnancy care.
Book an appointment in English
Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3
Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays
Frequently asked questions
Are ultrasounds done at every prenatal visit in Korea?
Ultrasound is used at most prenatal visits in Korea, more often than in some other countries. Many are partly covered by NHIS within set limits. If you prefer fewer ultrasounds, you can discuss this with your doctor.
Is NIPT available in Korea?
Yes. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which analyzes cell-free DNA in the mother's blood, is available at many hospitals and clinics. It is usually non-covered by NHIS. Your doctor can explain what the test screens for and its limits.
When should I choose a delivery hospital in Korea?
Many women choose a delivery hospital by the end of the first trimester, so that key tests and records are in one place. If you have risk factors, a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit may be recommended. A clinic doctor can help you decide.
Can I continue early pregnancy care at Eunice Women's Clinic?
Yes. Eunice Women's Clinic offers pregnancy confirmation, early pregnancy ultrasound, and early pregnancy care in English with Dr. Eun Mi-na. The clinic does not deliver babies and refers patients to partner hospitals when the time comes.
Related pages
- Early Pregnancy Care
- Early Pregnancy Ultrasound
- Pre-Pregnancy Checkup
- Tdap Vaccine
- Pregnant in Korea: First Steps
This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.