The Complete Pregnancy Test Timeline: Every Test from Week 4 to Delivery

Your pregnancy doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but this pregnancy test timeline comes pretty close.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey that brings exciting milestones, important decisions, and regular health check-ups.

One of the most important aspects of prenatal care is the series of tests performed throughout pregnancy.

This test timeline is carefully made to monitor your health, assess your baby’s growth and development, identify potential complications early, and provide the information needed to support a healthy pregnancy.

For many expecting parents, the number of recommended tests can feel overwhelming.

You may wonder why some tests are performed during the first trimester, while others are scheduled much later.

You might also question whether every test is necessary, what each investigation looks for, and how the results influence your pregnancy care.

The answer lies in the predictable stages of fetal development.

As your baby grows, different organs and body systems develop at specific times.

Healthcare professionals schedule prenatal tests when they are most likely to provide accurate and clinically meaningful information.

Some investigations are considered routine because they benefit nearly every pregnancy,

while others are recommended only if certain medical conditions, family history, pregnancy risk factors, or ultrasound findings suggest that additional assessment may be helpful.

Routine prenatal care usually includes blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound examinations, infection screening, and gestational diabetes testing.

Depending on your individual circumstances, your healthcare provider may also discuss specialized investigations such as:

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), carrier screening, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), whole exome sequencing (WES), advanced fetal imaging, or fetal MRI.

Understanding the purpose and timeline of each pregnancy test can help reduce anxiety, encourage informed decision-making, and improve communication with your healthcare provider.

Most importantly, these investigations are designed to support both maternal and fetal wellbeing throughout pregnancy rather than simply detect complications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),

quality antenatal care should include timely assessments, evidence-based screening, and appropriate interventions throughout pregnancy to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

As a women’s health physiotherapist, I often remind expecting parents that prenatal testing is not something to fear.

Instead, these assessments provide valuable information that helps healthcare professionals personalize pregnancy care, identify concerns early when intervention is most effective,

and reassure families when everything is progressing normally.

This comprehensive guide takes you through the complete pregnancy test timeline,

explaining every major test from the first positive pregnancy test through the final weeks before delivery.

Complete Pregnancy Test Timeline

Pregnancy Week	Test	Routine / If Indicated	Purpose
Weeks 4-8	Home pregnancy test	Routine	Confirm pregnancy
Weeks 4-8	Blood hCG	If indicated	Confirm or assess early pregnancy
Weeks 8-10	Blood group & Rh factor	Routine	Determine blood type and Rh status
Weeks 8-10	Complete Blood Count (CBC)	Routine	Detect anaemia and blood disorders
Weeks 8-10	Infection screening	Routine	Screen for infections affecting pregnancy
Weeks 8-10	Urine testing	Routine	Detect infection, glucose, or protein
Weeks 10-13	Dating ultrasound	Routine	Confirm gestational age and due date
Weeks 11-13	Nuchal translucency scan	Routine (where offered)	First-trimester screening
Week 10 onwards	NIPT	Optional	Screen for common chromosomal conditions
Week 10 onwards	Carrier screening	Optional	Assess inherited genetic conditions
Weeks 15-18	Maternal serum screening	Where applicable	Additional chromosomal screening
Weeks 18-22	Anatomy scan	Routine	Evaluate fetal anatomy
Weeks 22-28	Advanced fetal imaging	If indicated	Assess specific fetal abnormalities
Weeks 24-28	Gestational diabetes screening	Routine	Detect gestational diabetes
Weeks 28-32	Repeat blood tests	Routine	Monitor maternal health
Weeks 28-32	Anti-D immunoglobulin	If indicated	Prevent Rh sensitisation
Weeks 32-36	Growth scan	If indicated	Assess fetal growth
Weeks 35-37	Group B Streptococcus screening	Depends on local practice	Reduce newborn infection risk
Weeks 36-40	NST/BPP	If indicated	Monitor fetal wellbeing

Why Pregnancy Test Follow a Timeline

Every stage of pregnancy brings unique changes for both mother and baby.

Because fetal organs develop in a predictable sequence, healthcare professionals perform specific tests when they are most likely to provide accurate and meaningful information.

For example, the dating ultrasound is most accurate during the first trimester because fetal growth is relatively consistent during early pregnancy.

Likewise, the detailed anatomy scan is scheduled between 18 and 22 weeks because the baby’s organs have developed sufficiently to allow a comprehensive structural assessment.

Similarly, gestational diabetes screening is usually performed between 24 and 28 weeks,

when pregnancy hormones have reached levels that may affect insulin sensitivity and blood glucose regulation.

This carefully planned pregnancy test timeline ensures that important conditions can be identified as early as possible while avoiding unnecessary testing.

Weeks 4-8: Confirming Pregnancy

The pregnancy journey usually begins with a home pregnancy test.

These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced shortly after implantation.

When performed after a missed menstrual period and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, modern home pregnancy tests are highly accurate.

If the result is unclear or there are concerns such as:

abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or uncertainty regarding pregnancy dating, your healthcare provider may recommend a blood HCG test.

Unlike urine tests, blood tests can detect lower concentrations of HCG and may help evaluate:

• Very early pregnancy
• Pregnancy viability
• Suspected ectopic pregnancy
• Pregnancy dating in selected situations

Although blood HCG testing is not routinely required for every pregnancy, it provides valuable information when additional assessment is clinically indicated.

Your First Antenatal (Booking) Appointment

One of the most important milestones during early pregnancy is the booking appointment, which is usually scheduled during the first trimester.

During this visit, your healthcare provider will:

• Review your medical history.
• Discuss previous pregnancies.
• Record your family history.
• Estimate your due date.
• Review current medications.
• Assess lifestyle factors.
• Plan future antenatal visits.
• Discuss available prenatal screening options.

This appointment establishes the foundation for your pregnancy care and helps identify any factors that may require additional monitoring or specialist referral.

The WHO recommends initiating antenatal care early in pregnancy to maximize opportunities for preventive care, health education, and timely screening. (WHO)

Weeks 8-10: Routine Blood and Urine Tests

Following your booking appointment, several routine laboratory investigations are performed to assess your overall health and establish baseline information for the remainder of your pregnancy.

These tests help identify common conditions that may affect either the mother or the developing baby and allow early treatment when necessary.

Blood Group and Rh Factor

Determining your blood group and Rh status is one of the most important routine investigations during pregnancy.

Women who are Rh-negative may require additional treatment later in pregnancy if there is a possibility of Rh incompatibility.

Early identification allows healthcare providers to plan appropriate management and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A Complete Blood Count evaluates:

• Hemoglobin
• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Platelets

This test helps detect:

• Anemia
• Infection
• Blood disorders
• Conditions requiring treatment during pregnancy

Early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to begin treatment promptly, reducing potential risks for both mother and baby.

Infection Screening

Routine infection screening is an important part of early prenatal care because some infections can affect both maternal health and fetal development if they remain undiagnosed.

Depending on local healthcare recommendations and your individual medical history, routine blood tests commonly include screening for:

• Hepatitis B
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Syphilis

In some healthcare settings, additional testing may also be performed to assess immunity to infections such as rubella or to investigate other infectious diseases based on individual risk factors.

Early identification allows healthcare professionals to provide appropriate treatment, counselling, and follow-up care that can significantly reduce pregnancy complications and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

Routine Urine Testing

Urine testing is another essential component of antenatal care and is performed at the beginning of pregnancy and, in many healthcare settings, repeated during subsequent antenatal visits.

A routine urine sample helps assess:

• Urinary tract infections
• Protein in the urine
• Glucose levels
• Kidney function

Some urinary tract infections cause few or no symptoms during pregnancy.

Detecting and treating these infections early helps reduce the risk of kidney infections and certain pregnancy complications.

Similarly, identifying excess protein or glucose in the urine may prompt further evaluation for conditions such as:

preeclampsia or gestational diabetes later in pregnancy.

Weeks 10–13: First-Trimester Screening

The period between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy is one of the most important stages for prenatal screening.

During these weeks, several investigations may be offered to assess fetal development and estimate the likelihood of certain chromosomal or genetic conditions.

Some of these tests are routine in many healthcare systems, while others are optional and depend on your individual preferences or clinical circumstances.

Dating Ultrasound

The dating ultrasound is one of the first opportunities to see your developing baby.

This examination is performed to:

• Confirm an intrauterine pregnancy.
• Determine the number of babies.
• Measure fetal size.
• Confirm fetal heartbeat.
• Estimate gestational age.
• Calculate the expected due date.

During the first trimester, measuring the baby’s crown-rump length (CRL) provides one of the most accurate methods of estimating gestational age.

Establishing an accurate due date is important because it helps guide the timeline of future screening test and allows healthcare professionals to assess fetal growth more accurately throughout pregnancy.

For many parents, the dating scan also provides reassurance by confirming that the pregnancy is progressing as expected.

Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan

Between 11 weeks and 13 weeks + 6 days, many women are offered a nuchal translucency (NT) scan.

During this ultrasound examination, the sonographer measures the small fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck.

This measurement is combined with maternal age and, in many healthcare settings, blood test results to estimate the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions.

An increased NT measurement does not diagnose a medical condition.

Instead, it indicates that additional assessment may be appropriate.

If the NT measurement is higher than expected,

your healthcare provider may discuss further screening options, including Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

One of the most significant advances in prenatal medicine is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).

This blood test analyses cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the mother’s bloodstream to estimate the likelihood of common chromosomal conditions, including:

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
• Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
• Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)

Some laboratories also offer expanded panels that screen for selected sex chromosome abnormalities and additional chromosomal conditions.

NIPT can usually be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards and has a high detection rate with a low false-positive rate for the common trisomy.

However, it is important to understand that NIPT is a screening test rather than a diagnostic test.

A high-risk result does not confirm that the baby has a chromosomal condition and should always be followed by diagnostic testing before any clinical decisions are made. (Cleveland Clinic)

Carrier Screening

Carrier screening is another optional genetic test that may be offered before pregnancy or during the first trimester.

Unlike NIPT, which estimates the baby’s likelihood of having certain chromosomal conditions, carrier screening identifies whether prospective parents carry genetic variants associated with inherited disorders.

Common conditions included in carrier screening panels may include:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
• Sickle cell disease
• Thalassemia

If both parents are carriers of the same inherited condition, referral to a genetic counsellor is usually recommended to discuss reproductive risks and available diagnostic testing options.

Carrier screening is particularly valuable for couples with a family history of inherited disorders or those belonging to populations with higher carrier frequencies for certain genetic conditions.

Understanding Screening vs Diagnostic Tests

One of the most common sources of confusion during pregnancy is the difference between screening tests and diagnostic tests.

Screening Tests

Screening tests estimate the likelihood that a baby has a particular condition.

Examples include:

• NIPT
• Nuchal translucency screening
• Maternal serum screening

These tests help identify pregnancies that may benefit from further investigation but cannot provide a definitive diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests directly analyze fetal genetic material and can confirm or exclude many chromosomal and genetic conditions with much greater certainty.

Examples include:

• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
• Amniocentesis

These procedures are generally recommended only when screening results, ultrasound findings, or family history suggest that additional investigation is warranted.

Understanding this difference helps families make informed decisions about prenatal testing and reduces unnecessary anxiety when a screening test indicates an increased likelihood of a condition.

By the end of the first trimester, most expecting parents have completed the initial booking appointment, routine blood and urine tests, dating ultrasound, and, where appropriate, first-trimester genetic screening.

These assessments establish the foundation for the remainder of prenatal care and help healthcare professionals personalize pregnancy management based on each mother’s individual needs.

After the first trimester, prenatal care shifts from confirming the pregnancy and assessing early fetal development to monitoring your baby’s anatomy, growth, maternal health, and overall pregnancy progress.

The second and third trimesters include several routine assessments, along with specialized investigations that may be recommended if additional evaluation is required.

Although most pregnancies progress normally, these scheduled tests help healthcare professionals identify potential concerns early, allowing timely intervention and personalised care when necessary.

Weeks 15-18: Maternal Serum Screening (Where Applicable)

Between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy, some healthcare providers may offer maternal serum screening, 

Depending on your healthcare system, this blood test may include the triple test or quadruple test,

which measure specific substances in the mother’s blood to estimate the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects.

Maternal serum screening is considered a screening test, meaning it estimates the probability of a condition rather than providing a definitive diagnosis.

If the results indicate an increased likelihood of a chromosomal condition or neural tube defect, your healthcare provider may recommend additional investigations such as:

• Detailed ultrasound examination
• Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
• Amniocentesis

Whether this test is recommended depends on local clinical practice, previous screening results, and your individual pregnancy circumstances.

Weeks 18-22: Detailed Anatomy Scan

One of the most anticipated milestones during pregnancy is the detailed anatomy scan, also known as the mid-trimester anomaly scan.

Usually performed between 18 and 22 weeks, this comprehensive ultrasound examines your baby’s anatomy from head to toe and is considered one of the most important routine prenatal investigations.

During the scan, the sonographer carefully evaluates:

• Brain
• Skull
• Face
• Lips
• Spine
• Heart
• Major blood vessels
• Lungs
• Diaphragm
• Stomach
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Abdomen
• Arms and legs
• Placenta
• Umbilical cord
• Amniotic fluid
• Fetal growth

The anatomy scan also confirms fetal heartbeat, movement, placental location, and gestational age.

For most families, this examination provides reassurance that the baby is developing normally.

If structural abnormalities are suspected, additional investigations may be recommended to obtain more detailed information and assist with pregnancy management. (Whitworth et al. 2015)

Weeks 22-28: Advanced Fetal Imaging (If Indicated)

Most pregnancies require only routine ultrasound examinations.

However, in selected situations, your healthcare provider may recommend advanced fetal imaging to obtain more detailed information about specific fetal structures.

Advanced fetal imaging may include:

• Targeted fetal ultrasound
• Fetal echocardiography
• Doppler ultrasound
• Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound
• Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound

These specialized imaging techniques are generally recommended when:

• The anatomy scan identifies a possible abnormality.
• There is a family history of congenital conditions.
• Maternal medical conditions increase pregnancy risk.
• Previous pregnancies were affected by congenital abnormalities.
• Additional anatomical detail is required for diagnosis or delivery planning.

Rather than replacing routine ultrasound, advanced fetal imaging complements standard prenatal assessment by providing greater anatomical detail when clinically indicated.

When Might Fetal MRI Be Recommended?

If ultrasound findings remain inconclusive or additional anatomical information is required, your healthcare provider may recommend a fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination.

Unlike ultrasound, fetal MRI provides exceptional soft tissue detail and is particularly useful for evaluating:

• Brain abnormalities
• Spinal abnormalities
• Chest conditions
• Abdominal abnormalities
• Complex congenital anomalies

Fetal MRI does not replace routine ultrasound.

Instead, it serves as an additional diagnostic tool that helps healthcare professionals better understand complex findings, improve counselling,

and plan ongoing pregnancy management or delivery when necessary.

Weeks 24-28: Gestational Diabetes Screening

Between 24 and 28 weeks, most pregnant women are offered screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

During pregnancy, hormonal changes naturally increase insulin resistance.

In some women, this leads to blood glucose levels becoming higher than normal, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Because these hormonal changes become more pronounced during the late second trimester, this is considered the optimal time for screening.

Depending on your healthcare provider or local practice, screening may involve:

• Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Early diagnosis is important because untreated gestational diabetes may increase the risk of:

• Larger-than-average babies (macrosomia)
• Birth complications
• Caesarean delivery
• Pre-eclampsia
• Neonatal hypoglycemia
• Future type 2 diabetes in the mother

Fortunately, most women with gestational diabetes can achieve healthy pregnancy outcomes through a combination of nutritional guidance, regular physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, and medication when required (Colberg et al. 2013).

Weeks 28-32: Repeat Blood Tests and Continued Monitoring

As pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, routine antenatal care continues with repeat laboratory investigations and regular clinical assessments.

Your healthcare provider may recommend repeat blood tests to reassess:

• Hemoglobin levels
• Iron status
• Blood group antibodies (when indicated)
• Selected infection screening based on clinical circumstances

Women who are Rh-negative may also receive anti-D immunoglobulin, depending on local clinical recommendations, to reduce the risk of Rh sensitization in current and future pregnancies.

During routine antenatal appointments, healthcare professionals will also continue monitoring:

• Blood pressure
• Maternal wellbeing
• Baby’s growth
• Fetal heartbeat
• Fetal movements
• Urine protein and glucose (where routinely performed)

These assessments help identify conditions such as anemia, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, or fetal growth concerns before they become more serious.

By the beginning of the third trimester, most routine pregnancy investigations have been completed.

The remaining weeks focus on monitoring fetal growth, assessing fetal wellbeing, preparing for labor, and ensuring that both mother and baby remain healthy until delivery.

Weeks 32-36: Growth Scan (If Indicated)

By the early third trimester, your healthcare provider has usually established a clear understanding of your baby’s development and your overall pregnancy health.

For many women, routine antenatal visits continue without the need for additional imaging.

However, in certain situations, a growth scan may be recommended to assess how your baby is progressing.

Unlike the detailed anatomy scan performed earlier in pregnancy, a growth scan focuses primarily on your baby’s size, growth pattern, and wellbeing.

During the examination, the sonographer may assess:

• Fetal head circumference
• Abdominal circumference
• Femur length
• Estimated fetal weight
• Amniotic fluid volume
• Placental position and appearance
• Fetal presentation (head-down, breech, or transverse)

Growth scans are commonly recommended when there are concerns about:

• Suspected fetal growth restriction
• Large-for-gestational-age babies
• Maternal hypertension
• Diabetes during pregnancy
• Reduced fetal movements
• Multiple pregnancy
• Previous pregnancy complications

It is important to remember that not every pregnancy requires a third-trimester growth scan.

In uncomplicated pregnancies with normal clinical assessments, routine ultrasound during this stage may not be necessary.

Weeks 35-37: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening

During the later stages of pregnancy, some healthcare providers recommend Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening.

GBS is a common bacterium that naturally lives in the gastrointestinal or genital tract of many healthy adults without causing illness.

However, during labor, the bacteria may occasionally be passed to the baby, increasing the risk of serious newborn infection.

Screening practices vary between countries and healthcare systems.

Some regions recommend:

• Routine GBS screening between 35 and 37 weeks

Others use:

• A risk-based approach, where antibiotics are offered only if specific clinical risk factors are present.

If screening identifies GBS colonization, antibiotics administered during labor can substantially reduce the likelihood of transmission to the baby.

Your healthcare provider will advise which approach is recommended in your region and whether GBS testing is appropriate for your pregnancy.

Weeks 36-40: Final Pregnancy Monitoring

As you approach your due date, antenatal visits become increasingly focused on preparing for labor while continuing to monitor both maternal and fetal wellbeing.

During routine appointments, your healthcare provider may assess:

• Blood pressure
• Baby’s position
• Fundal height
• Fetal heartbeat
• Fetal movements
• Maternal symptoms
• Urine testing (where appropriate)

These regular assessments help identify any concerns that may require additional monitoring or changes to your birth plan.

Non-Stress Test (NST)

The Non-Stress Test (NST) is a non-invasive assessment of fetal wellbeing.

Using external monitors placed on the mother’s abdomen, the NST records:

• Fetal heart rate
• Heart rate variability
• Baby’s movements

A healthy baby typically shows temporary increases in heart rate during movement, indicating good oxygenation and neurological function.

NSTs are generally recommended when:

• Pregnancy extends beyond the due date.
• Maternal medical conditions increase pregnancy risk.
• Reduced fetal movements are reported.
• Growth restriction is suspected.
• Other pregnancy complications require closer monitoring.

For uncomplicated pregnancies, routine NSTs are usually not required.

Biophysical Profile (BPP)

The Biophysical Profile (BPP) combines ultrasound assessment with fetal heart rate monitoring to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of fetal wellbeing.

The BPP evaluates:

• Fetal breathing movements
• Gross body movements
• Muscle tone
• Amniotic fluid volume
• Heart rate response (NST)

Each component contributes to an overall score that helps healthcare professionals determine whether the baby appears to be thriving inside the uterus or whether additional monitoring or delivery planning should be considered.

The BPP is most commonly recommended for pregnancies requiring closer surveillance rather than as part of routine care for every expectant mother. (Lalor et al. 2008).

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

Pregnancy tests provide valuable information, but understanding why they are recommended is equally important.

During your antenatal appointments, consider asking your healthcare provider:

• Which pregnancy tests are routine for my pregnancy?
• Are there any optional tests that I should consider?
• Is this test a screening test or a diagnostic test?
• How should I prepare for the test?
• When will I receive my results?
• What happens if a result is abnormal?
• Will I need additional monitoring or follow-up testing?
• Should I speak with a genetic counsellor before making a decision about optional testing?

These conversations can help you feel informed, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that your pregnancy care aligns with your individual needs and preferences.

Complete Pregnancy Test Timeline Checklist

Create a table like this:

Test	Recommended Week	Routine / Optional	✓ Completed
Home Pregnancy Test	4-5	Routine	☐
Blood hCG (if indicated)	4-8	If indicated	☐
Blood Group & Rh Factor	8-10	Routine	☐
CBC	8-10	Routine	☐
Infection Screening	8-10	Routine	☐
Urine Test	8-10	Routine	☐
Dating Scan	10-13	Routine	☐
NT Scan	11-13	Routine (where offered)	☐
NIPT	10+	Optional	☐
Carrier Screening	10+	Optional	☐
Anatomy Scan	18-22	Routine	☐
Gestational Diabetes Screening	24-28	Routine	☐
Growth Scan	32-36	If indicated	☐
GBS Screening	35-37	Depends on local practice	☐
NST / BPP	36-40	If indicated	☐

This checklist gives readers a practical summary of the entire test timeline and reinforces the article’s value as a comprehensive reference they can return to throughout pregnancy.

Conclusion

The timeline of pregnancy test is carefully designed to support the health of both mother and baby from the earliest weeks of pregnancy until delivery.

Each assessment is performed at a specific stage because it provides the most accurate and clinically useful information at that point in fetal development.

While some tests are routine for nearly every pregnancy, others are recommended only when additional information may improve pregnancy management or clarify specific concerns.

Understanding the purpose of each investigation helps expecting parents approach prenatal care with greater confidence and participate actively in decisions about their healthcare.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique.

Your healthcare provider will recommend tests based on your individual medical history, pregnancy progress, and any findings that arise during routine antenatal care.

Attending regular prenatal appointments, asking questions, and understanding the role of each test are important steps toward supporting a healthy pregnancy and preparing for the arrival of your baby.

Stay tuned with us for more health related topics.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more.

Medical Disclaimer!

This article has been reviewed and written under the guidance of our Head Physiotherapist, Dr. Kruti Raj (PT, MUHS,CPT,CMPT). The information shared is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Please consult us or any other qualified healthcare professional before beginning any exercise program, especially if you are experiencing pain, recovering from injury, or managing a medical condition.