Antenatal care, also known as prenatal care, refers to medical and healthcare support provided from the beginning of pregnancy until childbirth. This care is essential to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. It involves routine checkups, monitoring fetal development, and addressing any pregnancy-related risks. Expectant mothers should initiate antenatal care as soon as they confirm their pregnancy by consulting an obstetrician. This allows for early detection of potential risks and ensures proper guidance for a healthy pregnancy journey.
Why Is Antenatal Care Important?
Pregnancy is a crucial phase in a woman’s life, involving significant physical and emotional changes. Without proper medical attention, both mother and baby face risks such as miscarriage, congenital abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome, cleft lip, or thalassemia), maternal complications, and neonatal infections. Antenatal care helps identify potential risks before, during, and after pregnancy, ensuring necessary medical intervention at the right time. This preventive approach enhances maternal and fetal health, minimizing complications and promoting a safe delivery.
When Should I Start Antenatal Care?
Expectant mothers should begin antenatal care as soon as they confirm their pregnancy. Ideally, the first appointment should occur between 4 and 8 weeks of gestation and no later than 12 weeks from the last menstrual period. For optimal care, healthcare providers even recommend preconception consultations, where parents can undergo health assessments, genetic screenings, and fertility evaluations to address any potential concerns before conception.
How Many Antenatal Appointments Are Required?
The frequency of antenatal visits varies based on maternal and fetal health conditions. Generally, for healthy pregnancies in women aged 18 to 35, the schedule is as follows:
- Up to 28 weeks: Appointments every four weeks.
- 28 to 32 weeks: Appointments every 2–3 weeks.
- 32 to 40 weeks: Weekly appointments.
High-risk pregnancies may require more frequent monitoring, as determined by the obstetrician.
What Happens During the First Antenatal Visit?
During the initial antenatal visit, the obstetrician performs comprehensive health assessments, including:
- Medical History Review: Information on menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies, hereditary diseases, medication use, allergies, lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, substance use), and family medical history.
- Physical Examination: Weight, height (to assess labor difficulty), blood pressure (to monitor risks like hypertension), and overall health checkups.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests for complete blood count, blood type, Rh factor, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, rubella immunity, and iron levels. Urine tests assess kidney function, infection risks, and glucose levels.
- Ultrasound Scan: To confirm pregnancy, estimate gestational age, assess fetal development, and check for abnormalities.
- Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance: Recommendations on diet, supplements (folic acid, iron, calcium), and exercise.
Antenatal Care by Trimester
1st Trimester (1–14 Weeks)
- Regular checkups every 4 weeks.
- Blood and urine tests to detect infections, anemia, and gestational diabetes risk.
- Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for chromosomal abnormalities.
- Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and fetal viability.
- Mental health evaluation for stress and emotional well-being.
- Dental checkup to prevent oral infections that may affect pregnancy.
- Prescription of prenatal vitamins.
2nd Trimester (15–28 Weeks)
- Checkups every 3–4 weeks.
- Screening for gestational diabetes and continued monitoring of protein and sugar levels in urine.
- Vaccinations (e.g., influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, based on individual needs).
- Ultrasound to assess fetal growth and organ development.
- Amniocentesis (for high-risk pregnancies) to check for genetic abnormalities.
- Pregnancy vitamins and supplements.
3rd Trimester (29–40 Weeks)
- Weekly or biweekly checkups to prepare for labor.
- Blood tests for hematocrit levels, infections, and Group B Streptococcus.
- Ultrasound to monitor fetal position, growth, and overall health.
- Monitoring fetal movements and heartbeat.
- Education on recognizing labor symptoms (e.g., contractions, water breaking, vaginal bleeding).
- Planning for delivery method (natural birth vs. C-section) based on medical indications.
- Postpartum birth control planning.
- Continued supplementation with pregnancy vitamins.
What Defines Quality Antenatal Care?
Quality antenatal care involves initiating prenatal checkups before 12 weeks and adhering to a structured care plan, with a minimum of five visits throughout the pregnancy. This approach ensures comprehensive health monitoring and timely interventions when necessary, promoting a smooth pregnancy and safe childbirth.
Documents Required for Antenatal Care Registration
- Mother’s and father’s identification cards.
- Detailed medical history, including previous pregnancies, existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications.
- Last menstrual period details for accurate gestational age estimation.
Pregnancy Health Care Recommendations
- Balanced Diet: Consume nutrient-rich foods from all five food groups, including carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Prenatal Supplements: Take essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Food Safety: Avoid raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized dairy, and high-mercury seafood.
- Physical Activity: Engage in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga to maintain fitness and reduce pregnancy-related complications.
- Hydration: Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily for proper digestion and circulation.
- Rest & Sleep: Get adequate sleep and adopt a side-lying position to improve fetal oxygen supply.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or talking with healthcare providers and family.
By following proper antenatal care practices, expectant mothers can ensure a smooth and healthy pregnancy, minimizing risks and promoting the well-being of both mother and baby.
Dr. Mamta Pattnayak is working as a Additional Director in Gynae and Obstetrics Dept. in Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon. Dr. Mamta attnayak is an MBBS graduate from S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack and completed her MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) from Sambalpur University in 2003. With a rich experience of over years to her credit, Dr. Mamta has undergone training on advance lap Gynae by Ethicon. Done hand’s on Colposcopy course by RCOG. She is certified as a mentor in RCOG training course in Max Hospital Saket. Dr. Mamta has been associated with several organizations like Moolchand Hospital, New Delhi besides others. Her last assignment was at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. Recently she has also started her private clinic at: Mother’s Touch HealthCare Centre: 395P, Sector 39 Rd, opposite to Medanta Hospital, near Gurudwara, Sector 39, Gurugram, Haryana 122004
