Prenatal Care (Antenatal Care)

Prenatal Care Cover

[Image showing a pregnant woman during a check-up with an obstetrician]

Prenatal care involves regular visits to an obstetrician starting from early pregnancy. The goal is to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing fetus, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery of a strong, healthy baby.

What to Expect During Prenatal Visits

Medical History Inquiry: The doctor will ask about your last menstrual period (to calculate the due date), any abnormal symptoms, underlying health conditions, drug allergies, family history, and past pregnancies.
Physical Examination: A general check-up including height, weight, vital signs, and oral health. The doctor will also measure the height of the fundus (top of the uterus), check the baby’s position, and listen to the fetal heartbeat.
Screening Tests: A pelvic exam for cervical cancer screening and blood tests to identify potential abnormalities or infections.
Ultrasound Scans: Performed as indicated to verify gestational age, check for abnormal bleeding, or ensure uterine growth matches the pregnancy stage.
Specialized Tests: Screening for gestational diabetes (especially in high-risk mothers) and amniocentesis for chromosomal abnormalities in mothers aged 35 or older.
Regular Follow-ups: The doctor will monitor fetal movement and ensure the uterus is growing appropriately for the stage of pregnancy.
Vaccinations: Administration of Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccines.

Self-Care During Pregnancy

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet, get plenty of rest, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous work.
Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and take supplements as prescribed.
Monitoring Fetal Movement: First-time mothers usually feel "quickening" (resembling a fish fluttering) between 18–25 weeks. For subsequent pregnancies, this occurs around 16 weeks (4 months). Once felt, you should monitor movement daily; the baby should move at least 10 times over a 12-hour period. If movement decreases significantly, seek medical attention immediately.

Warning Signs: See a Doctor Before Your Appointment

Vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, fever, excessive swelling of limbs, severe headaches, or blurred vision.
Preterm contractions, frequent tightening of the abdomen, or abdominal cramping before your due date.
A noticeable decrease in fetal movement.