Antenatal Care: Keys to a Healthy Pregnancy

Published: January 2026 | Health Education | Read time: 7 minutes

What is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care (also called prenatal care) is the medical care and support pregnant women receive before giving birth. It involves regular check-ups, health screenings, education, and planning to ensure both the mother's and baby's health throughout pregnancy.

Regular antenatal care significantly improves health outcomes for both mother and baby, reducing complications and supporting a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Why Antenatal Care is Essential

• Monitor maternal health: Track blood pressure, weight, nutrition, and overall wellbeing
• Monitor fetal development: Ensure the baby is growing properly
• Detect complications early: Identify pregnancy-related issues before they become serious
• Prevent complications: Proactive interventions reduce risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other conditions
• Health education: Prepare for pregnancy, labor, delivery, and parenthood
• Mental health support: Address stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being
• Birth planning: Discuss delivery preferences and create a birth plan
• Risk assessment: Identify high-risk pregnancies needing specialized care

When to Start Antenatal Care

Ideally, antenatal care should begin as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, or within the first 12 weeks. Early start provides the most comprehensive monitoring and support throughout pregnancy.

Note: It's never too late to begin antenatal care. If you're already several months pregnant, start attending appointments immediately.

Schedule of Antenatal Visits

First Trimester (Weeks 1-13)

• First visit: Comprehensive assessment and baseline tests
• Frequency: Monthly visits
• Focus: Establishing medical history, initial screening, and health education

Second Trimester (Weeks 14-26)

• Frequency: Monthly visits
• Focus: Monitoring fetal development, anatomical screening, and maternal health
• Key milestone: Detailed ultrasound scan around 18-20 weeks

Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)

• Frequency: Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly
• Focus: Assessing baby's position, size, and readiness for delivery
• Key tasks: Birth planning, final preparations, and monitoring for complications

What Happens During Antenatal Visits

Medical History & Initial Assessment

• Detailed personal and family medical history
• Previous pregnancy experiences
• Current medications and allergies
• Lifestyle factors and risk assessment

Physical Examination

• Blood pressure monitoring: Check for hypertension or preeclampsia
• Weight monitoring: Track appropriate pregnancy weight gain
• Urine tests: Screen for protein and glucose
• Abdominal examination: Assess uterine growth and baby's position
• Pelvic examination: Assess pelvic structure and readiness for labor

Laboratory Tests

• Blood tests: Blood type, Rh factor, infections (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis), anemia assessment
• Screening tests: First trimester, second trimester screenings for chromosomal abnormalities
• Glucose testing: Screen for gestational diabetes (typically at 24-28 weeks)
• Full blood count: Detect anemia

Ultrasound Scans

• First trimester: Confirm pregnancy, assess dating, screen for abnormalities
• Mid-pregnancy (18-20 weeks): Detailed anatomical scan, check organs and structures
• Third trimester: Assess baby's growth, position, and amniotic fluid levels
• Additional scans: If complications suspected or monitoring needed

Important Screening Tests During Pregnancy

Chromosomal Abnormality Screening

Screens for conditions like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18). Options include non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), combined screening, and detailed ultrasound.

Gestational Diabetes Screening

A glucose tolerance test identifies women at risk for gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy and requires management to protect both mother and baby.

Preeclampsia Assessment

Regular blood pressure monitoring and tests identify early signs of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication requiring prompt management.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Testing

Usually done around 35-37 weeks, this test identifies if you carry GBS bacteria, which can be transmitted to the baby during delivery. If positive, antibiotics are given during labor.

Health Guidance During Pregnancy

Nutrition

• Balanced diet with increased calories (about 300 extra per day)
• Sufficient protein for fetal development
• Iron-rich foods or supplements to prevent anemia
• Folic acid supplementation (prevents neural tube defects)
• Calcium for bone development
• Adequate hydration

Physical Activity

• Regular moderate exercise (150 minutes per week)
• Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are excellent choices
• Avoid high-impact activities and contact sports
• Always consult healthcare provider before new exercise programs

What to Avoid

• Smoking: Increases risk of complications and birth defects
• Alcohol: Can harm fetal development
• Drugs: Illegal drugs harm pregnancy
• Certain medications: Some are unsafe during pregnancy
• Raw or undercooked foods: Risk of foodborne infection
• Unpasteurized dairy: Risk of harmful bacteria
• Excessive caffeine: May increase miscarriage risk

Emotional Well-being

• Pregnancy can bring emotional changes
• Support from partner, family, and healthcare providers is important
• Mental health support available if experiencing anxiety or depression
• Prenatal education classes reduce anxiety and prepare for birth

Warning Signs to Report Immediately

Contact your healthcare provider urgently if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe headaches with vision changes
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Severe swelling in hands, feet, or face
• Decreased fetal movement
• Fever or chills
• Fluid leakage from vagina

Birth Planning

During third trimester visits, discuss:

• Preferred birth location (hospital, clinic)
• Labor management preferences
• Pain relief options
• Delivery preferences (vaginal vs. planned cesarean)
• Early newborn care preferences
• Breastfeeding plans
• Arrangements for labor support person

Key Takeaways

• Antenatal care is crucial for healthy pregnancy and delivery
• Start as early as possible in pregnancy
• Attend all scheduled appointments for comprehensive monitoring
• Screening tests identify potential complications early
• Health education and support prepare you for pregnancy, delivery, and parenthood
• Report warning signs immediately to healthcare providers