What is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care involves the healthcare and support you receive during pregnancy to ensure you and your baby’s well-being.

This care is typically provided by a doctor who will monitor your health.

They will also address your questions and discuss your options and preferences for

• Pregnancy
• Labor
• Birth

Screening and Tests During Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you will be offered a range of screening tests and ultrasound scans to monitor your baby’s development and detect potential health issues.

These include:

• Two ultrasound scans: One between 11 to 14 weeks and another between 18 to 21 weeks.
• Antenatal screening tests: To assess the risk of your baby having conditions like Down’s syndrome.
• Blood tests: To screen for infections such as syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B.

These tests are crucial as they can inform your doctor about any special care or treatment you or your baby might need during the pregnancy.

Starting Antenatal Care

Early antenatal care is vital as it provides important information on maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Some tests, such as those for

• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia

should be conducted before ten weeks of pregnancy.

If you have any particular health needs or disabilities, inform your doctor so they can accommodate your requirements throughout your pregnancy.

Antenatal Appointments

The number of antenatal appointments you will have depends on whether this is your first pregnancy or if you have had a baby.

Typically, first-time mothers have up to 10 appointments, while those who have given birth before may have around 7.

These appointments can occur at various locations, such as your home, or a hospital.

During these visits, your doctor will monitor your

• Baby’s growth
• Check your blood pressure
• Perform other necessary tests

These appointments are also a time to discuss any concerns about your pregnancy.

Questions You May Be Asked during Antenatal appointments

During antenatal appointments, your doctor will ask about various aspects of your health and lifestyle, such as:

• The date of the first day of your last period.
• Your general health, previous illnesses, and surgeries.
• Any previous pregnancies or miscarriages.
• The ethnic backgrounds of you and your partner to assess the risk of inherited conditions.
• Family history of twins.
• Your job, your partner’s job, and living conditions to see how they might affect your pregnancy.
• Your emotional well-being and any history of depression.

These appointments are also a safe space to discuss any vulnerabilities, such as domestic or sexual abuse, and to seek extra support if needed.

Schedule your first antenatal appointment today to ensure a healthy start for you and your baby.