Antenatal Care & Monitoring Pregnancy

Antenatal care, also known as prenatal care, is the medical care and supervision provided to pregnant women to monitor their health and the health of their developing baby throughout the course of pregnancy. The goal of antenatal care is to promote the well-being of both the mother and the baby, identify and manage any potential complications, and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

• Initial Assessment : - The first antenatal visit usually occurs early in the first trimester, ideally within the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. During this visit, the healthcare provider performs a comprehensive assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests (such as blood tests and urine tests) to confirm pregnancy and assess the mother's overall health.
• Ultrasound Scan : - An ultrasound scan may be performed to confirm the viability of the pregnancy, estimate the gestational age, and assess the number of fetuses.
• Screening Tests : - Screening tests may be offered to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) and other genetic conditions. These may include blood tests (such as the first-trimester combined screening test) and ultrasound scans (such as nuchal translucency screening).
• Health Education : - The healthcare provider provides information and guidance on nutrition, exercise, lifestyle modifications, prenatal vitamins, and precautions to take during pregnancy.
• Monitoring for Early Pregnancy Complications : - The healthcare provider monitors for signs and symptoms of early pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or gestational trophoblastic disease.

• Regular Antenatal Visits : - Antenatal visits become more frequent, typically once every 4-6 weeks during the second trimester. During these visits, the healthcare provider assesses the mother's health, measures blood pressure, monitors weight gain, and checks the baby's growth and development.
• Ultrasound Scans : - An anatomy ultrasound scan is usually performed around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy to assess the baby's growth and development, evaluate the fetal anatomy, and confirm the placental location.
• Additional Screening Tests : - Depending on maternal age, medical history, and risk factors, additional screening tests may be offered, such as the quad screen or cell-free DNA testing, to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Glucose Screening Test : - A glucose screening test (often called the glucose challenge test) may be performed around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes.
• Rh Factor Testing : - Rh factor testing is performed to determine whether the mother is Rh positive or Rh negative. Rh-negative mothers may require additional monitoring and treatment to prevent Rh incompatibility issues.

• Frequent Antenatal Visits : - Antenatal visits become more frequent again, typically every 2-4 weeks during the third trimester. The healthcare provider continues to monitor the mother's health, assess fetal growth and well-being, and evaluate for signs of complications.
• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening: - Around 35-37 weeks of pregnancy, a swab may be taken from the mother's vagina and rectum to screen for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization. GBS is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in newborns if passed from the mother during childbirth.
• Fetal Movement Monitoring : - The mother is encouraged to monitor fetal movements daily and report any significant changes or decrease in fetal activity to her healthcare provider.
• Biophysical Profile (BPP) : - In cases of high-risk pregnancies or concerns about fetal well-being, a biophysical profile (BPP) may be performed to assess fetal health. This may include a combination of ultrasound evaluation and non-stress testing (NST).
• Preparation for Labor and Birth : - The healthcare provider discusses birth preferences, labor and birth education, signs of labor, and when to seek medical attention if labor begins.