#Numbers

Описание: Antenatal visits, also called prenatal check-ups, are regular medical appointments that a pregnant woman attends throughout pregnancy. The main purpose of these visits is to monitor the health of the mother and the developing baby, detect complications early, and provide education and emotional support. These visits follow a structured schedule and include examinations, tests, and counselling that help ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.
Importance of Antenatal Visits
Antenatal visits play a crucial role in preventing complications by identifying risk factors such as high blood pressure, anemia, gestational diabetes, or infections. Through routine check-ups, healthcare providers can observe the baby’s growth, check the fetal heartbeat, and see the mother's overall well-being. Early detection allows timely treatment and reduces the risk of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. These appointments also allow the mother to ask questions, receive advice on nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes, and prepare emotionally for childbirth.
Schedule of Antenatal Visits
The typical antenatal visit schedule is:
Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks of pregnancy
Every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
Every week from 36 weeks of delivery
However, high-risk pregnancies may require more frequent visits to closely monitor both mother and baby.
What Happens During Antenatal Visits
Each visit includes essential checks and assessments:
1. Medical History Review:
The doctor or midwife asks about previous pregnancies, medical conditions, medications, family history, and symptoms the mother may be experiencing. This helps identify risk factors early.
2. Physical Examination:
Blood pressure, weight, pulse, and swelling in hands or feet are checked. High blood pressure may indicate preeclampsia, while excessive weight gain may signal gestational complications.
3. Abdominal Examination:
The healthcare provider measures the fundal height (the size of the uterus) to assess fetal growth. The baby’s position and movements are also checked, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.
4. Fetal Assessment:
Fetal heartbeat is monitored using a Doppler device. In later visits, providers check the baby's engagement into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
5. Laboratory Tests:
Blood tests for hemoglobin, blood group, Rh factor, hepatitis, HIV, and sugar levels are carried out. Urine tests help detect protein (a sign of preeclampsia) and glucose (gestational diabetes). Ultrasounds may be scheduled to evaluate fetal development, placenta position, and amniotic fluid levels.
6. Nutritional and Supplement Guidance:
Mothers receive advice on balanced diets rich in iron, calcium, folic acid, protein, and vitamins. Supplements such as folic acid, iron, vitamin D, and calcium are commonly prescribed to support baby's development and prevent anemia.
7. Counselling and Education:
Antenatal visits include discussions on common pregnancy discomforts, warning signs, exercise, rest, breastfeeding, and birth preparedness. Mothers are taught when to seek emergency care—such as vaginal bleeding, severe headache, swelling, or reduced fetal movements.
Benefits of Regular Antenatal Visits
Early Detection of Complications:
Timely identification of problems like gestational diabetes, anemia, or hypertension leads to early treatment.
Healthy Fetal Development:
Fetus growth, heartbeat, and overall development are properly monitored.
Improved Birth Outcomes:
Women who receive antenatal care have lower chances of premature birth, stillbirth, and delivery complications.
Education and Support: