Antenatal visits

• Regular antenatal visits are necessary to ensure wellbeing of the mother and the fetus during pregnancy
• Ideally a mother should visit the antenatal clinic
  • once a month till 28 weeks
  • once in 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks
  • once a week from 36 weeks
• If any complications are detected, the frequency of visits should be modified suitably
• In developing nations like India, it may not be possible to stick to this schedule due to various reasons
  • The antenatal clinic may be far away from home
  • Going to the clinic may result in loss of wage
  • Other personal /  family problems preventing the mother from attending the antenatal clinic
• In such cases, it is recommended that there should be at least 3 visits at the following times
  • at 20 weeks or soon after pregnancy is detected
  • 32 weeks
  • 36 weeks

Services to be availed during antenatal visits

• During first visit
  • Full medical history
  • Complete physical examination
  • Investigations
    • Urine routine
    • Blood  group, Rh typing
    • Haemoglobin, complete blood count
    • Serological testing
    • Stool examination
• Subsequent visits
  • Physical examinations
  • Investigations
    • Urine routine
    • Haemoglobin
• Iron and folic acid supplementation
• Tetanus toxoid immunization
• Advice about personal care, nutrition, family planning, parenting
• Identification of high risk cases and referral if necessary