What Is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care ensures a healthy pregnancy through regular check-ups, tests, and expert guidance. Learn what to expect during visits, why ANC matters, and how to take care of yourself and your baby.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is an exciting and special time in your life. To ensure both you and your baby stay healthy, it’s important to understand antenatal care—the medical care you receive during pregnancy.
In this article, we’ll explain what antenatal care is, why it’s essential, what to expect during your visits, and how you can take the best care of yourself and your growing baby.
What Is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care (ANC) refers to the regular check-ups and medical support you receive from healthcare professionals during pregnancy. These visits help monitor your baby’s development, detect any potential complications early, and provide guidance on maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Think of antenatal care as a roadmap that helps you and your doctor track your baby’s growth while ensuring you stay in good health.
Why Is Antenatal Care Important?
Regular antenatal visits play a crucial role in:
- Monitoring Your Baby’s Growth – Ultrasounds and tests ensure your baby is developing well.
- Detecting Health Risks Early – Conditions like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure can be managed if caught early.
- Providing Nutritional Guidance – Your doctor will advise on the right diet and supplements (like folic acid and iron).
- Preparing for Birth – You’ll learn about labour, delivery options, and postnatal care.
- Reducing Complications – Proper care lowers the risk of preterm birth and other issues.
Skipping antenatal visits can lead to undetected problems, so staying consistent with appointments is key.
What Happens During Antenatal Visits?
Your antenatal care schedule typically includes:
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
- Initial Check-Up: Your doctor will confirm your pregnancy, check your medical history, and estimate your due date.
- Blood Tests & Scans: These check for infections, blood type, and baby’s heartbeat (via ultrasound).
- Lifestyle Advice: You’ll receive tips on diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances (like alcohol and smoking).
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-28)
- Growth Scans: An anatomy scan (around 18-20 weeks) checks your baby’s organs and development.
- Blood Pressure & Weight Checks: These help monitor for conditions like preeclampsia.
- Glucose Test: Screens for gestational diabetes (usually around 24-28 weeks).
Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40)
- More Frequent Visits: You may see your doctor every 2 weeks, then weekly as you near delivery.
- Baby’s Position Check: The doctor ensures your baby is head-down for birth.
- Birth Plan Discussion: You’ll talk about labour signs, pain relief options, and delivery preferences.
Consult Top Specialists
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Along with medical check-ups, here’s how you can support a healthy pregnancy:
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.
- Avoid raw seafood, undercooked meat, and excessive caffeine.
2. Take Prenatal Vitamins
- Folic acid (prevents birth defects) and iron (prevents anaemia) are crucial.
3. Stay Active
- Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga help with stamina and mood.
4. Avoid Harmful Substances
- No alcohol, smoking, or drugs, as they can harm your baby.
5. Get Enough Rest
- Fatigue is common, so listen to your body and rest when needed.
6. Manage Stress
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or light stretching.
When to Seek Immediate Help
While most pregnancies progress smoothly, contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe headaches or blurred vision (could indicate preeclampsia)
- No fetal movement (after 24 weeks)
- Sudden swelling in hands/face
How Apollo 24|7 Can Help
If you’re pregnant and need expert care, Apollo 24|7 offers:
- Expert Gynaecologists – Consult top doctors online or in person.
- Pregnancy Packages – Regular check-ups, scans, and tests at affordable rates.
- 24/7 Support – Get answers to your pregnancy-related queries anytime.
Book an antenatal consultation now to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.
Conclusion
Antenatal care is your best tool for a healthy pregnancy. By attending regular check-ups, eating well, staying active, and following your doctor’s advice, you give your baby the best possible start in life.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Pinaki Mukhopadhyay
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
33 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Uddalak Chakraborty
Neurologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD(GENL.MED.),DM(NEUROLOGY)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
KVC CLINIC, Kolkata
Dr. Debdatta Pati
Psychiatrist
18 Years • MBBS, DPM, MD (PSYCHIATRY)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Sanjukta Das
General Physician
9 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Pinaki Mukhopadhyay
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
33 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Uddalak Chakraborty
Neurologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD(GENL.MED.),DM(NEUROLOGY)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
KVC CLINIC, Kolkata
Dr. Debdatta Pati
Psychiatrist
18 Years • MBBS, DPM, MD (PSYCHIATRY)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Sanjukta Das
General Physician
9 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
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