Antenatal care is the healthcare you receive while pregnant.

It includes a combination of office visits, screening, and diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, counselling, education, emotional and social support, and foetal monitoring (i.e. monitoring foetal growth, heart rate, maternal blood pressure, and screening for signs of premature labour)

BENEFITS OF ANTE-NATAL

1. Learn more about your pregnancy and develop a plan.

Your Antenatal visit doesn't just confirm your pregnancy, it offers you the chance to discuss different procedures and potential scenarios, and address any questions and concerns with a doctor through your pregnancy.

2. Reduce the risk of complications and defects.

Regular screenings, for problems like gestational diabetes, can help prevent complications by detecting it early and providing the right treatment. Screening for congenital abnormalities is at 15-19 weeks.

3. Offer appropriate immunisation.

Vaccines help protect both you and your baby from easily preventable diseases.

4. Get accurate nutritional advice.

Your diet will need to go through changes to accommodate for the nutritional needs of your baby.

5. Keep track of development.

Your child's development inside the womb is a good indicator of their health. During antenatal appointments, your healthcare provider may measure your child to see how your baby is growing.