Antenatal care (ANC) is the care you receive from healthcare professionals during your pregnancy. It is also called pre-natal care. It is a type of preventive healthcare for pregnant women where regular checkups are conducted to prevent problems that are associated with childbirth. The goal of antenatal care is to make sure you and your unborn baby are well throughout your pregnancy. Antenatal care prepares you for delivery and helps you understand danger signs during pregnancy and childbirth. It is a continuing care until delivery. It can start from between 8-10 weeks of the onset of pregnancy.
Where to Get Antenatal Care
Government-owned hospitals
Government-approved hospitals
Government-approved maternity homes
Persons to Conduct Antenatal Care Services
Midwives
General health practitioners
Consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists
Activities During Antenatal Care Session
Blood check for blood pressure, Hepatitis B, Blood group, temperature, oxygen, weight etc.
Urine check for sugar and protein
Health talk
Physical examination of the expectant mothers
Ultrasound evaluation of the baby
Administration of tetanus oxide etc.
Delivery of Baby
Must be done by a trained midwife or doctor
Should not be conducted outside the hospital
Should not be conducted by traditional birth attendants (TBAs)
Are you pregnant? Please seek antenatal care from a government-approved healthcare facility.
