🩺 Antenatal Care (ANC): Your First Line of Protection in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is not just about waiting for delivery —

it is about protecting two lives from the very beginning 🤍

Regular antenatal care is the most effective way to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

✅ According to WHO & International Guidelines:

🔹 First ANC visit:

As early as 6–8 weeks of pregnancy

🔹 Minimum recommended visits:

✅ 8 visits OR MORE during pregnancy

1 in the first trimester

2 in the second trimester

5 in the third trimester

⚠️ High-risk pregnancies require MORE frequent visits

(According to the medical condition and doctor’s plan)

✅ Who is considered High-Risk?

High blood pressure

Diabetes (pre-gestational or gestational)

History of pre-eclampsia or PPH

Multiple pregnancy (twins)

Previous C-section

Anemia

Advanced maternal age

Medical diseases (asthma, heart disease, thyroid, etc.)

➡️ These women need closer and more frequent follow-up to prevent complications.

✅ What must be done during ANC visits?

🩸 Blood tests

Hemoglobin (anemia screening)

Blood group & Rh factor

HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B

Blood sugar (Gestational Diabetes screening)

🧪 Urine tests

Protein (pre-eclampsia detection)

Urinary tract infection screening

🩻 Ultrasound scans

Dating scan (first trimester)

Anomaly scan (18–22 weeks)

Growth & wellbeing scans (third trimester)

💉 Vaccinations

Tetanus / Tdap

As per national protocol

💊 Supplements

Folic acid

Iron

Calcium

Vitamin D (if needed)

⚠️ Danger signs that MUST NOT be ignored:

• Severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Swelling of face or hands
• Vaginal bleeding
• Reduced fetal movements
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain

➡️ Any of these require urgent medical attention immediately.

🌸 Why regular ANC saves lives:

• Early detection of pre-eclampsia
• Prevention of post-partum hemorrhage
• Control of gestational diabetes
• Prevention of preterm birth
• Better planning for safe delivery
• Improved neonatal outcomes

📌 Most maternal and fetal complications are preventable with proper follow-up.

👩‍⚕️ Antenatal care is not optional. It is life-saving.

Even if you feel well — complications may be silent.

#DrRababCares

#AntenatalCare

#HighRiskPregnancy

#MaternalHealth

#WomenHealthMatters

#ForestParkHospital