Antenatal Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Expecting Parents

Highlights

• Antenatal care includes regular check-ups with a doctor or midwife throughout pregnancy.
• These appointments help ensure the health and well-being of both the parent and the baby.
• Routine scans and tests are part of antenatal care.
• Informed consent is required for any tests or procedures.

In This Article

• Antenatal Care
• Attending Antenatal Appointments
• Healthcare Providers During Antenatal Appointments
• During Antenatal Appointments
• Antenatal Appointments Schedule
• Partner Attendance at Appointments
• Tools and Assistance

Antenatal Care

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, it is important to see a doctor or midwife as soon as possible. They will help plan the necessary appointments and medical care throughout your pregnancy. These visits are known as antenatal appointments.

Antenatal care is designed to support both your health and your baby’s development. Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor progress, address concerns, and provide essential guidance on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

Attending Antenatal Appointments

Antenatal visits allow healthcare providers to help you and your baby stay healthy. Even if your pregnancy is progressing normally, these appointments are crucial for identifying and managing potential risks.

During these visits, you will be offered routine antenatal tests. You have the right to decide whether or not to undergo these tests, as part of the informed consent process.

Antenatal appointments also give you an opportunity to:

• Discuss physical symptoms related to pregnancy.
• Learn about changes happening during each trimester.
• Talk about your birth plan and delivery options.
• Receive advice on newborn care after birth.
• Get support for lifestyle choices, such as:
  • Mental health and emotional well-being.
  • Nutrition and dietary advice.
  • Quitting smoking.
  • Avoiding alcohol consumption.
  • Addressing any personal or family concerns.

Healthcare Providers During Antenatal Appointments

Your first visit is usually with a general doctor, who may then refer you to a midwife or an obstetrician, depending on your preferences and medical needs.

It is important to choose healthcare professionals you feel comfortable with, as you will be working closely together to make decisions about your care.

The specific healthcare provider you see may depend on where you plan to give birth:

• If you plan to give birth in a hospital, antenatal care will likely be provided by hospital-based doctors or midwives.
• If you choose a birth center, your care will typically be managed by midwives.
• If you opt for a home birth, a midwife will usually provide antenatal care at home or in a community healthcare setting.

During Antenatal Appointments

The care you receive during pregnancy depends on several factors, including:

• Your overall health and any potential risks.
• The stage of your pregnancy.
• Any symptoms or concerns you may have.

During your appointments, your doctor or midwife will:

• Ask about the first day of your last period to estimate your due date.
• Review your medical history and general health.
• Discuss any medications you are taking.
• Provide advice on healthy eating and lifestyle changes.
• Address any physical symptoms you may be experiencing.
• Ask about your home and work environment, including your support system.

They will also arrange routine checks, such as:

• Monitoring blood pressure, weight, and urine.
• Organizing blood tests and screenings.
• Checking for signs of conditions such as anemia or gestational diabetes.
• Measuring your abdomen and listening to the baby’s heartbeat.

Later in pregnancy, antenatal care will include:

• Information about antenatal classes.
• Discussions about birth options and preferences.
• Guidance on taking your baby home, feeding, and postnatal care.

Antenatal Appointments Schedule

If this is your first pregnancy and there are no complications, you will likely have 8 to 10 antenatal appointments. Your doctor or midwife will provide a schedule during your first visit.

If you have had previous uncomplicated pregnancies, you may have between 7 and 9 appointments.

The number of visits may change if complications arise, requiring additional monitoring, tests, or scans. You can also request extra appointments if you have concerns or experience unexpected symptoms.

Partner Attendance at Appointments

Your birth support partner, family member, or friend is welcome to attend your appointments with you. Their presence can be especially helpful during discussions about your birth plan and how they can support you during labor and delivery.

Tools and Assistance

During pregnancy, there are various tools and resources to assist you in managing your health and making informed decisions about your care. Here are some of the main tools and assistance available to expecting parents:

Healthcare Providers

• Doctors and Midwives: Your primary support during pregnancy, providing guidance, care, and monitoring for both you and your baby. They will also help you navigate various tests, screenings, and health assessments.
• Obstetricians: Specialized doctors who focus on the care of pregnant individuals, particularly if there are complications or higher-risk pregnancies.
• Sonographers: Technicians who perform ultrasound scans to monitor the health and development of your baby.
• Specialists: If any issues or concerns arise, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist (such as a genetic counselor or maternal-fetal medicine specialist).

Educational Tools

• Antenatal Classes: Classes can provide you with information on childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postnatal recovery. These are typically offered by hospitals, community centers, or private organizations.
• Books and Websites: Reliable pregnancy and parenting books, as well as educational websites, can offer guidance on what to expect during each stage of your pregnancy. These resources can help you understand common concerns and how to manage them.
• Mobile Apps: Pregnancy apps can track your baby’s development, your health, and offer reminders for antenatal appointments, tests, and essential milestones throughout your pregnancy.

Tests and Screening Tools

• Blood Tests: Routine blood tests check for iron levels, blood type, infections, and conditions like gestational diabetes. These tests help monitor your health and your baby’s development.
• Ultrasound Scans: Ultrasound is used to monitor the growth and position of the baby, check for any abnormalities, and assess the baby’s heartbeat. These scans also help predict the due date and assess the placenta’s health.
• Urine Tests: Urine tests are conducted during most antenatal visits to screen for conditions like urinary tract infections, protein levels, and gestational diabetes.