When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through many changes. These changes can affect both her and her baby.
That’s why it is important for pregnant women to see a doctor or nurse regularly. This is called antenatal care or prenatal care.
Antenatal care helps to keep both the mother and baby safe and healthy during pregnancy. It allows health workers to check for any problems early, give helpful advice, and prepare the mother for delivery.
It is best to start antenatal visits as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant.
1. Early detection of problems
During antenatal visits, doctors can check if there are any problems with the pregnancy. If they find anything early, they can treat it quickly before it becomes serious.
This helps prevent harm to both the mother and the baby.
2. Healthy growth of the baby
Doctors check if the baby is growing well inside the womb. They use scans and other tests to make sure the baby is the right size and developing as expected.
3. Advice on healthy living
Pregnant women get advice on what to eat, how to stay active, and what to avoid—like smoking or drinking alcohol. This helps keep the baby strong and healthy.
4. Vaccinations and supplements
During antenatal care, women get important vaccines and are given iron and folic acid tablets. These help protect the baby from birth defects and the mother from becoming weak or anaemic.
5. Birth planning
Antenatal visits help a woman prepare for labour and delivery. She will learn what to expect and what to do when labour starts. She can also talk to her doctor about where she wants to give birth.
6. Emotional support
Pregnancy can come with stress and worries. Antenatal care gives women a chance to talk about their feelings and ask questions. This support can help them feel more confident and less afraid.
