An antenatal visit is where problems are found before they become emergencies. The World Health Organization recommends at least eight contacts during pregnancy.
You may feel perfectly well and still have a problem only a check-up can find. High blood pressure, anaemia and some infections give little warning at first. Antenatal care exists to catch them while they are still easy to treat.
How many visits?
The World Health Organization recommends at least eight antenatal contacts during a pregnancy. The first should happen as early as possible — within the first twelve weeks — and the rest are spread across the following months, becoming more frequent as the birth approaches.
If you have already missed some, that is not a reason to stay away. Start now. Every visit you reach is worth having.
What happens at a visit
- Your blood pressure is measured, and your urine and blood are tested.
- Your baby's growth is checked, and later the baby's position.
- You are given iron and folic acid tablets to prevent anaemia.
- You receive the tetanus vaccine if you need it, and treatment to prevent malaria in areas where it is common.
- You can be tested for HIV and other infections, so that treatment can protect both you and your baby.
- You have time to ask questions and to plan where you will give birth.
Getting the most from each visit
Bring your antenatal card every time. Write down, or ask someone to write down, the questions you want to ask. Tell the health worker about anything that worries you, even if it seems small — and about any medicine or herbs you are taking.
Between visits, a reminder helps. Mommity schedules reminders around your due date so that the next visit does not slip past.