What Should I Expect During Antenatal Check-ups?

Introduction

Antenatal check-ups, also called prenatal care, are the regular visits you make to a doctor, nurse, or midwife during your pregnancy. These visits are very important for keeping both you and your baby healthy from the moment you discover you're pregnant until the day of delivery. Think of antenatal care as your pregnancy roadmap - it helps spot any problems early and gives you the best chance of a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

3 Interesting Facts About Antenatal Check-ups

1. More visits mean better outcomes: The World Health Organization now recommends at least 8 contacts with your healthcare provider during pregnancy, not just 4. This increase came after research showed that more frequent check-ups help reduce the risk of stillbirth and give mothers a better pregnancy experience. Your visits should happen at the start of the second trimester around 13 weeks, and then at 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 38, and 40 weeks of pregnancy.

2. Your first visit is the longest: Your first antenatal appointment will take more time than the others because your healthcare provider needs to learn about your health history, do a full physical examination, and run several tests. This visit sets the foundation for all your pregnancy care, so bring your partner or a family member for support, and don't be shy about asking questions.

3. Antenatal care does more than check your health: Beyond measuring your blood pressure and checking your baby's heartbeat, these visits are your chance to learn about healthy eating during pregnancy, get important vaccinations like tetanus, receive treatments to prevent malaria (which is very important in Nigeria), get tested for HIV and other infections, and receive iron and folic acid supplements to prevent anemia.

What Do Patients Need to Know About Antenatal Check-ups?

When to Start Schedule your first visit as soon as you know you're pregnant or suspect you might be. The best time to start is between 4 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. Starting early gives your healthcare provider time to identify any risks and help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

What Happens at Each Visit At every antenatal visit, your healthcare provider will typically:

• Check your weight and blood pressure

• Test your urine for sugar and protein (signs of diabetes or high blood pressure)

• Measure your belly to see how your baby is growing

• Listen to your baby's heartbeat (usually after 13 weeks)

• Ask about any concerns or symptoms you're experiencing

Important Tests During your pregnancy, you'll have several tests:

• Blood tests to check your blood group, iron levels, and screen for infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis

• Ultrasound scans to see your baby's development and confirm your due date

• Tests for malaria and other infections common in Nigeria

• Screening for gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy)

How Often You Should Go A typical schedule looks like this:

• Monthly visits (every 4 weeks) until 28 weeks

• Every 2 weeks from 28 to 32 weeks

• Weekly visits from 36 weeks until delivery

If you have any health problems or complications, you may need to visit more often.

What to Bring and Ask Come prepared to each visit:

• Bring your antenatal card or health records

• Write down any questions beforehand

• Tell your provider about any medicines you're taking

• Report any unusual symptoms like bleeding, severe headaches, or reduced baby movements

• Be honest about your lifestyle, diet, and any concerns

Key Things You'll Learn Your healthcare provider will teach you about:

• What foods to eat and which ones to avoid

• Warning signs that need immediate medical attention

• How to deal with common pregnancy discomforts like morning sickness and back pain

• Preparing for labor and delivery

• How to care for your newborn

Don’t forget: If you are concerned about anything during your pregnancy you don’t have to wait for your next antenatal clinic appointment. Go to the hospital immediately - even if it’s not your scheduled antenatal visit - if you notice any of the following: vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, persistent headaches, sudden swelling of the feet, or leakage of fluid.

If You Could Share One Thing About Antenatal Check-ups With All the People of Nigeria, What Would It Be?

Never miss your antenatal visits - they can save your life and your baby's life. Many women in Nigeria face challenges getting to the clinic, whether it's distance, cost, or family pressure, but these visits are not optional. They are essential. During these check-ups, healthcare workers can catch serious problems like high blood pressure, anemia, malaria, and infections that could harm you or your baby if left untreated. In Nigeria, where maternal and infant death rates are still too high, regular antenatal care is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect mothers and babies.

Remember: A healthy pregnancy doesn't happen by accident - it happens because you take action. Make antenatal care a priority, attend all your appointments, follow your healthcare provider's advice, and don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up about your concerns. Your baby is counting on you, and you deserve the best possible care during this special time in your life.