Initial assessment: This involves an initial visit to the healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy, estimate the gestational age, and gather information about the mother's medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications, or allergies.
Regular check-ups: Pregnant women typically have a series of scheduled check-ups throughout their pregnancy. These visits involve monitoring the mother's blood pressure, weight gain, fetal growth, and assessing overall well-being. Healthcare providers may also use various diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds, to evaluate the health of the fetus.
Screening tests: Antenatal care often includes screening tests to identify potential risks or complications. These may include blood tests to check for conditions such as anemia or gestational diabetes, as well as tests to screen for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Education and counseling: Antenatal care provides an opportunity for healthcare providers to educate and counsel pregnant women about various aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. This may include information about nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, and common discomforts experienced during pregnancy.
Immunizations: Certain vaccinations, such as the influenza vaccine, may be recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby from infections.
