1. What is ANC?

Antenatal Care (ANC) is the care you receive during pregnancy to ensure you and your baby are healthy. It includes regular check-ups, tests, and advice to help you have a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

2. Why Do You Need ANC?

• Monitors Baby’s Health: Checks your baby’s growth and development.
• Detects Issues Early: Identifies potential problems early on, like high blood pressure or infections.
• Provides Support: Offers guidance on nutrition, exercise, and managing any pregnancy-related symptoms.

3. Key Components of ANC

• Blood Tests: To check your blood type, iron levels, and for any infections.
• Urine Tests: To monitor for conditions like gestational diabetes, infections, and overall kidney function.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: To detect high blood pressure, which can be a risk during pregnancy.
• Weight Checks: To ensure healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
• Ultrasound Scans: To see your baby’s development, check their position, and estimate the due date.

4. When to Start ANC Visits?

• First Visit: As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, ideally between 8-12 weeks.
• Follow-up Visits: Typically every 4 weeks in the first 6 months, every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and then weekly until delivery.

5. Common Tests in ANC Profile

• Hemoglobin (HB) Test: Checks for anemia.
• Blood Grouping: Determines your blood type and Rh factor.
• Syphilis Test (VDRL): Screens for sexually transmitted infections.
• HIV Test: Checks for HIV to ensure safe pregnancy and delivery.
• Blood Sugar Test: Screens for gestational diabetes.
• Urinalysis: Checks for signs of infection, protein levels, and overall kidney health.
• Hepatitis B Test: Screens for Hepatitis B to ensure proper management and prevent transmission to the baby.

6. What to Expect During ANC Visits?

• Health Check: Blood pressure, weight, and general health assessment.
• Baby’s Heartbeat: Listening to your baby’s heartbeat.
• Discussion: Talk about any concerns, symptoms, or questions you have.
• Ultrasound Scans: Scheduled at key points to monitor your baby’s growth.

7. Do’s and Don’ts During Pregnancy

• Do: Eat nutritious food, stay hydrated, take prenatal vitamins, and get plenty of rest.
• Don’t: Smoke, drink alcohol, or take non-prescribed drugs.

8. Your ANC Visit Schedule

• First Trimester: 1 visit.
• Second Trimester: 2-3 visits.
• Third Trimester: 3-4 visits.

9. Why Follow Your ANC Schedule?

Regular visits help to:

• Ensure your baby is growing well.
• Catch any problems early.
• Prepare you for a safe delivery.

10. Final Tips

• Always ask questions: No question is too small.
• Keep all appointments: Even if you feel fine, regular check-ups are important.
• Stay positive: Pregnancy can be a wonderful journey with the right care and support.