Antenatal Care in Chennai

Why is Antenatal Care So Important?

Antenatal care is crucial as it ensures the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Regular medical check-ups and screenings allow for early detection and management of potential health issues, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal growth abnormalities. This can significantly reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Additionally, antenatal care provides essential nutritional guidance and supplements, such as folic acid and iron, which are vital for preventing birth defects and maternal anemia. It also offers educational resources on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care, empowering expectant mothers with knowledge and confidence.

Furthermore, antenatal care includes immunizations and preventive measures against infections, contributing to a safer pregnancy outcome. Overall, antenatal care fosters a supportive environment, promoting physical and emotional well-being, ultimately leading to healthier mothers and healthier babies.

Trimester-wise Antenatal Care

Antenatal care is divided into three trimesters, each with specific focus areas and medical check-ups to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and the baby.

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)

• Initial visits include comprehensive health assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and confirmation of pregnancy through ultrasound.
• Blood tests are carried out to determine the blood type, Rh factor, and screen for infections such as hepatitis, syphilis, HIV, and genetic screening for conditions like autism and Down Syndrome.
• The gynecologist will also guide nutrition, lifestyle changes, and prenatal vitamins, particularly, folic acid to prevent neural tube defects.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)

• Regular check-ups are done to monitor the baby’s growth and the mother’s health, including weight, blood pressure, and urine tests.
• Ultroaunds are performed around 18-20 weeks to check the development of the fetus and screen for anatomical abnormalities.
• Monitoring for signs of other complications such as preeclampsia is done.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)

• The visits to the doctor are more frequent. Bi-weekly or weekly visits are done to closely monitor the health of mother and baby.
• The doctor checks the baby’s position and growth and discusses birth plans and labor signs.
• Group B streptococcus screening is done around 35-37 weeks.
• Monitoring for hypertension and other complications continues.

The aim of antenatal care throughout all the trimesters is to detect and manage potential issues early, provide necessary interventions, and support the mother’s physical and emotional well-being.