Why Antenatal Care is Critical for Mother & Child Healthcare

Antenatal Care is an important part of Mother & Child Healthcare

Antenatal Care, which is also called Prenatal Care, is a form of preventative healthcare that seeks to educate women about what is required to experience a healthy delivery as well as identify high risk pregnancies.

ANC Services should include Provision of information; Clinical Examinations; Lab Testing and Distribution of Drugs.

If you are pregnant, ensuring that you and baby are healthy is very important. ANC should start in the very first trimester of the pregnancy because this is when the foetus develops fastest and so needs special attention. The World Health Organization recommends at least 4 ANC visits, but they can go as high as even 10 depending on the need.

During the visits, the healthcare professionals check out for certain indicators to determine health and good progress of the pregnancy:

• Duration of the pregnancy
• Baby’s heartbeat
• Any vaginal bleeding
• If baby is moving (after 4 months)
• Vital checks especially Blood Pressure
• Signs of pre-eclampsia, anemia, Syphilis or HIV
• Check and monitor how the baby is lying in the womb.
• Any other record of previous complications and treatments
• Any use of drugs or alcohol or exposure to other’s drugs
• Tetanus immunization status
• Supply of supplements
• Nutritional Advise
• Ask about prior deliveries by Cesarean Section.
• Discuss how to manage common problems a woman experiences during pregnancy.
• Discuss labor signs and birth plan
• Discuss danger signs and preparing for emergencies
• Discuss family planning options after birth

Since ANC services are so vital in detecting abnormalities or preventable illnesses in Mother and Child, finding the right service provider goes a long way in ensuring soon to be parents receive all the benefits.

If you are looking for a great ANC or prenatal care provider with quality and affordably priced services, visit any of our 65 Bliss Medical Healthcare near you.