Introduction: Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’re either pregnant or planning to be. Pregnancy is one of life’s most incredible journeys, and proper antenatal care is essential for both your health and your baby’s development. With over 30 years of experience guiding women through pregnancy, I want to share everything you need to know about comprehensive pregnancy care.

What is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care, also called prenatal care, refers to the regular medical check-ups and monitoring you receive throughout your pregnancy. These visits allow us to:

● Track your baby’s growth and development
● Monitor your health and well-being
● Detect and manage any complications early
● Screen for potential problems
● Provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle
● Prepare you mentally and physically for childbirth
● Answer your questions and address concerns

Think of antenatal care as your safety net throughout pregnancy. Regular check-ups give us the opportunity to catch any issues early when they’re most manageable.

When Should Antenatal Care Begin?

Ideally, you should schedule your first antenatal visit as soon as you discover you’re pregnant, typically around 6-8 weeks. However, if possible, pre-pregnancy counseling is even better. This allows us to:

● Review your medical history
● Optimize any existing health conditions
● Start prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid)
● Discuss lifestyle modifications
● Address any concerns before conception

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): The Foundation

The first trimester is crucial for your baby’s development. This is when all major organs begin to form.

Your First Visit:
Your initial appointment will be comprehensive:

● Confirmation of pregnancy with ultrasound
● Dating scan to determine your due date
● Complete medical history review
● Physical examination
● Blood tests (blood type, Rh factor, hemoglobin, HIV, hepatitis B, rubella immunity)
● Urine tests for infections
● Risk assessment for genetic conditions
● Discussion of symptoms and concerns

What You’ll Experience:

● Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting)
● Extreme fatigue
● Breast tenderness
● Frequent urination
● Food aversions or cravings
● Mood swings

My Advice:

● Start prenatal vitamins with folic acid (400-800 mcg daily)
● Eat small, frequent meals to combat nausea
● Stay hydrated
● Get plenty of rest
● Avoid alcohol, smoking, and unnecessary medications
● Limit caffeine to 200mg daily
● Continue light exercise if you were active before pregnancy

Important Tests:

● Early pregnancy scan (6-8 weeks)
● Dating scan (8-12 weeks)
● First trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities (11-13 weeks)
● Nuchal translucency scan

Red Flags – Call Immediately:

● Heavy bleeding
● Severe abdominal pain
● Severe, persistent vomiting
● High fever
● Sudden, severe headache
● Vision changes

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27): The Golden Period

Many women find the second trimester the most enjoyable. Morning sickness usually subsides, energy returns, and you’re not yet uncomfortable from your growing belly.

Check-up Schedule:
You’ll typically visit every 4 weeks during this trimester.

What We Monitor:

● Your weight gain (typically 1-2 pounds per week)
● Blood pressure
● Urine for protein and sugar
● Fetal heartbeat (you’ll hear it!)
● Fundal height (measuring your growing uterus)
● Baby’s movements (you should start feeling them around 18-20 weeks)

Major Milestone – The Anomaly Scan (20 Weeks):
This is one of the most important ultrasounds of your pregnancy. We examine:

● Baby’s anatomy in detail (brain, heart, kidneys, spine, limbs)
● Placental position
● Amniotic fluid levels
● Growth measurements
● Gender (if you want to know!)

This scan can detect most major structural abnormalities, allowing us to plan appropriate care if needed.

Gestational Diabetes Screening (24-28 Weeks):
We’ll test for gestational diabetes with a glucose challenge test. If you have gestational diabetes, we’ll work together to manage it through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

What You’ll Experience:

● Feeling baby’s movements (quickening)
● Growing belly
● Back pain
● Skin changes (darkening of nipples, linea nigra)
● Possible constipation
● Round ligament pain
● Increased energy compared to first trimester

My Recommendations:

● Continue prenatal vitamins
● Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, calcium, and protein
● Stay active with pregnancy-safe exercises (walking, swimming, prenatal yoga)
● Start wearing maternity support belt if needed
● Sleep on your left side for optimal blood flow
● Stay hydrated (8-10 glasses of water daily)
● Begin thinking about birth preferences

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40): The Final Stretch

The third trimester brings excitement and anticipation as you prepare to meet your baby.

Increased Monitoring:

● Weeks 28-36: Visits every 2 weeks
● Weeks 36-40: Weekly visits
● After 40 weeks: Twice weekly monitoring

What We Check:

● Baby’s position (head down is ideal)
● Cervical changes as you approach delivery
● Signs of preeclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in urine)
● Baby’s growth and well-being
● Your readiness for labor

Group B Strep Test (35-37 Weeks):
We’ll test for Group B Streptococcus bacteria. If positive, you’ll receive antibiotics during labor to protect your baby.

Final Ultrasound (If Needed):
Some women need a growth scan if there are concerns about baby’s size or position.

What You’ll Experience:

● Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
● Shortness of breath as baby grows
● Frequent urination (baby pressing on bladder)
● Heartburn
● Swelling in feet and ankles
● Difficulty sleeping
● Backache
● Nesting instinct
● Anxiety about delivery

Preparing for Delivery:
During these final weeks, we’ll discuss:

● Birth plan preferences
● Pain management options (natural, epidural, etc.)
● What to expect during labor
● When to come to the hospital
● Signs of labor
● Postpartum care
● Breastfeeding basics

My Final Trimester Tips:

● Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks
● Attend childbirth preparation classes
● Practice relaxation and breathing techniques
● Get adequate rest
● Eat small, frequent meals
● Elevate your feet to reduce swelling
● Avoid lying flat on your back
● Stay active but listen to your body
● Know the signs of labor

Signs of Labor:

● Regular contractions (every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour)
● Water breaking
● Bloody show (mucus plug discharge)
● Severe back pain
● Pressure in pelvis

Essential Tests Throughout Pregnancy

Blood Tests:

● Complete blood count (checking for anemia)
● Blood type and Rh factor
● Infectious disease screening (HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis)
● Thyroid function
● Vitamin D levels
● Iron levels

Urine Tests:

At every visit to check for:

● Protein (preeclampsia sign)
● Glucose (diabetes sign)
● Infection

Ultrasounds:

● Dating scan (8-12 weeks)
● Nuchal translucency (11-13 weeks)
● Anomaly scan (20 weeks)
● Growth scans (if needed)

Nutrition During Pregnancy

Essential Nutrients:

● Folic Acid: 400-800 mcg daily (prevents neural tube defects)
● Iron: 27 mg daily (prevents anemia)
● Calcium: 1000 mg daily (baby’s bone development)
● Protein: 70-100g daily (tissue growth)
● DHA: 200-300 mg daily (brain development)

Foods to Emphasize:

● Leafy green vegetables
● Lean proteins (chicken, fish, legumes)
● Whole grains
● Dairy products
● Fruits rich in vitamin C
● Nuts and seeds

Foods to Avoid:

● Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fish
● High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel)
● Unpasteurized dairy products
● Raw sprouts
● Unwashed fruits and vegetables
● Excessive caffeine
● Alcohol

Weight Gain Guidelines:

Healthy weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI:

● Underweight: 28-40 pounds
● Normal weight: 25-35 pounds
● Overweight: 15-25 pounds
● Obese: 11-20 pounds

Exercise During Pregnancy

Safe exercises include:

● Walking
● Swimming
● Stationary cycling
● Prenatal yoga
● Low-impact aerobics

Avoid:

● Contact sports
● Activities with fall risk
● Hot yoga or hot Pilates
● Scuba diving
● Exercise at high altitudes (if not accustomed)

Common Pregnancy Discomforts and Solutions

Morning Sickness:

● Eat small, frequent meals
● Try ginger tea or ginger candies
● Eat crackers before getting out of bed
● Avoid trigger foods

Heartburn:

● Eat smaller meals
● Avoid spicy and fatty foods
● Stay upright after eating
● Sleep with head elevated

Constipation:

● Increase fiber intake
● Drink plenty of water
● Exercise regularly
● Take stool softeners if needed

Back Pain:

● Practice good posture
● Wear supportive shoes
● Use pregnancy pillow
● Try prenatal massage
● Do gentle stretches

Swelling:

● Elevate feet when sitting
● Avoid standing for long periods
● Wear compression stockings
● Reduce sodium intake
● Stay hydrated

High-Risk Pregnancy Situations

Some pregnancies require extra monitoring:

● Maternal age over 35
● Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
● Previous pregnancy complications
● Chronic health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders)
● History of preterm labor or miscarriage
● Placenta previa or other placental issues
● Fetal growth restrictions

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you’ll need more frequent visits and specialized care. Don’t worry – with proper monitoring and management, most high-risk pregnancies have successful outcomes.

Emotional Well-being

Pregnancy affects your emotions as much as your body:

● Mood swings are normal due to hormonal changes
● Anxiety about childbirth and parenthood is common
● Some women experience prenatal depression
● Talk to me if you’re feeling overwhelmed
● Build a support system
● Practice self-care
● Consider prenatal counseling if needed

Preparing for Baby

Things to Arrange:

● Pediatrician selection
● Nursery preparation
● Baby supplies (clothing, diapers, feeding equipment)
● Car seat installation
● Childbirth classes
● Hospital pre-registration
● Birth plan discussion
● Postpartum support planning

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact me immediately if you experience:

● Vaginal bleeding
● Severe abdominal pain
● Severe headache with vision changes
● Reduced fetal movement
● Fluid leaking from vagina
● Signs of preterm labor before 37 weeks
● High fever
● Severe swelling of face or hands
● Persistent vomiting

Postpartum Planning

Before delivery, let’s discuss:

● Breastfeeding support
● Postpartum check-up schedule
● Birth control options
● Warning signs of postpartum complications
● Mental health support
● Recovery expectations

Why Choose Comprehensive Antenatal Care

Regular antenatal care significantly reduces risks:

● Lower rates of preterm birth
● Better detection of complications
● Improved maternal and infant health outcomes
● Reduced maternal and infant mortality
● Better preparation for labor and delivery
● More confidence and less anxiety

My Commitment to You

As your obstetrician, I’m here to:

● Monitor you and your baby throughout this journey
● Answer all your questions (no question is too small)
● Provide evidence-based medical care
● Support your birth preferences
● Address complications promptly
● Celebrate this special time with you

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a unique journey for every woman. While this guide covers the basics, your experience will be personal and individual. That’s why personalized antenatal care is so important. Regular check-ups allow us to tailor care to your specific needs and ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy.

At our clinic, we provide comprehensive antenatal care in a supportive, women-only environment. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of women through pregnancy and delivery. I understand both the joys and challenges of this time, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Schedule Your Antenatal Care

If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, let’s start your antenatal care journey together. Call +91-9811078323 or message us on WhatsApp to schedule your first appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM.

Your health and your baby’s health are our top priorities. Let’s work together to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.

• Dr. Deepa Dureja
  MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
  30+ Years Experience
  S-77, Greater Kailash Part 2, South Delhi