Antenatal Care & Trimester-Wise Visits

Antenatal care (ANC) coverage is a success story in Africa, since over two-thirds of pregnant women (69 percent) have at least one ANC contact. However, to achieve the full life-saving potential that ANC promises for women and babies, four visits providing essential evidence based interventions – a package often called focused antenatal care – are required. Essential interventions in ANC include identification and management of obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, tetanus toxoid immunisation, intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy (IPTp), and identification and management of infections including HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). ANC is also an opportunity to promote the use of skilled attendance at birth and healthy behaviours such as breastfeeding, early postnatal care, and planning for optimal pregnancy spacing.

First trimester (1 to 12 weeks) pregnancy care tips

• Have your first  consultation with your doctor after the confirmation of pregnancy.
• Variety of prenatal tests will be done to assess the health of the fetus
• Get your vitals checked
• Start taking plenty of fluids.
• Once you finish three months of pregnancy, plan how to reveal the good news to family and friends.
• Manage your work timings to cope up with the tiredness, morning sickness, if any.
• Morning sickness disappears at the end of the first trimester or mostly by 16th week.
• Start taking prenatal vitamins suggested by your doctor.
• Take care of your lower back while traveling
• Avoid bumpy roads
• Low back discomforts are common which you can reduce by taking frequent naps
• Follow a healthy diet
• Start off with your regular walks to maintain blood pressure and sugar levels under control
• Speak to your doctor if you observe any abnormal discharges.

Second trimester (13 to 26 weeks) Pregnancy care tips

• Discuss with your doctor about your further appointments.
• You will be advised by your doctor for the anomaly scan to be done between 18th to 20th week.
• Find a prenatal exercise class. Many women find that prenatal exercise classes are a wonderful way to bond with and get support from other pregnant women.
• Get your sugar levels checked on doctor’s advice and keep the gestational diabetes under control.
• If you are ruled out with the GDM (gestational diabetes Miletus), meet a nutritionist to keep it under control.
• Start shopping for comfortable maternity clothes.
• Try to relax on weekends by attending live music concerts, movies, etc.
• Start moisturizing your belly to reduce the itchiness.
• Avoid lying on your back.
• Checkout with the experts as how to cope up with the heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, backaches and sleeping positions.
• Dental care is also important during pregnancy.
• Start Kegel exercises.
• Third trimester often brings fatigue, so now is the perfect time to take one short trip before your baby’s born (with proper advice and care tips from the doctor).

Third trimester (27 to 40 weeks) Pregnancy care tips

• In this trimester, learn about all the options of delivery - drug-free vaginal delivery, vaginal delivery with pain relief, and cesarean section.
• Pack a bag for the hospital or birthing center
• You may feel the need to take naps the way you did in the first trimester because of prolactin.
• Start shopping for items you'll need in the hospital (nursing bras, nightgown, baby clothes, and car seat) and at home (diapers, wipes, etc.).
• Know about the cord blood storage.
• If you experience sudden, rapid weight gain of more than five pounds a week and facial and hand swelling, with or without headache, contact your health care professional immediately.
• Take some time off at the end of the day for you to soak in the bath.
• Say no to weekend engagements if you feel the need to rest and get a good night’s sleep.
• It is really important to stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy, especially at the end.
• As your baby continues to grow, your organs get compressed and pushed upwards, making heartburn and acid reflux symptoms much stronger. To help combat this, try eating several small meals during the day.
• If you are hoping to have a smooth and snag free labor or if you are just feeling unsure about the whole process, taking a birth class is a good idea.
• Get maternity pictures.
• This is such a special time and it is worth documenting
• Set a music that will help you to pass the time and enhance your coping skills during your labor and delivery.