Antenatal care is healthcare provided during pregnancy to support the wellbeing of both the mother and the developing baby. It is not only for women who feel unwell. Regular contact with skilled health professionals creates opportunities to identify risks, prevent complications, provide treatment and prepare for childbirth.
When should you begin antenatal care?
Contact a health facility as soon as you know or suspect you are pregnant. Starting early gives the care team time to review your medical history, confirm important dates, check your health and create a follow-up plan. Do not delay because you feel healthy or because this is not your first pregnancy.
What to carry
- A national identification document or health-insurance information, if required by the facility.
- Any previous maternity, laboratory or ultrasound records.
- A list of medicines, supplements and herbal products you use.
- Information about allergies and previous reactions to medicines.
- The first day of your last menstrual period, if you remember it.
- A short list of questions or symptoms you want to discuss.
Information the provider may ask about
Be prepared to discuss previous pregnancies, deliveries, miscarriages, caesarean births, high blood pressure, diabetes, surgery and other medical conditions. Tell the provider about previous pregnancy complications, mental-health concerns and any medicines you take. This information helps the team identify care that may be needed early.
What may happen at the first visit?
The exact process varies, but it may include:
- Confirming pregnancy dates and estimating the delivery period.
- Checking blood pressure, weight and general wellbeing.
- Laboratory tests according to local guidelines.
- Discussion of nutrition, supplements, infection prevention and vaccinations.
- Screening for conditions that could affect pregnancy.
- Creating a schedule for future contacts and tests.
Questions worth asking
- How far along is my pregnancy, and how was this estimated?
- Which tests are recommended and why?
- Which supplements should I take, and how should I take them?
- Which medicines, foods or herbal products should I avoid?
- Which warning signs require urgent care?
- When is my next appointment?
- Where should I go after hours if I have an emergency?
Be honest about challenges
Tell the provider if transport, cost, safety at home, food access, work or emotional distress could make care difficult. Healthcare teams may know about social-support services or help you plan around barriers. Antenatal care should be respectful and should allow you to ask questions.
What happens after the visit?
Store your records safely and note the next appointment date. Complete recommended tests and collect results. If the facility gives medicine or supplements, ask what they are for and what to do if you miss a dose or experience side effects.
Your next practical step
If you are pregnant and have not started antenatal care, identify a suitable facility and arrange your first visit. In AfyaShujaa, you can also register your maternal journey, record appointments and prepare a birth-readiness checklist.