Prenatal/Antenatal care is the systemic supervision of

women during pregnancy to monitor the progress of fetal

growth and to ascertain the well-being of the mother and
the fetus.An early and regular antenatal check-up provides
necessary care to the mother and helps identify any
complications of pregnancy such as anemia, pre-eclampsia
and hypertension etc. in the mother and slow/inadequate
growth of the fetus.

Prenatal care can help prevent complications and inform

them mother about important steps she can take to protect
her infant and ensure a healthy pregnancy. With regular
prenatal care the mother can:

 Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Following

a healthy, safe diet; getting regular exercise as
advised by a health care provider; and avoiding
exposure to potentially harmful substances such as
lead and radiation can help reduce the risk for
problems during pregnancy and promote fetal health and
development.Controlling existing conditions, such as
high blood pressure and diabetes, is important to
prevent serious complications and their effects.
 Reduce the fetus's and infant's risk for
complications. Tobacco smoke and alcohol use during
pregnancy have been shown to increase the risk for
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Alcohol use also
increases the risk for fetal alcohol spectrum
disorders, which can cause a variety of problems such
as abnormal facial features, having a small head, poor
coordination, poor memory, intellectual disability,
and problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones.

 Help ensure the medications women take are safe. Women

should not take certain medications, including dietary
and herbal supplements during pregnancy because they
can harm the fetus.
Schedule of Prenatal Visits

Prental Period of Pregnancy

Visits
1st visit As early in pregnancy as possible before
four months or during the first trimester
2nd visit During the 2nd trimester
3rd visit During the 3rd trimester
Every 2 After 8th month of pregnancy till delivery.
weeks