A young woman was excited about her first pregnancy. Every day felt special, and she believed everything would go smoothly. She felt healthy and thought missing a few antenatal visits would not make much difference.
But weeks later, unexpected symptoms started to appear. What could have been prevented with regular check-ups turned into a serious risk for both the mother and the baby. Many women don’t realise the importance of antenatal visits. These checkups are more than routine; they help keep both mother and baby safe and healthy.
Dr. Shivanjali Nayak is a female gynaecologist in Kolkata. She emphasises that regular antenatal visits help detect potential health issues early and guide mothers toward a safer pregnancy.
This blog examines the risks associated with skipping antenatal visits, the importance of regular visits, and how they contribute to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.
What is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care refers to the medical and support services provided to pregnant women during their pregnancy. It focuses on the health of the mother and the growing baby. It includes regular checkups. During these visits, tests are used to assess the baby’s growth and development. They also screen for any problems that may arise.
Doctors give advice on healthy habits and lifestyle. They also offer support for physical and emotional well-being.
The primary goals of antenatal care are to maintain a healthy pregnancy. It helps prepare for birth. It also reduces the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.
Purpose and goals of Antenatal Care
The primary objective of antenatal care is to maintain the health of both the mother and the baby. During visits, doctors:
- Find and treat pregnancy problems.
- Check the baby’s growth and the mother’s health.
- Teach about good nutrition, life habits, and signs of danger.
- Prepare mothers for childbirth and recovery.
If women skip care, serious problems may go unnoticed. This raises risks for mother and baby.
What happens during Antenatal visits
Antenatal visits include important tests and counselling. These help keep both mother and baby healthy.
Routine checks and screenings
- Weight and blood pressure are checked. This tracks the mother’s health.
- Urine tests look for the presence of protein and signs of infection.
- Blood tests check for anaemia, gestational diabetes, and infections like HIV and syphilis.
- Ultrasound scans monitor the baby’s growth and detect any problems.
- The baby’s heartbeat and movements are also checked.
Counselling and education
- Mothers get advice on nutrition. They learn about supplements like iron and folic acid.
- They receive guidance on exercise and the avoidance of harmful substances.
- Information about warning signs is provided so mothers know when to seek medical attention promptly.
- Birth planning and emergency care preparations are discussed.
Antenatal care checklist
| Component | Description | Importance |
| Weight and Blood Pressure | Measured at every visit | Monitor maternal health and detect early signs of hypertension and preeclampsia. |
| Urine Tests | Check for protein, sugar, and infections. | Detects preeclampsia and urinary tract infections. |
| Blood Tests | Screen for anaemia, gestational diabetes, HIV, syphilis, blood group, and Rh factor. | Early identification of health risks and infections. |
| Ultrasounds Scan | Conducted at different pregnancy stages to monitor fetal growth and detect abnormalities. | Assess fetal development and detect any anomalies. |
| Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring | Regular checks during visits. | Ensure fetal well-being and detect distress. |
| Nutrition Counseling | Advice on diet, iron and folic acid supplementation. | Prevent anaemia and neural tube defects; support fetal growth. |
| Lifestyle Guidance | Recommendations on exercise and avoiding harmful substances (e.g., alcohol, smoking). | Promote healthy pregnancy habits. |
| Warning Signs | Educate about symptoms like severe headaches, bleeding, or swelling. | Encourage timely medical intervention for complications. |
| Birth Preparedness Planning | Discuss delivery plans, emergency contacts, and postnatal care. | Ensure readiness for safe labour andthe postpartum period. |
Risks of skipping Antenatal visits
Skipping or not attending enough antenatal care visits poses significant risks. These include:
- Missing health issues like preeclampsia, anaemia, and infections until they become serious.
- Higher chances of premature labour, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
- Increased maternal deaths and newborn deaths occur because timely care is missed.
- Not being ready for birth raises the chances of delivery problems.
Women who do not get enough prenatal care often have worse results for themselves and their babies.
Importance of early and regular visits
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says every pregnant woman should have at least eight antenatal visits. These visits help healthcare teams to:
- Find high-risk pregnancies early by checking for things like older maternal age, health problems, or twins.
- Start care early to handle pregnancy complications and keep the mother and baby healthy.
- Teach women how to maintain their health, prepare for childbirth, and care for their newborn baby.
How do regular Antenatal visits support a healthy pregnancy?
Consistent antenatal care helps in many ways:
- It gives ongoing maternal monitoring to keep dangerous conditions like preeclampsia in check.
- It allows repeated fetal assessments to track the baby’s growth and well-being.
- It offers continuous education to support safer pregnancy behaviours, such as proper nutrition and exercise.
- It ensures timely referrals to specialists when a pregnancy is high-risk or needs extra care.
Regular visits help mothers take good care of themselves and their babies.
Why Antenatal care matters?
Regular antenatal care is key to a healthy pregnancy. It helps detect problems early and tracks the baby’s growth. These visits educate women on good nutrition and prepare them for a safe childbirth experience. Antenatal care reduces the likelihood of complications, thereby lowering the risks for both mother and baby. Prioritising consistent visits gives every pregnancy a better chance for a safe and healthy outcome.
Take the next step for a healthy pregnancy
Book your appointment today with Dr. Shivanjali Nayak, a trusted female gynecologist in Kolkata. Get expert care and personalised support through every stage of your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of not attending antenatal care during pregnancy?
Missing antenatal care can lead to undetected problems like preeclampsia, infections, and anaemia. This raises risks of premature birth, low birth weight, and even maternal and neonatal deaths.
- What are five important benefits of antenatal care?
Antenatal care helps detect pregnancy complications early, monitors fetal growth, supports maternal health, educates on healthy habits, and prepares women for safe delivery.
- Why is it important to visit antenatal clinics during pregnancy?
Regular visits ensure that mothers and babies stay healthy by tracking their development and spotting potential problems early. It also helps women get advice on nutrition and lifestyle.
- What are common complications related to a lack of antenatal care?
Without care, problems like infections, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes can worsen, increasing risks of harmful outcomes for mother and baby.
- What are the effects of late antenatal care?
Starting antenatal care late may mean missing early diagnosis of risks. This can lead to untreated health issues, poor birth outcomes, and higher chances of delivery complications.