Antenatal Care

Antenatal Care in Nepal

Antenatal care, also known as prenatal care, is the healthcare provided to pregnant women to monitor the progress of their pregnancy and ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. It typically involves a series of medical appointments and screenings conducted by healthcare professionals throughout the course of pregnancy. Antenatal care involves:

1. Regular check-up: Regular check-up frequencies may vary depending on individual circumstances. Your doctor will monitor the progress of the pregnancy, measure your abdomen to assess fetal growth, and check the baby’s heartbeat before scheduling future follow-ups.
2. Screening and tests: This includes various screening and blood tests to assess the health of the mother and baby and identify any potential complications. Apart from blood tests to check conditions like anemia, gestational diabetes, or infections other major screening includes:
   Fetal monitoring – Fetal monitoring is a crucial aspect of antenatal care and childbirth, aimed at assessing the well-being of the fetus during pregnancy and labor. It involves various techniques and technologies to monitor the baby's heart rate and other vital signs, as well as to assess fetal movement and overall condition.
   Ultrasound scan - Ultrasound scans are commonly used throughout pregnancy to assess fetal growth and development, as well as to diagnose any structural abnormalities or complications. Ultrasound imaging may also be used during labor to assess fetal position and monitor amniotic fluid levels.
   Growth scan – A growth scan, also known as a fetal growth scan or fetal growth ultrasound, is a specialized ultrasound examination performed during pregnancy to assess the growth and development of the fetus. It's typically conducted in the second or third trimester, although the timing may vary depending on individual circumstances and the healthcare provider's recommendations.
   NT/NB scan – The NT/NB scan, also known as the nuchal translucency (NT) scan or the nuchal translucency and nasal bone (NB) scan, is a specialized ultrasound examination performed during early pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome (trisomy 21), as well as other congenital anomalies.
   Anomaly scan – An anomaly scan, also known as a mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan or a detailed anatomy scan, is a specialized ultrasound examination performed during pregnancy to assess the development and structure of the fetus in detail. It's typically conducted around 18 to 22 weeks of gestation, although the exact timing may vary depending on individual circumstances and healthcare provider recommendations
3. Education and counseling: Antenatal care also involves providing education and counseling to pregnant women and their partners to help them prepare for childbirth and parenthood. This may include information about nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy, childbirth education classes, breastfeeding support, and guidance on infant care and parenting.
4. Management of pregnancy-related conditions: Antenatal care also involves monitoring and managing any pregnancy-related complications or medical conditions that may arise, such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), gestational diabetes, or preterm labor. This may involve medication, lifestyle modifications, or referral to specialist care as needed.
5. Birth planning: Towards the end of pregnancy, healthcare providers will discuss birth plans and preferences with pregnant women, including options for childbirth and pain management during labor, and postnatal care for both mother and baby.