Also called prenatal care, is important for proper monitoring of your health and your pregnancy, and to detect any problem before it become serious.

When to start

It is important to start as soon as you detect you are pregnant. Your visit is likely to be once a month for the first 6 months, then every 2 weeks in the 7^th and 8^th months and every week in the 9^th month. Your schedule may be different depending on your midwife’s advice.

During Your first visit

1. A doctor/midwife will review you, ask you some questions on your general health, and your last menstrual period. You will also be given an approximate expected date of delivery.
2. He will ask about your past pregnancies, past medical and surgical history
3. You will carry out some routine tests like blood group, genotype, hepatitis test, HIV screening, urine test, PCV etc.
4. You will do an ultrasound scan to check the location, age and growth of your baby
5. Your height, weight and blood pressure will be checked
6. Routine antenatal drugs will be given to you, sometimes with drugs for malaria prevention and insecticide treated nets.

During The subsequent visits

1. You will be examined routinely
2. You may be given antimalarial drugs for preventive treatment
3. You may be given tetanus immunization
4. Other tests may be requested
5. You will be educated on self-care, hygiene, diet and how to prepare for delivery and childcare.