Antenatal Care
Most of what antenatal care finds causes no symptoms at all. Blood pressure creeping up, sugar rising, a baby not growing as expected. None of those announce themselves, which is why the schedule of visits and scans exists rather than waiting for something to feel wrong.
- Consultant-led clinics
- Three routine scans in an uncomplicated pregnancy
- Blood pressure and sugar checked at every visit
- Same team through to delivery
Stay
Outpatient
Duration
20 to 30 minutes per visit
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About Antenatal Care
Visits are roughly monthly to 28 weeks, fortnightly to 36, then weekly. At each one blood pressure, urine, weight and the baby's growth are checked. Scans confirm dates, screen for structural problems around 18 to 20 weeks, and assess growth later. The pattern is deliberate: it front-loads the tests that only work at certain points and increases contact as risk rises towards term.
- Visits get closer together as pregnancy progresses
- Blood pressure and urine are checked every visit for pre-eclampsia
- The anomaly scan works only in a narrow window around 18 to 20 weeks
- A birth plan is discussed rather than assumed
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about antenatal care. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest antenatal care.
- Confirmed pregnancy at any stage
- Planning pregnancy and wanting pre-conception advice
- Pregnancy after a previous caesarean or loss
- Pregnancy with diabetes, thyroid or blood pressure problems
- Women transferring care from another hospital
- First pregnancy wanting a structured plan
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Booking visit
A full history, examination, baseline blood tests and a dating scan, with a schedule of appointments set out for the rest of the pregnancy.
Routine checks
At each visit, blood pressure, urine, weight and the baby's growth and heartbeat, with time to raise anything worrying you.
Scans and screening
A dating scan, an anomaly scan around 18 to 20 weeks, and a growth scan later, with additional scans if there is a reason.
Planning the birth
From around 34 weeks, the mode of delivery, pain relief and what to do when labour starts are discussed and written down.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Bring any previous pregnancy records, including caesarean details
- Bring a list of medication, including supplements and traditional remedies
- Note your last menstrual period date as accurately as you can
- Bring details of family history of diabetes, blood pressure or genetic conditions
- Come with questions written down, as it is easy to forget them in the room
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Attend every scheduled visit even when you feel entirely well, as that is the point
- Report reduced fetal movements immediately at any hour rather than waiting
- Report headache, visual disturbance or sudden swelling, which suggest pre-eclampsia
- Take iron and folic acid as prescribed for the whole course
- Keep your antenatal card with you, particularly when travelling
Why choose Humayun for antenatal care
Antenatal care works when the same team follows you through, so a change from your normal is actually noticed.
- Consultant-led clinics with continuity, so the doctor at your delivery is one you have met
- Reduced movements assessed at any hour rather than told to wait until morning
- Diabetes, thyroid and blood pressure managed alongside the pregnancy rather than referred out
- Labour rooms, theatres and neonatal care on the same floor for the day it matters
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