Why regular antenatal care matters

The World Health Organization recommends at least eight antenatal contacts during a pregnancy. Even a straightforward, low-risk pregnancy benefits from this regular monitoring — skipping visits creates gaps that can leave developing complications undetected until they've progressed further than they needed to.

Your antenatal visit schedule

• 1

  First visit

  As soon as pregnancy is confirmed, ideally between 6 and 8 weeks — early booking ensures first-trimester screening windows aren't missed.

• 2

  Up to 28 weeks

  Monthly visits.

• 3

  28–36 weeks

  Fortnightly (every two weeks) visits.

• 4

  36 weeks to delivery

  Weekly visits.

This schedule is a starting point, not a rigid template — it's adjusted based on your specific risk profile and how your pregnancy is progressing. If your pregnancy is higher-risk, more frequent monitoring is built in from the start.

Key screenings and tests by trimester

• 1

  First Trimester

  Dating scan, NT (nuchal translucency) scan within its specific timing window, and baseline labs including blood group, hemoglobin, and screening for infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

• 2

  Second Trimester

  Quadruple marker test (weeks 15–18, if not done as part of first-trimester screening), the anomaly scan (weeks 18–22), and gestational diabetes screening.

• 3

  Third Trimester

  Ongoing growth monitoring, and tracking of fetal movement — typically felt from 18–20 weeks in a first pregnancy, or 16–18 weeks in subsequent pregnancies.

Nutrition and supplementation

• Folic acid — typically from pre-conception through the first trimester, to help prevent neural tube defects.
• Iron and folic acid — typically from the second trimester, continued through the early postpartum period.
• Calcium — typically from the second trimester, to help support bone health and reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders.

Exact dosing and timing are confirmed individually based on your specific bloodwork and history, not applied as a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Vaccinations during pregnancy

• Tetanus (TT/Td) — given at the first antenatal visit if not previously immunized, with a second dose at least four weeks later.
• Influenza — recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second or third trimester.

Continuity of care

The doctor who follows your pregnancy through antenatal care is the same one who's there for delivery and postnatal recovery — not a rotating set of providers. If your pregnancy is identified as higher-risk at any point, that care continues directly with Dr. Shirisha rather than a referral elsewhere. Read about high-risk pregnancy care →