Should I Start My Antenatal Care Early?

28 Jul Should I Start My Antenatal Care Early?

Wow! Congratulations! You have just begun your journey to motherhood. As with everything in life and regardless of how beautiful the process of bringing a child to life is, the journey of pregnancy is not an easy one. Here’s a kicker – most moms would tell you to forget about the need to see a doctor immediately a desired pregnancy has been achieved.

Oh well, we are here to tell you that they are wrong.

As you embark on this journey, one of the most crucial steps you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery is to start antenatal care early. 

Antenatal care (ANC, or prenatal care) is the medical care and support you receive throughout your pregnancy journey to monitor your health and the wellbeing of your the growing baby (or babies) in your womb.

But is there any reason to start ANC early? Yes, of course! Here are a few reasons to register immediately you’re confirmed pregnant.

1. Early Detection of Health Conditions: Starting your Antenatal Care early can help to detect certain birth defects and health conditions in time, allowing for timely interventions and better outcomes.

2. Healthy Habits: Early ANC sets the stage for healthy habit formation throughout your pregnancy, especially if it is your first pregnancy. During this time, you will receive personalized care based on your diet. Your doctor will properly monitor and manage your daily intake and routine for the safety of yourself and your child.
   
3. Nutritional Guidance: Proper nutrition is vital for the health and development of both you and your baby during pregnancy. Early antenatal care offers the opportunity to receive nutritional guidance and dietary recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

4. Screening tests: Many screening tests, such as ultrasound scans and blood tests, are recommended during the first trimester to assess the health and development of the foetus and to screen for genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities. Starting antenatal care early ensures that you have access to these essential screening tests as at when needed.

Antenatal care is the foundation for any healthy pregnancy. During the visit, here’s a few questions to expect your doctor or midwife to ask you about your health:

• A history of previous pregnancies and the outcomes.
• A history of illnesses or surgeries you have had.
• A history of medicines you’re taking, including those from a pharmacy or supermarket.
• if you have any current health problems.
• if you are allergic to any medicines.

Your doctor will also ask you questions to know if you smoke, drink alcohol or addicted to any type of drug. These questions will help your doctor understand your body and how best to help you during your pregnancy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends initiating ANC care as early as possible, ideally in the first trimester (within the first 12 weeks).

So, if there’s anything to remember – There’s no such thing as “too early” for your first ANC visit. Early ANC helps to identify and manage pre-existing medical conditions that could impact your pregnancy. The sooner you start, the better equipped you will be to navigate the incredible journey of pregnancy.

References

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/amp/article/your-first-antenatal-visit#involved

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimester#:~:text=A%20healthy%20first%20trimester%20is,of%20the%20fetus%20are%20forming

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9699-first-trimester