🤰 ANTENATAL CARE (ANC) PROCEDURE

1. Definition

• Antenatal care is the systematic supervision and care of a pregnant woman from conception until the onset of labor to ensure the health of both mother and fetus.

2. Purpose

• To ensure safe pregnancy and delivery

• To detect and manage high-risk conditions early

• To monitor maternal and fetal well-being

• To provide health education and counseling

3. Indications

• All pregnant women

• Routine antenatal visits

• High-risk pregnancies

• Community and hospital settings

4. Contraindications

⚠️ No contraindication (ANC is essential for all pregnancies)

5. Articles / Equipment

🧰 Equipment:

• BP apparatus

• Stethoscope / Fetoscope

• Weighing scale

• Measuring tape

🧴 Supplies:

• Gloves

• Urine testing kit

• Hemoglobin testing supplies

📋 Records:

• Antenatal card / Mother and child protection card

6. Patient Preparation

• Explain procedure to mother

• Ensure privacy

• Ask mother to empty bladder

• Position comfortably (lying or sitting)

7. Procedure Steps (Step-by-Step Sentences)

1. Wash hands and greet the pregnant woman politely.

2. Confirm identity and review antenatal records.

3. Take detailed history including obstetric, medical, and family history.

4. Measure and record weight of the mother.

5. Measure blood pressure and record findings.

6. Check for pallor, edema, and general condition.

7. Perform abdominal examination to assess:

   • Fundal height

   • Fetal lie and position

   • Fetal heart rate

8. Auscultate fetal heart sounds using fetoscope or Doppler.

9. Collect urine sample and test for sugar and albumin.

10. Advise laboratory investigations (Hb, blood group, etc.) if required.

11. Administer immunization (e.g., TT injection) as per schedule.

12. Provide iron and folic acid tablets.

13. Educate mother about diet, rest, hygiene, and danger signs.

14. Schedule next antenatal visit.

15. Record all findings in antenatal card.

16. Wash hands after completing the procedure.

8. Post Procedure Care

• Ensure mother is comfortable

• Clarify doubts

• Reinforce health education

• Plan follow-up visit

9. Complications (If Not Properly Managed)

• Anemia

• Preeclampsia

• Preterm labor

• Fetal growth restriction

10. Health Education

• Balanced diet rich in iron and protein

• Regular antenatal visits

• Personal hygiene

• Adequate rest and sleep

• Recognize danger signs:

  • Severe headache

  • Bleeding

  • Swelling

  • Decreased fetal movements

🎯 Viva Questions

Q1. How many antenatal visits are recommended?👉 Minimum 4 visits

Q2. What is normal BP in pregnancy?👉 Around 120/80 mmHg

Q3. Why is iron given during pregnancy?👉 To prevent anemia