Antenatal Care

What is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care involves regular check-ups, screening tests, health advice, and emotional support throughout your pregnancy. These appointments help monitor your health and your baby’s development while offering you information to make informed decisions and prepare for birth.

A Simple Explanation for patients

Antenatal care procedure means visiting your midwife or doctor regularly during pregnancy to check that you and your baby are healthy, answer your questions, and provide advice on keeping well until your baby arrives.

Why is Antenatal Care Important?

Regular antenatal care treatment is vital to identify and manage potential pregnancy complications early. It improves outcomes by promoting healthy behaviours and ensuring timely interventions, all of which contribute to the best start for your baby.

Key Benefits

• Monitoring your and your baby’s health regularly.
• Early detection and management of complications.
• Providing vaccinations and recommended screenings.
• Giving advice on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.
• Preparing you for childbirth and parenting.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals Global for Antenatal Care?

• Experienced maternity team: Skilled obstetricians, midwives, and specialists providing personalised care.
• Comprehensive antenatal services: state-of-the-art screening, diagnostics, and emergency support.
• International standards: Accredited by NABH and JCI, ensuring quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.
• Holistic care approach: Integrating physical health, emotional support, and childbirth education.
• Tailored care plans: Respecting cultural and individual preferences of international patients.
• Dedicated international patient support: Visa facilitation, language assistance, comfortable accommodation, and insurance coordination.

How is Antenatal Care Delivered?

Antenatal care is provided through scheduled appointments with midwives and doctors, tailored to your individual health needs. The care model chosen depends on your risk status—most women with healthy pregnancies are cared for by midwives, while those with complex needs receive consultant-led care.

• Booking Appointment: Initial assessment including medical history, risk evaluation, and planning your care pathway.
• Routine Check-Ups: Regular monitoring of blood pressure, weight, urine testing, and fetal heartbeat.
• Screening Tests: Blood tests and ultrasounds to screen for infections, fetal abnormalities, and other conditions.
• Health Advice: Education on lifestyle, symptom management, and preparation for labour and parenting.
• Specialist Referrals: Additional support for high-risk or complicated pregnancies.

Antenatal Care by Pregnancy Stage

Booking Appointment (8-12 Weeks)

• Confirm your pregnancy and estimate your due date.
• Complete medical and social history evaluation.
• Screening tests for infectious diseases and genetic conditions.
• Discuss vitamin supplements like folic acid and lifestyle adjustments.
• Schedule routine scans and ongoing appointments.

First Trimester (up to 13 Weeks)

• Ultrasound scan to check fetal heartbeat and viability.
• Blood pressure and urine tests.
• Screening for chromosomal conditions such as Down’s syndrome.
• Advice on managing early pregnancy symptoms.

Second Trimester (14-26 Weeks)

• Anomaly scans are typically around 20 weeks to check fetal development.
• Monitoring blood pressure and fetal growth.
• Glucose testing for gestational diabetes if risk factors exist.
• Discussion of birth plans and antenatal class options.

Third Trimester (27 Weeks to Birth)

• Continued checks on the mother’s and baby’s wellbeing.
• Monitor fetal movements and growth.
• Planning labour, delivery, and postnatal care.
• Support for emotional health and breastfeeding preparation.
• Offer induction of labour if pregnancy extends beyond term.

What to Expect at Antenatal Appointments?

• Measurement of blood pressure and weight.
• Urine tests to detect protein or sugar.
• Listening to and monitoring the baby’s heartbeat.
• Checking baby’s growth using abdominal measurements and scans.
• Discussion about your symptoms, concerns, and well-being.
• Offering relevant vaccinations like influenza or whooping cough.

Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations During Pregnancy

• Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Take prenatal vitamins as advised, particularly folic acid and iron supplements.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
• Engage in gentle exercise suitable for pregnancy, such as walking or swimming.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, support systems, and adequate rest.
• Stay well hydrated throughout pregnancy.

Managing Common Pregnancy Symptoms

• Tips and treatments for nausea and morning sickness.
• Advice on easing backache and improving posture.
• Methods to reduce swelling in feet and ankles.
• Managing heartburn and digestive discomfort.
• Emotional support for mood swings and anxiety.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
• Noticeable decrease in fetal movements.
• Signs of infection, such as fever or chills.
• Severe headaches, vision changes, or swelling of the face and hands.
• Any sudden or concerning new symptoms.

Supporting High-Risk Pregnancies

For women with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or previous pregnancy complications, antenatal care will be tailored by a specialist team. This may involve more frequent monitoring and detailed management plans.

Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Support

Pregnancy can bring emotional challenges. We provide counselling support, help accessing resources, and maintain open communication to promote your mental wellbeing throughout.

What is the Cost of Antenatal Care at Manipal Hospitals Global?

Manipal Hospitals Global offers comprehensive antenatal care packages at competitive prices compared with other countries. These include consultations, routine screening tests, ultrasounds, vaccinations, and emergency care if required. We provide transparent, personalised cost estimates after the initial assessment to ensure clarity and affordability.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals Global

We assist international patients through every step with visa guidance, airport pickup, accommodation arrangement, language services, dietary preference accommodation, and health insurance coordination. A dedicated patient coordinator ensures smooth and reassuring care from booking through delivery and beyond.