A pregnant woman should start visiting a clinic for antenatal care as soon as she finds out she is pregnant. The optimal time to begin antenatal care is between 4 and 8 weeks of pregnancy, and definitely no later than 12 weeks from the first day of her last menstrual period. Early visits help to identify any risks and ensure both mother and baby receive appropriate care throughout the pregnancy.
Importance of Early Antenatal Visits
Starting antenatal care early allows healthcare providers to:
- Assess the mother's medical and family history
- Conduct necessary tests such as blood work and screenings for conditions like sickle cell and thalassemia
- Provide guidance on healthy pregnancy practices and prenatal vitamins
- Plan for the pregnancy and delivery according to the mother’s health needs.
Typical Timing and Frequency
- The first visit typically takes place between 4 to 8 weeks of pregnancy.
- Follow-up visits are scheduled regularly, increasing in frequency as the pregnancy progresses.
- Generally, visits are every four weeks until 28 weeks, every 2-3 weeks between 28 and 32 weeks, and weekly from 32 weeks until birth.
Thus, pregnant women should schedule their first clinic visit promptly upon discovering their pregnancy to ensure the best care for themselves and their unborn baby.
