Antenatal check-ups: what happens at each visit during pregnancy

Antenatal care (ANC) means the regular check-ups a woman has while she is pregnant. These visits help keep both the mother and the baby healthy. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that seeing a health worker more often during pregnancy gives more chances to find and manage problems. It is also linked to fewer stillbirths.

This guide explains when to go, what usually happens at a visit, the warning signs that need urgent care, and which kind of doctor to see.

How many check-ups do you need?

In 2016 WHO raised its advice from at least four antenatal visits to at least eight contacts. A “contact” is a meeting with a health worker. WHO says at least eight contacts can cut the number of babies who die around the time of birth by up to 8 in every 1,000 births, compared with four visits. WHO also says it improves women’s experience of care.

In Bangladesh, the government has long promoted at least four antenatal visits. However, in WHO’s 2018 policy survey country profile, Bangladesh reported a national policy of at least eight visits. Your health worker will tell you how often you need to come.

Many women in Bangladesh still have fewer visits than recommended. A study using data from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) found that 41% of women had four or more visits, about 5% had eight or more, and about 8% had none at all. Other studies of the same survey give somewhat different figures for four or more visits.

The WHO timetable

Contact	Stage of pregnancy
1	Up to 12 weeks
2	20 weeks
3	26 weeks
4	30 weeks
5	34 weeks
6	36 weeks
7	38 weeks
8	40 weeks

WHO also says to go back for the birth at 41 weeks if the baby has not yet been born.

The first visit (up to 12 weeks)

WHO recommends having your first contact within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, so go as soon as you know you are pregnant. At this visit, tell the health worker about any past pregnancies, any illnesses you have, and any medicines or herbal products you take. Your health worker will decide whether you need any tests, supplements or medicines.

Bangladesh’s national immunisation programme (EPI) offers tetanus vaccine to pregnant women and women of childbearing age. It protects both the mother and the newborn baby. Ask your health worker whether you need it, and bring any vaccination card you have.

What happens at later check-ups

At check-ups, the health worker will usually:

check your blood pressure and weight
test your urine
check for swelling
talk with you about healthy eating
ask how you are feeling

Tell the health worker if your baby’s movements seem slower or different from usual. There is no set number of movements that counts as normal. What matters is a change from what is usual for your baby.

Plan ahead for the birth. Know where you will go and how you will get there quickly, even at night.

How to get the most from each visit

Bring your antenatal card or pregnancy record and any earlier test reports to every visit.
Write your questions down before you go.
Tell the health worker about all medicines, vitamins and herbal remedies you take.
Speak openly about worry, sadness, or any problems at home.
If you miss a visit, book another one as soon as you can.

Warning signs: get care urgently

Go to the nearest hospital or health facility straight away, at any stage of pregnancy, if you have any of these:

bleeding from the vagina, or fluid leaking from the vagina (your waters breaking)
severe pain in the tummy that does not go away
a headache that will not go away or keeps getting worse
changes in your eyesight
severe swelling of the face or hands
dizziness or fainting
a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast-beating heart
severe nausea and vomiting that is not like normal morning sickness
overwhelming tiredness
pain or swelling in your leg
the baby moving less, or stopping moving
thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says signs like these can point to a life-threatening condition. Do not wait for your next check-up.

If you are not sure what to do, you can call the government health helpline Shasthyo Batayon on 16263 to speak to a doctor. DGHS says the service runs 24 hours a day. In an emergency, go to a hospital without delay.

Which doctor should you see?

Obstetrician and gynaecologist (often called a “gynae” doctor): a specialist in pregnancy, childbirth and women’s health. This is the main specialist for antenatal care, especially if your pregnancy is higher-risk.
Trained midwives, nurses and doctors at government and private health facilities: they provide routine antenatal care and refer you to a specialist when needed.
Other specialists if you have a particular condition: for example, an endocrinologist (hormone and diabetes specialist) for diabetes, a cardiologist (heart specialist) for heart disease, or a psychiatrist for serious mental health problems. Your obstetrician will usually work with them.

If you have a long-term health condition, or had problems in an earlier pregnancy, tell your health worker early in pregnancy. Ask whether you should see an obstetrician.

Key points

Start antenatal care as soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally within the first 12 weeks.
WHO recommends at least eight contacts during pregnancy.
Check-ups usually include your blood pressure, weight and a urine test.
Learn the warning signs, and get urgent care if any appear.
Your health worker decides any tests or treatment you need. Follow their advice and ask questions.

Find a doctor

Browse Gynecology doctors in Bangladesh on ratings.com.bd, with chambers and, where listed, visiting hours and phone numbers.

Sources

This article is general information, not medical advice. It was written by AI from the sources above. It did not pass the automatic check, and an administrator chose to publish it; no doctor or editor has reviewed it. For a diagnosis or treatment, see a registered doctor.