Regular antenatal care is the single most useful thing you can do for a healthy pregnancy. Each visit is a chance to check that you and your baby are doing well, to catch problems early, and to ask the questions that come up along the way.
What happens at an antenatal visit
Visits typically include weight and blood pressure checks, urine and blood tests, and an abdominal examination to follow the baby’s growth. Ultrasound scans monitor the baby’s development, and screening tests are advised at specific stages of pregnancy.
Trimester by trimester
First trimester (up to 12–13 weeks). Confirming the pregnancy and due date, baseline blood tests, starting folic acid, iron and calcium as advised, and managing nausea and early symptoms. A first-trimester scan assesses the baby’s early development.
Second trimester (13–27 weeks). The anomaly scan at around 18–20 weeks looks at the baby’s structure in detail. This is also when diabetes screening and further blood tests are done, and when most women feel the baby’s first movements.
Third trimester (28 weeks onwards). Growth and position of the baby are monitored, we discuss your birth plan and mode of delivery, and we prepare you for labour — including the signs that mean you should call or come in.
Diet, activity and common concerns
We talk through nutrition, healthy weight gain, safe exercise, sleep, travel, and common symptoms such as nausea, back pain, heartburn and swelling, so you know what is normal and what needs attention.
When to call us straight away
Contact the hospital without waiting for your next visit if you notice bleeding, leaking of fluid, severe headache or visual disturbance, severe abdominal pain, fever, or reduced movements of the baby.
Antenatal care in Wakad
Care is led by Dr. Supriya Gaikwad at Astral Hospital, Pink City Road, Wakad. The same doctor sees you across visits and delivers your baby in our in-house labour room and operation theatre.