ANTENATAL CARE

The major objective of antenatal care is to ensure optimal health outcomes for the mother and her baby. Antenatal care from a trained provider is important to monitor the pregnancy and reduce morbidity risks for the mother and child during pregnancy and delivery.

Antenatal care provided by a skilled health worker enables

1. early detection of complications and prompt treatment (e.g., detection and treatment of sexually transmitted infections),
2. prevention of diseases through immunisation and micronutrient supplementation,
3. birth preparedness and complication readiness, and
4. health promotion and disease prevention through health messages and counselling for pregnant women.

Hence, the more women who receive antenatal care delivered by a health professional, the less likely they are to suffer any complications during the course of their pregnancy and with child birth.