Antenatal Care
TL;DR
Antenatal care includes essential tests and scans each trimester, like blood tests, ultrasounds, and sugar checks, to monitor your and your baby’s health.
The dating scan (8–12 weeks), anomaly scan (18–22 weeks), and growth scan (28–36 weeks) are key milestones in tracking your baby’s development.
Always ask your doctor about diet, safe exercise, warning signs, and how to manage common symptoms at every stage.
Balance cultural advice with medical guidance, focusing on a nutritious, balanced diet rather than relying on traditional foods alone.
Joining pregnancy yoga or Garbh Sanskar classes can help reduce stress and connect you with other expecting moms.
Prepare questions, be open with your doctor, and trust your instincts to stay confident and informed throughout your pregnancy.
For many Indian moms-to-be, pregnancy is both joyful and stressful, not just because of the physical changes, but because of the endless advice pouring in from family, friends, and neighbors. You may hear, “Ask your doctor this,” or “Don’t forget that test,” leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what’s truly important.
Amid all this noise, understanding your antenatal (prenatal) care is one of the best ways to stay calm and confident. Regular tests and scans, such as blood tests, ultrasounds, and sugar checks, help track your baby’s health and your well-being at every stage.
But antenatal care isn’t only about medical checklists; it’s also about asking the right questions, understanding your body, and feeling prepared for each phase of pregnancy. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to approach your doctor visits with clarity and confidence.
Trimester wise tests and scans during pregnancy
First trimester (weeks 1–12)
The first trimester is when your pregnancy journey officially begins, and it’s also when important tests help lay the foundation for your care. For Indian moms-to-be, these checkups can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding their purpose can make them feel more confident and prepared.
Blood tests are usually done early in pregnancy. They check your blood group and Rh factor (important if you need certain injections later), hemoglobin levels (to check for anemia), blood sugar (to screen for diabetes risk), and infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
Your doctor will also check thyroid levels, as thyroid imbalances can affect your baby’s growth. These tests help spot any early concerns and guide the right care for you.
Urine tests are another routine check. They look for signs of infection, high sugar, or protein levels, which could signal early problems like urinary tract infections or risks for conditions like preeclampsia later on.
The dating ultrasound scan is one of the most exciting moments in early pregnancy. Usually done between 8–12 weeks, this scan confirms your due date, checks the baby’s heartbeat, and ensures the pregnancy is developing in the right place (inside the uterus). Seeing your baby’s heartbeat on the screen is often an emotional, reassuring moment for parents.
By understanding these first trimester tests, you can approach your checkups feeling informed and ready. These are important tools to help keep you and your baby healthy — always ask your doctor if you have any doubts!
Second trimester (weeks 13–26)
The second trimester, often considered the most comfortable phase of pregnancy, usually brings renewed energy and reduced nausea — but it’s also a crucial time for important medical checks to support your baby’s healthy development.
One of the most crucial tests during this stage is the anomaly scan, usually done between 18 and 22 weeks. This detailed ultrasound carefully checks your baby’s anatomy, including the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and other organs.
It helps detect any structural problems early and ensures the baby is growing well. For many Indian moms-to-be, this scan can also be an exciting moment, as you may get your first clear look at your baby’s face, tiny hands, or feet on the screen.
Another important check during the second trimester is the gestational diabetes test (GTT). Gestational diabetes is a type of high blood sugar that can develop during pregnancy and affect both the mother and baby. The test usually involves drinking a sugary solution and having your blood sugar measured after a set time.
Detecting gestational diabetes early is vital, as managing it through diet, exercise, or medication can help prevent complications during delivery and reduce risks for the baby. Along with these, your doctor will continue monitoring your weight, blood pressure, and overall health at each visit.
If you’re ever unsure about the purpose of a test or scan, don’t hesitate to ask — your doctor is there to guide you and ensure you feel informed every step of the way. During the second trimester, alongside important tests like the anomaly scan, many mothers choose to join online pregnancy yoga classes to stay active and support both physical and emotional well-being.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G23bsrNRxR4 (YouTube link) Why Prenatal Yoga Is a Must for Moms-to-Be
Third trimester (weeks 27–40)
The third trimester is the final stretch of pregnancy, when both you and your doctor closely monitor your baby’s growth and your body’s readiness for delivery. Regular checkups during this time are essential to ensure everything is on track.
One key test is the growth scan, usually done between weeks 28 and 36. This ultrasound helps check your baby’s size, weight, position, and the amount of amniotic fluid around them. It also assesses the health of the placenta and blood flow to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrients.
If the scan shows that the baby is too small or too big, or if there’s too little or too much fluid, your doctor may recommend extra monitoring or adjust your care plan.
Another very important part of third-trimester care is blood pressure and urine checks. High blood pressure and protein in the urine can be signs of preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition that needs careful medical attention.
Preeclampsia can develop suddenly, even if earlier tests were normal, so regular checks at your prenatal visits help catch any early warning signs. Alongside these, your doctor will also track your baby’s movements and may recommend non-stress tests or additional scans if needed.
For Indian moms, it’s good to know that these tests follow global medical standards so trust your doctor, ask questions, and follow the recommended schedule. Staying informed and attending your appointments helps ensure you and your baby stay safe and healthy in the final weeks.
Important questions to ask your doctor at every stage
Every prenatal visit is a chance to get clear answers and feel more confident about your pregnancy journey. Here are some key questions every Indian mom-to-be should ask her doctor, no matter which trimester you’re in:
Are my weight and baby’s growth on track?
What should I eat or avoid right now?
Are there warning signs I should watch for?
How should I manage common symptoms (nausea, swelling, back pain)?
Can I exercise or travel safely?
How do I prepare for labor and delivery?
Special tips for Indian moms
Pregnancy in India comes with unique cultural traditions, family expectations, and social pressures that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are a few special tips just for Indian moms-to-be to help you navigate this journey with more confidence and peace of mind.
First, listen to your doctor. While family members may offer advice based on tradition, it’s your medical team that best understands your pregnancy’s needs. Don’t hesitate to politely balance cultural suggestions with evidence-based medical care.
Second, embrace but don’t over-stress about food traditions. Eating ghee, saffron milk, or special laddoos is fine in moderation, but remember that no single food will guarantee a healthier pregnancy or easier delivery. Focus on a balanced, nutritious diet.
Third, consider joining Garbh Sanskar programs, which can help you connect with other moms and reduce stress. These programs help mothers by guiding them through positive practices like meditation, music, storytelling, and mindful thinking, which are believed to nurture the baby’s emotional and mental development while reducing the mother’s stress and deepening her bond with the baby during pregnancy.
Finally, be kind to yourself. Indian moms often face pressure to “do it all” — take care of the house, family, and work. Remember, this is your time to rest, nourish yourself, and prepare mentally and physically for your baby’s arrival.
Tips for confident communication with your doctor
Prepare your questions in advance: Write down anything you’re unsure about, whether it’s symptoms, diet, medications, or cultural practices like Garbh Sanskar or special foods.
Be honest and open: Share details about how you’re feeling physically and emotionally, even if you think they’re minor. This helps your doctor give you the best care.
Ask for simple explanations: If you don’t understand a medical term or recommendation, politely ask your doctor to explain it in plain language.
Bring a companion if needed: Sometimes having your partner or a trusted family member present helps you remember details or feel more supported.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off or you have worries, speak up — you deserve clear, respectful answers. Your doctor is your partner in this journey!
Final thoughts
Antenatal care is not just about medical checkups and it’s about understanding your body, staying informed, and preparing both physically and emotionally for your baby’s arrival. For Indian moms-to-be, this journey is often shaped by family traditions, cultural beliefs, and medical guidance.
By attending your regular tests, asking the right questions, and staying connected with your doctor, you give yourself and your baby the best possible start. Here, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Joining yoga classes for pregnancy or prenatal support groups can help you stay active, reduce stress, and connect with other moms going through the same experience.