What Every Expecting Mother Should Know
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey but it also comes with important medical responsibilities. One of the most crucial steps for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery is timely and consistent antenatal care. Whether you are newly pregnant or planning to conceive, understanding antenatal care can make all the difference for both mother and baby.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about antenatal care in Sharjah from when to start, essential tests by trimester, what happens at each visit, warning signs of high-risk pregnancies, and how ESMC’s antenatal care services, led by Dr. Erum Saba, supports expecting mothers throughout every stage.
What Is Antenatal Care and Why Is It Important?
Antenatal care refers to the routine medical checkups, screenings, and guidance provided to women during pregnancy. These visits help monitor the health of both mother and baby while identifying potential risks early.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular antenatal visits significantly reduce pregnancy complications and improve birth outcomes. Antenatal care focuses on:
- Monitoring fetal growth and development
- Detecting complications early
- Managing existing health conditions
- Providing nutritional and lifestyle guidance
- Preparing mothers physically and emotionally for childbirth
When Should You Start Antenatal Care?
Ideally, antenatal care should begin as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, usually between 6 to 8 weeks of gestation.
Early Antenatal Booking Helps To:
- Confirm pregnancy viability
- Accurately calculate the due date
- Identify early risk factors
- Begin essential supplements (folic acid, iron)
- Establish a personalized pregnancy care plan
At ESMC in Sharjah, expecting mothers are encouraged to book their first antenatal visit early, allowing specialists like Dr. Erum Saba to guide them from the very beginning.