🤰 Men's Health
Antenatal Care Guide (Nigeria)
Complete guide to pregnancy check-ups — what happens at each visit and why it matters
Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world — approximately 512 per 100,000 live births. Most of these deaths are preventable with adequate antenatal care (ANC). This guide explains what antenatal visits are, what happens at each one, and why attending all recommended visits is critical for both mother and baby. The standard is at least 8 antenatal visits, as recommended by WHO and the Nigerian government.
Signs and Symptoms
✓ Normal pregnancy symptoms: missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, urinary frequency
✓ WARNING — vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy needs same-day assessment
✓ WARNING — severe headache, visual disturbance, or facial swelling after 20 weeks — pre-eclampsia signs
✓ WARNING — reduced fetal movements after 28 weeks — report same day
✓ WARNING — severe abdominal pain — placental abruption or appendicitis
✓ WARNING — fever with chills — malaria in pregnancy is dangerous
✓ WARNING — leakage of fluid from the vagina before 37 weeks — premature rupture of membranes
When to Seek Help
Emergency — go immediatelyHeavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fits or convulsions, loss of consciousness, severe headache with visual changes — obstetric emergency
Same dayAny vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movements, leakage of fluid before 37 weeks, fever with rigors
As soon as pregnancy confirmedRegister for antenatal care — ideally before 10 weeks (first trimester booking)
Routine ANC scheduleFirst visit <12 weeks, then at 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 38, and 40 weeks — minimum 8 contacts per WHO guidance
Any concernsNever wait for your next appointment if something feels wrong — attend the nearest health facility
Tests & Diagnosis
🧪 Blood group and Rhesus factor
Rh-negative mothers need anti-D immunoglobulin at 28 weeks and after delivery to prevent haemolytic disease in future pregnancies
🧪 Full blood count (FBC)
Anaemia is very common in Nigerian pregnant women — treat iron deficiency with oral iron supplementation
🧪 HIV test
Offered to all pregnant women — PMTCT (prevention of mother-to-child transmission) with ARVs is highly effective. Confidential
🧪 VDRL/RPR (syphilis screening)
Untreated syphilis causes stillbirth, neonatal death, and congenital syphilis. Treat with benzathine penicillin
🧪 Malaria blood film or RDT
Malaria is a leading cause of maternal anaemia and low birth weight. Intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP/Fansidar) given at each ANC visit after 16 weeks regardless of symptoms
🧪 Urine dipstick (protein and glucose)
Proteinuria — screen for pre-eclampsia. Glucosuria — screen for gestational diabetes
🧪 Ultrasound scan
Dating scan at 8–12 weeks (confirms gestation). Anomaly scan at 18–20 weeks (detects structural abnormalities). Growth scans at 28–32 weeks if needed
🧪 Blood pressure measurement
At every visit — rising BP is the key sign of pre-eclampsia
Frequently Asked Questions
How many antenatal visits should I attend?
WHO recommends at least 8 antenatal contacts. Nigeria's government policy supports this. Key visits: booking (<12 weeks), 16 weeks, 20-week scan, 24 weeks, 28 weeks (anti-D if Rh negative, IPTp dose), 32 weeks, 36 weeks (delivery planning), and 38–40 weeks. Every visit matters.
Is it safe to take malaria treatment during pregnancy?
Artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) — e.g., artemether-lumefantrine — are safe for malaria treatment in the second and third trimesters. In the first trimester, quinine or artemisinin (with caution) is used. Untreated malaria in pregnancy is far more dangerous than treatment. Preventive SP (Fansidar) is given routinely.
Can I travel during pregnancy?
Domestic travel is generally safe in the second trimester. Long-distance travel is best avoided after 36 weeks. Air travel is safe until 36 weeks for uncomplicated pregnancies (most airlines restrict after 36 weeks). Avoid areas with high malaria risk without adequate prophylaxis. Ensure a healthcare facility is accessible at your destination.
What are the danger signs I should never ignore?
Heavy vaginal bleeding, severe headache, visual blurring or seeing spots, severe facial or hand swelling, fits or seizures, reduced fetal movements, high fever, or leaking amniotic fluid before 37 weeks. Any of these requires emergency assessment immediately — do not wait.