🤰 Men's Health

Antenatal Care in Nigeria

Everything you need to know about pregnancy check-ups in Nigeria

Antenatal care (ANC) — also called antenatal visits or booking — involves regular check-ups throughout pregnancy to monitor the health of both mother and baby. Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health recommends at least eight ANC contacts starting before 12 weeks. Yet many women attend fewer visits or start late, contributing to Nigeria's high maternal mortality rate (estimated 512 per 100,000 live births). Understanding what to expect makes every visit count.

Signs and Symptoms

✓ First visit (booking): ideally before 12 weeks of pregnancy

✓ Blood pressure check at every visit — detects preeclampsia early

✓ Weight and fundal height (uterus size) measured each visit

✓ Urine dipstick test — checks for protein, glucose, infection

✓ Blood tests: full blood count, blood group/rhesus, HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, malaria

✓ Ultrasound scans: dating scan (8–13 wks), anomaly scan (18–22 wks)

✓ Iron and folic acid supplements given from booking

✓ Tetanus toxoid vaccination — two doses during pregnancy

✓ Intermittent preventive treatment for malaria (IPTp with SP/Fansidar)

✓ Birth planning discussion: where to deliver, emergency contacts

Risk Factors

First pregnancy (primigravida) — higher risk of complications
Age under 18 or over 35 at time of delivery
Previous caesarean section, miscarriage, or stillbirth
Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
Pre-existing conditions: diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell, HIV
Low socioeconomic status or distance from health facility
Late booking (after 20 weeks) — misses early screening
Malnutrition or anaemia before pregnancy

When to Seek Help

Danger signs — go to hospital immediatelySevere headache, blurred vision, facial swelling, convulsions (preeclampsia/eclampsia)

Heavy bleeding at any stageVaginal bleeding in pregnancy is always an emergency until proved otherwise

Baby not movingAfter 28 weeks, you should feel at least 10 movements in 2 hours. Reduced movement needs same-day assessment

Leaking fluid from vaginaMay indicate rupture of membranes — risk of infection and preterm labour

Fever above 38°CMalaria and UTI are common in pregnancy and need prompt treatment

Severe vomitingHyperemesis gravidarum can cause dehydration and needs IV fluids

Tests & Diagnosis

🧪 Full blood count

Checks for anaemia (Hb below 11 g/dL in pregnancy needs iron treatment)

🧪 Blood group and rhesus typing

Rhesus negative mothers need anti-D injection to prevent haemolytic disease of newborn

🧪 HIV test

Universal opt-out testing — if positive, ARVs prevent mother-to-child transmission

🧪 HBsAg (hepatitis B)

Positive mothers need newborn vaccination at birth plus HBIG if available

🧪 VDRL/RPR (syphilis)

Untreated syphilis causes stillbirth and congenital infection — penicillin cures it

🧪 Urine microscopy & culture

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy causes preterm labour — treat even without symptoms

🧪 Glucose challenge test

Screens for gestational diabetes at 24–28 weeks, especially if risk factors present

🧪 Ultrasound

Confirms gestational age, placental position, fetal anomalies, multiple pregnancies

Treatment Options

Iron and folic acid

Daily iron (60mg elemental) + folic acid (0.4mg) throughout pregnancy — anaemia is the leading cause of maternal death in Nigeria

Malaria prevention (IPTp)

Fansidar (SP) tablets given at each ANC visit from 13 weeks — do not use in first trimester

Tetanus vaccination

Two doses at least 4 weeks apart protect both mother and newborn against tetanus

Calcium supplementation

1.5–2g/day calcium for women with low dietary intake reduces preeclampsia risk

Delivery planning

Identify nearest health facility, birth companion, emergency transport, and save for delivery costs

Postpartum planning

Discuss contraception, infant feeding, newborn danger signs before delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ANC visits should I have?

WHO recommends at least 8 contacts: before 12 weeks, at 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 38, and 40 weeks. More visits may be needed for high-risk pregnancies.

Can I eat normally during pregnancy?

Eat a balanced Nigerian diet — plenty of leafy vegetables, fish, eggs, beans, and fruit. Avoid raw meat, alcohol, and excess caffeine. Increase portions slightly — you need about 300 extra calories per day in the second and third trimesters.

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Yes, for most women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Avoid sex if you have placenta praevia, unexplained bleeding, or ruptured membranes.

What vaccinations do I need?

Tetanus toxoid (2 doses), influenza vaccine (safe in pregnancy), and COVID-19 vaccine are all recommended. Yellow fever vaccine is generally avoided in the first trimester.

Can I take my blood pressure medicine during pregnancy?

Some BP medicines are safe (methyldopa, labetalol, nifedipine) and others are not (ACE inhibitors like lisinopril are harmful to the baby). Always review your medications with your doctor when you discover you're pregnant.