Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and significant changes. To ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the developing baby, regular antenatal (pregnancy) checkups are essential. These checkups help monitor the progress of your pregnancy, detect any early warning signs, and guide you through each stage with personalized care.
At her clinic in Hadapsar, Pune, Dr. Ankita Ingle, an experienced Obstetrician and Gynecologist, offers comprehensive antenatal care tailored to each mother’s needs, ensuring a healthy and confident pregnancy journey.
What Is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care involves regular medical checkups, screenings, and consultations during pregnancy. The primary goals are:
Monitoring the baby’s development
Managing maternal health
Preventing complications
Educating expectant mothers about lifestyle, nutrition, and birth preparation
When Should You Start Antenatal Checkups?
Ideally, antenatal visits should begin as soon as you confirm your pregnancy. Early booking—usually around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy—is crucial for establishing a baseline and planning future care. Regular visits are typically scheduled:
Every 4 weeks during the first 28 weeks
Every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
Every week after 36 weeks until delivery
Dr. Ankita Ingle ensures every expectant mother in Hadapsar receives timely and individualized care throughout all stages.
What to Expect at Your Antenatal Appointments
Each antenatal visit plays a specific role in monitoring pregnancy health. Here’s what you can typically expect:
1. Initial Visit (Booking Visit)
The first visit is often the most detailed. It includes:
Complete medical and family history
Physical examination
Confirmation of due date through ultrasound
Baseline blood and urine tests (for anemia, thyroid, blood sugar, infections, etc.)
Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
Folic acid and iron supplementation
2. Routine Follow-Up Visits
At each subsequent checkup, Dr. Ankita Ingle focuses on:
Weight and blood pressure monitoring
Abdominal examination to assess baby’s growth and position
Fetal heartbeat monitoring
Urine test to check for protein, sugar, and infection
Addressing concerns like morning sickness, back pain, swelling, etc.
3. Ultrasound Scans
Specific ultrasound scans are recommended at different stages:
Dating Scan (6–8 weeks): Confirms due date and checks heartbeat
NT Scan (11–14 weeks): Screens for chromosomal abnormalities
Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks): Detailed check of baby’s organs and development
Growth Scan (28–32 weeks): Monitors fetal growth and amniotic fluid levels
4. Blood Tests and Screening
Throughout pregnancy, important blood tests may be done to detect:
Gestational diabetes
Anemia
Blood group and Rh factor
Hepatitis, HIV, and other infections
Timely detection allows for early treatment and better outcomes.
5. Vaccinations
As part of routine antenatal care, pregnant women are advised to take:
Tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap) vaccine
Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Other vaccines as needed based on individual risk
Additional Support and Guidance
Dr. Ankita Ingle provides not just medical care but also emotional and practical support, including:
Diet and exercise recommendations
Tips for managing common symptoms
Guidance on birth plans and hospital preparation
Counseling for high-risk pregnancies, if needed
Antenatal care is not just about checkups—it’s about ensuring the best possible start for you and your baby. Regular visits to your obstetrician help track your baby’s growth, address your health needs, and prepare you for a smooth delivery.
If you’re expecting or planning to conceive, schedule your antenatal consultation with Dr. Ankita Ingle in Hadapsar, Pune today and embark on your pregnancy journey with expert care and reassurance.
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