How long does antenatal care last?

Antenatal care is hugely important when it comes to ensuring a successful, safe delivery of one’s baby. In this article, we speak to incredibly well-regarded London-based consultant in obstetrics and maternal and foetal medicine, Dr Srividhya Sankaran, who explains to us what antenatal care is in more detail.

What is antenatal care?

Antenatal care is care of a pregnancy from the time you know when someone’s pregnant until they deliver. It is hugely important, as antenatal care can help detect problems or any potential complications early on. It also helps when making a good delivery plan in order to achieve the best outcome for both the mother and the baby.

How long does this treatment plan last?

It starts from the moment someone becomes pregnant and visits the doctor. Risk factors will be noted down at the pregnant woman’s first consultation. If the patient’s pregnancy is low risk, then the patient will have blood tests to check for common problems such as anaemia. Then, routine scans will be scheduled in. From 16 weeks, scheduled appointments will be made, and again after around 20 weeks, 25 weeks, 28 weeks, 32, and 36 weeks.

How long does antenatal care last?

It lasts until the point of delivery. Each appointment usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, where the patient will have blood and urine tests. The patient’s stomach and the baby’s heartbeat will also be checked. We check the stomach to see how well the woman’s uterus is growing.

To book an appointment with Dr Srividhya Sankaran, you can visit her Top Doctors profile here.