Antenatal Care in the First Trimester (0–12 weeks)
1. Confirm Pregnancy
Urine or blood hCG test: Detects the pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin)
to confirm pregnancy. Blood tests are more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier than
urine tests.
Early ultrasound: Performed around 6–8 weeks to confirm fetal heartbeat, rule out ectopic
pregnancy, and estimate gestational age for accurate due date calculation.
2. Assess Maternal Health
Medical history and risk factor evaluation: Identifies pre-existing conditions (diabetes,
hypertension, thyroid disorders) that may affect pregnancy.
Blood pressure, weight, and BMI measurement: Helps detect risks like obesity-related
complications or hypertensive disorders.
3. Routine Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects anemia (low hemoglobin), infections, and platelet
abnormalities that could lead to complications like preeclampsia.
Blood Group & Rh Factor: Determines if the mother is Rh-negative, which may require Rh
immunoglobulin (Anti-D) to prevent Rh incompatibility with the baby.
Glucose Test: Screens for gestational diabetes, which can lead to complications like
macrosomia (large baby) and birth complications.
Infection Screening: Detects infections that can affect the baby, such as:
HIV (prevents transmission to baby with early treatment)
Syphilis (can cause congenital syphilis if untreated)
Hepatitis B (baby may need immunoglobulin and vaccination at birth)
Rubella immunity (non-immune mothers should avoid exposure and get vaccinated
postpartum)
4. Urine Analysis
Protein detection: High levels may indicate kidney problems or early preeclampsia risk.
Glucose detection: May suggest undiagnosed diabetes.
1. Confirm Pregnancy
Urine or blood hCG test: Detects the pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin)
to confirm pregnancy. Blood tests are more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier than
urine tests.
Early ultrasound: Performed around 6–8 weeks to confirm fetal heartbeat, rule out ectopic
pregnancy, and estimate gestational age for accurate due date calculation.
2. Assess Maternal Health
Medical history and risk factor evaluation: Identifies pre-existing conditions (diabetes,
hypertension, thyroid disorders) that may affect pregnancy.
Blood pressure, weight, and BMI measurement: Helps detect risks like obesity-related
complications or hypertensive disorders.
3. Routine Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects anemia (low hemoglobin), infections, and platelet
abnormalities that could lead to complications like preeclampsia.
Blood Group & Rh Factor: Determines if the mother is Rh-negative, which may require Rh
immunoglobulin (Anti-D) to prevent Rh incompatibility with the baby.
Glucose Test: Screens for gestational diabetes, which can lead to complications like
macrosomia (large baby) and birth complications.
Infection Screening: Detects infections that can affect the baby, such as:
HIV (prevents transmission to baby with early treatment)
Syphilis (can cause congenital syphilis if untreated)
Hepatitis B (baby may need immunoglobulin and vaccination at birth)
Rubella immunity (non-immune mothers should avoid exposure and get vaccinated
postpartum)
4. Urine Analysis
Protein detection: High levels may indicate kidney problems or early preeclampsia risk.
Glucose detection: May suggest undiagnosed diabetes.
