When to Start Antenatal Care in Nigeria?

Updated on August 13, 2023

This guide is for women who want to find out when to start antenatal care in Nigeria. Find out everything you need to know about antenatal in Nigeria.

Hey there, future parents and caregivers! If you’re wondering about the journey of pregnancy and how to keep both mom and baby in the best of health, you’re in the right place. Antenatal care in Nigeria is like having a trusty guide by your side, ensuring that this incredible chapter in your life is as smooth and joyful as possible.

From the very first glimpse of that double line on the pregnancy test to feeling those tiny kicks and hiccups, antenatal care is your golden ticket to a happy, healthy pregnancy. We’re here to break it all down for you, minus the confusing medical jargon. We’re here to share the what, why, and how of antenatal care in Nigeria.

Whether you’re a soon-to-be parent or just curious about the magical world of pregnancy, we’ve got all the deets you need. Let’s dive in, shall we? Your baby bump and growing family will thank you later!

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What is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care is medical attention given to a pregnant woman either by her doctor or a midwife to improve her health and that of her unborn child.

Women receive antenatal care from competent healthcare professionals throughout their pregnancy. It includes risk assessment, scan, screening, as well as the prevention and treatment of pregnancy-related or coexisting diseases, as well as education about their health and diet.

When to Start Antenatal Care in Nigeria?

It is important to know when to start antenatal care in Nigeria, so read along carefully.

You must attend an appointment when you suspect you’re pregnant or when you’re 6-8 weeks gone in your pregnancy. You have the option of meeting with your doctor or a clinic or hospital for your initial appointment.

During this first appointment, your doctor will confirm your pregnancy, examine your health, and provide you with information that you will need in the coming months during your visit. You’ll also be able to talk about who you want to take care of you during your pregnancy.

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The earlier you begin antenatal screenings, the better. After that, you should have antenatal check-ups once a month until you’re 28 weeks pregnant, then twice a month until you’re 36 weeks. You should go every week throughout the last four weeks of your pregnancy.

Antenatal care is normally provided at your doctor’s office, but it can also be provided at a nearby hospital, health centre, young person centre, or even from home, depending on your circumstances.

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Types of Antenatal Care

Antenatal care for expecting mothers is in this category:

• Pregnancy in the first trimester.
• Lessons on Lamaze (involving breathing techniques, relaxation, and support).
• Active birth (learning birthing techniques and positions).
• Birthing with ease (childbirth education program based on an understanding of the birth process).
• Hypnobirthing (a form of deep meditation and relaxation).
• Antenatal aqua classes.
• Prenatal yoga or pilates for breastfeeding preparation.

Why do l need Antenatal Care? The importance of Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care is essential for healthy mothers and babies. It assists you in physically and emotionally preparing for the birth of your child.

It aids in the early detection, management, and prevention of issues that arise during pregnancy. It also helps to avoid complications in pregnancy due to late antenatal booking.

Antenatal care provides women and their homes with relevant information and advice for a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth, and postnatal recovery, including child care and breastfeeding,

Mothers who receive ample antenatal care have a better chance of having a successful delivery and birth.

Risks of not Attending Antenatal Care

Women who do not attend antenatal care or for late antenatal care appointments bring complications in pregnancy.

Low birth weight in infants, preterm deliveries, stillbirths, neonatal, perinatal, and maternal mortality are all more common among women who receive no or inadequate antenatal care.

How much is the cost of Antenatal Care in Nigeria?

Pregnant women in Nigeria are charged N20,500 for antenatal care and an additional N10,500 for delivery fees in government hospitals. This payment includes tests, screening, scans, and drugs.

In a situation where a woman gives birth via a caesarian section, the cost is N50,000.

For private hospitals, pregnant women are charged N60,000 and above.

Antenatal Drug list in Nigeria

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and many women’s dreams, but you must maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure a better outcome for you and your baby. You must take your usual antenatal medicines in addition to scheduling your pregnancy for antenatal care and routine antenatal appointments with your doctor.

The benefits of taking your prenatal medications are numerous. They can help you raise your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system to combat diseases, increase your appetite, and avoid birth problems in your baby, such as the terrible spinal Bifida.

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You should also be thinking about the baby things to buy before birth in Nigeria.

Here is a list of routine antenatal medications in Nigeria for a Nigerian woman who is pregnant or planning to conceive.

• Calcium
• Folic acid
• Pregnacare
• Vitamin C
• Fansidar
• Vitamin B12

We’ve covered everything there is about when to start antenatal care in Nigeria, if you think there’s something missing or you just have questions please let us know in the comments.