Antepartum Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction
Antepartum care focuses on monitoring and optimizing maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. This blog provides a detailed overview of pre-conception counseling and prenatal care.

Body

1. Pre-Conception Counseling

   • Folate Supplementation: Reduces neural tube defect risk by 70%.
   • Iron and Multivitamins: Essential for fetal development.

2. Initial Prenatal Visit

   • Conducted at 8-12 weeks or earlier if complications arise.
   • Includes medical history, physical examination, and baseline investigations (e.g., FBE, blood group, Rh status).

3. Important Immunizations

   • Safe in pregnancy: Influenza, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis.
   • Avoid live vaccines during pregnancy.

4. Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

   • Common in the first trimester; managed with small meals and vitamin B6.
   • Severe cases (hyperemesis gravidarum) require hospital admission.

Conclusion
Comprehensive antepartum care ensures the best outcomes for both mother and baby. These notes are a vital resource for medical students.