Antenatal Care in Andheri East
Antenatal care, also called prenatal care, is the medical care provided from pregnancy confirmation until delivery. Each consultation assesses the mother and baby and prepares for the next stage. Appointments may include blood pressure checks, fetal assessment, laboratory tests, ultrasound scans, and guidance on nutrition, medicines, and warning signs.
The World Health Organization recommends the first antenatal contact during the first trimester, followed by regular care throughout pregnancy. The exact number and timing of visits may change when a pregnancy requires closer monitoring.
Doctor Quote
“Good antenatal care is not only about finding complications. It is also about helping a woman feel informed, reassured, and prepared at every stage of pregnancy.”
— Dr. Pallavi Chauhan
When Should You Begin Antenatal Care?
Arrange your first appointment as soon as pregnancy is suspected or confirmed, preferably within the first trimester. Early consultation helps establish the expected delivery date, review medical conditions, and identify factors that may affect pregnancy.
Seek earlier assessment if you have:
Vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain
Severe vomiting or dehydration
A previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
Diabetes, thyroid disease or high blood pressure
Previous pregnancy complications
Pregnancy after fertility treatment
Regular prescription medicines
Even when you feel well, visits remain important because some pregnancy concerns may initially cause few symptoms.
Received a positive pregnancy test or missed your period?
Book an early pregnancy consultation with Dr Pallavi Chauhan in Andheri East for confirmation, initial assessment and a personalised antenatal plan.
What Happens During the First Antenatal Visit?
Dr Pallavi reviews your menstrual dates, symptoms, medical history, previous pregnancies, medicines and allergies. Your blood pressure, pulse and weight may also be checked.
Blood and urine tests may be planned to assess haemoglobin, blood group, Rh type, blood sugar, urine infection and selected infections. Other tests are advised according to your health history and symptoms. A sound may be recommended to confirm that the pregnancy is inside the uterus, check viability, estimate gestational age or identify a multiple pregnancy. You may also receive guidance about folic acid, iron, calcium, diet, activity, and medicines to avoid.
Antenatal Care During Each Trimester
First Trimester: Up to 13 Weeks
The first trimester focuses on confirming pregnancy, calculating the expected delivery date and assessing early risks.
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cramps and spotting are reviewed, with guidance on when urgent attention is needed. Early blood tests and an ultrasound may be advised depending on your pregnancy stage and medical history.
This is also the right time to discuss existing health conditions, previous pregnancy difficulties and any medicines or supplements you are currently taking.
Second Trimester: 14 to 27 Weeks
Visits during the second trimester focus on maternal health, fetal growth and structural development.
Care may include blood pressure monitoring, fetal assessment, an anomaly scan, diabetes screening and repeat blood tests.
The anomaly scan examines the baby’s major structures and development. Additional imaging or a specialist opinion may be advised when a risk factor or earlier test requires further evaluation.
During this trimester, many women begin noticing fetal movements. Dr Pallavi explains what to expect and when changes in movement should be reported.
Third Trimester: 28 Weeks to Delivery
Appointments generally become more frequent as delivery approaches. Care focuses on fetal growth, the baby’s position, placental health, maternal blood pressure, and delivery planning.
Monitoring may include growth assessment, repeat tests, ultrasound or non-stress testing when indicated. Later visits also cover labour signs, hospital admission and recovery.
The third trimester is also used to prepare the mother and family for delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care and the early postnatal period.
Every pregnancy progresses differently.
Schedule a follow-up consultation to review your reports, monitor your baby’s growth and understand what to expect in the next trimester.
Tests and Scans Used During Pregnancy
The investigations recommended depend on gestational age, medical history and clinical findings.
Blood and Urine Tests
Blood tests may assess haemoglobin, blood group, Rh factor, blood sugar and selected infections.
Urine testing can help identify infection, sugar or protein. Repeat tests may be needed if anaemia, diabetes, thyroid concerns or high blood pressure are identified.
Ultrasound Scans
Ultrasound may be used to:
- Confirm pregnancy location and viability
- Estimate gestational age
- Assess fetal anatomy
- Monitor fetal growth
- Check the placenta
- Assess amniotic fluid
- Identify a multiple pregnancy
WHO recommends at least one ultrasound before 24 weeks in routine pregnancy care. Additional scans may be advised when medically required. al Diabetes Screening
Gestational diabetes screening is generally performed during pregnancy because raised blood sugar can affect the health of both mother and baby.
Women with certain risk factors may require earlier or repeated blood sugar testing.
Nutrition and Everyday Pregnancy Guidance
Healthy eating supports maternal wellbeing and fetal development. The focus is on balanced meals containing protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and suitable sources of iron and calcium.
Guidance may cover:
Prescribed pregnancy supplements
Adequate hydration
Safe food choices
Healthy weight gain
Management of nausea and vomiting
Relief from acidity or constipation
Medicines that should be avoided
Alcohol, tobacco, and unapproved medicines should be avoided during pregnancy.
WHO recommends counselling on healthy eating and physical activity during pregnancy, along with iron and folic acid supplementation. The exact dose and duration should be based on your reports and medical requirements.
Contact your obstetrician or seek urgent medical care if you experience:
Vaginal bleeding
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Fluid leaking from the vagina
Severe headache or blurred vision
Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
Fever or breathing difficulty
Fits, fainting or loss of consciousness
A noticeable reduction in established fetal movements
Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment when a warning sign appears.
Preparing for Labour and Delivery
During later antenatal visits, Dr Pallavi discusses signs of labour, when to visit the hospital, available pain-relief options and factors that may influence the mode of delivery.
Where medically suitable, the aim is to support vaginal birth. A caesarean section may be advised when safer for the mother, baby or both.
The delivery plan may depend on the baby’s position, placental factors, fetal wellbeing, previous surgery, labour progress and the mother’s overall health.
You may also receive guidance on:
Preparing your hospital bag
Keeping medical reports ready
Emergency contact steps
Breastfeeding preparation
Newborn care
Recovery after delivery
Postnatal appointments
Why Choose Dr Pallavi Chauhan for Antenatal Care in Andheri East?
Dr Pallavi Chauhan has experience in managing high-risk pregnancies and coordinates investigations, fetal monitoring, referrals, and delivery planning according to each condition. She also has:
Over a Decade of Experience
Personalised Pregnancy Plans
High-Risk Pregnancy Support
Clear Communication
Continued Pregnancy Support
Convenient Andheri East Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit an obstetrician during pregnancy?
The schedule depends on your pregnancy stage and risk factors. Routine appointments generally become more frequent near the expected delivery date. High-risk pregnancies may require additional visits and tests.
Which scan confirms the expected delivery date?
An early pregnancy ultrasound can confirm viability and estimate gestational age. Pregnancy dating is generally more accurate when the scan is performed early, especially when menstrual dates are uncertain.
If I feel okay, do I need a 6-week Postnatal Check-Up?
Yes, a complete postnatal assessment can still be advantageous. It is an opportunity to discuss the physical healing, emotional well-being, pelvic floor symptoms, contraception, exercise, sexual health, and any persistent pregnancy-related issues.
What is the average time for recovery after giving birth?
Recovery varies considerably. Pelvic floor, abdominal, hormonal, breastfeeding, or emotional changes may take longer, and some symptoms will improve within weeks. The recovery from a cesarean can also be different than that of vaginal delivery.
Are all antenatal blood tests compulsory?
Tests are advised to identify conditions that may affect the mother or baby. Recommendations vary according to the stage of pregnancy, medical history, symptoms and previous test results.
Can I exercise during pregnancy?
Many women can continue moderate physical activity during an uncomplicated pregnancy. The type and intensity should be discussed with your obstetrician, particularly if you have bleeding, pain, placental concerns or another medical condition.
When should I start monitoring fetal movements?
Movements are usually noticed during the second trimester. Your obstetrician will explain when and how to monitor them based on your pregnancy stage. A noticeable reduction in established movements should be reported promptly.