Pregnancy Is Not a Time to “Just Wait and See”
I’m always a little concerned when a new antenatal patient comes to me at 20 weeks having had no checkups yet because “everything seemed fine.” Early antenatal care isn’t just about reassurance — it’s about catching things before they become problems.
Here’s what good antenatal care looks like, and what to expect at each stage of your pregnancy at Punit Fertility & Women’s Center.
When to Book Your First Appointment
As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. Ideally between 6–8 weeks. This early visit confirms the pregnancy is in the right place (rules out ectopic), checks for a heartbeat, estimates your due date accurately, and catches anything that needs early attention — like thyroid issues or low haemoglobin.
If you have a history of miscarriage, IVF pregnancy, or any medical condition, I want to see you even earlier.
First Trimester (Weeks 6–13): Setting the Foundation
This is the most critical period of fetal development — and the one where many important decisions are made.
- Dating scan (6–8 weeks): Confirms heartbeat, gestational age, and number of babies
- Blood tests: Blood group, haemoglobin, thyroid, blood sugar, rubella immunity, hepatitis B, HIV — a complete baseline
- NT scan + blood test (11–14 weeks): Screening for Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions
- Urine culture: Silent urinary infections are common in pregnancy and need treatment
- Supplements: Folic acid (if not already started), iron, Vitamin D
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27): The Most Comfortable Phase
For most women, the nausea settles and energy returns. But this trimester has important screening to complete.
- Anomaly scan (18–20 weeks): A detailed ultrasound examining every organ system — brain, heart, kidneys, spine. This is the most important scan of pregnancy.
- Glucose challenge test (24–28 weeks): Screens for gestational diabetes — extremely common in Indian women and important to manage carefully
- Cervical length scan (if indicated): For women at risk of preterm birth
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40): The Home Stretch
Visits become more frequent as delivery approaches.
- Growth scans: To monitor baby’s weight and growth trajectory
- Doppler studies: Blood flow to the baby through the placenta
- Haemoglobin recheck: Anaemia is common in late pregnancy
- Birth planning discussion: Mode of delivery, hospital admission plan, what to watch for
What I Always Tell My Pregnant Patients
Call me if anything worries you — unusual pain, reduced fetal movement after 28 weeks, heavy bleeding, severe headache, or any symptom that feels wrong. Don’t wait for your next appointment if something seems off.
Comprehensive Antenatal Care in Kandivali, Mumbai
At Punit Fertility & Women’s Center, Dr. Miral Patel provides personalised antenatal care from early pregnancy through delivery planning — with the warmth and attention that this incredible period deserves.