My First Antenatal Visit

Now that you have confirmed you are indeed pregnant, you need to start antenatal clinic as soon as possible so that your health and that of your unborn child will be monitored to avoid any unforeseen circumstances which could be fatal to mother and/or child. Let me share my experience with you.

After I had tested positive with the pregnancy kit I got from the pharmacy,I reported at a clinic. I was made to sample my urine which was tested. The results confirmed that I was indeed pregnant. 

Then the midwife pulled out a book(maternal record book) and filled in my details after which she scribbled some things on paper and directed me to the lab for some tests; Blood group, HIV/AIDS status, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Sickling status, HB(Blood level), sugar level and protein.

 I was supposed to have taken a scan too but because they didn’t ran such services , i was instructed to take it outside and bring the results on my next visit.

When the lab results were ready, I went back to see the midwife and she wrote down some prescriptions for me to get at the dispensary.Folic acid, multivitamins and bCo(😁). (Below is a picture of the antenatal book)

She advised me on adopting good eating habits; eat well balanced diets at regular intervals,(don’t wait till you are famished before you eat) drink more water and take in lots of fruits. Don’t miss any of your doses because the baby will depend on whatever you eat or drink for survival. Sleep under treated mosquito nets (but they didn’t give me one mpo😜) if you feel any discomforts,report back to us”. 

I was given a little container in which I was to sample my urine and present at ANC (Antenatal Clinic) each time I visited. I was scheduled to visit once every month, it was such a relief because I hate hospital environments(will tell you more on my Memories page). “Bring your Maternal Record book and your national health card each time you visit”. Those were her final words and I headed back home

So that’s basically what you should expect at your first visit to the antenatal clinic. However, services provided may differ from hospital to hospital so don’t expect the same procedures. I didn’t continue my ANC at the same facility so I had the opportunity to experience varying services.

Don’t forget to take some money along because you would have to pay for some of the lab tests and medicines. NHIS is free for pregnant women but does not cover every medicine or services. 

Be bold enough to ask questions that may be on your mind, the nurses will be kind enough to sort you out with the right answers.

If you have any questions about this post, kindly drop it in the comment section. I will send you a reply.