Pregnancy care and antenatal check-ups in Neelankarai, ECR
What to expect at each stage of antenatal care: visit schedule, scans, blood tests and warning signs, with obstetricians, NICU and 24/7 care at Healtree, ECR.
By the Healtree Hospital clinical team.
Antenatal care is the regular check-ups you have during pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy. Visits are usually monthly until 28 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. Healtree Hospital in Neelankarai, ECR offers obstetric consultations, scans, blood tests, a 24-hour labour ward and an on-site NICU.
Why antenatal care matters
Regular check-ups pick up problems such as anaemia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or slow fetal growth early, when they are easiest to manage. They are also a chance to ask questions, plan your delivery and prepare for feeding and newborn care.
A typical visit schedule
Your obstetrician may adjust this, especially if your pregnancy needs closer monitoring.
- First visit: ideally as soon as your pregnancy test is positive, before 10 weeks
- Up to 28 weeks: once every four weeks
- 28 to 36 weeks: once every two weeks
- 36 weeks until delivery: once a week
Scans and tests during pregnancy
- Early dating scan to confirm the pregnancy and due date
- Nuchal translucency (NT) scan with screening blood tests at 11 to 14 weeks
- Detailed anomaly scan at 18 to 22 weeks
- Growth and Doppler scans in the third trimester when needed
- Blood group, haemoglobin, thyroid, infection screening and urine tests
- Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes, usually at 24 to 28 weeks
- Blood pressure and weight at every visit
Nutrition, supplements and vaccines
Folic acid is recommended from before conception until at least 12 weeks. Iron and calcium supplements are usually started in the second trimester. A tetanus-diphtheria vaccine is given in pregnancy, and your doctor will advise on others. See our guide to nutrition in pregnancy for food advice.
Warning signs: come to the hospital straight away
Healtree Hospital is open 24 hours. Do not wait for your next appointment if you notice any of these:
- Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- Severe headache, blurred vision or swelling of the face and hands
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Reduced or no baby movements after 28 weeks
- Fever, or painful or burning urination
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
Planning for delivery
In the third trimester your obstetrician will talk through your birth plan, the signs of labour, and when to come in. With a labour ward, operation theatre and NICU under one roof, the team can manage both normal deliveries and those that need extra care.
See a specialist in Neelankarai, ECR
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Our Obstetrics & Gynaecology team at Healtree Multi-Speciality Centre & Hospital can assess your situation. The hospital is open 24 hours.
Specialists: Dr. R. Suganya, Dr. Hemalatha, Dr. Divya Subramani
Related services: Ultrasound & Doppler, Laboratory (24/7), Neonatal ICU (NICU)
Frequently asked questions
- When should I book my first antenatal visit?
- As soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally before 10 weeks, so that dating, early screening and supplements can start on time.
- How many scans will I need during pregnancy?
- Most pregnancies need at least three: an early dating scan, an NT scan at 11 to 14 weeks and an anomaly scan at 18 to 22 weeks. Extra growth scans are added if needed.
- Is the hospital open at night for pregnancy emergencies?
- Yes. Healtree Hospital is open 24 hours, seven days a week, with obstetric and neonatal teams available round the clock.
- What should I bring to antenatal appointments?
- Bring your pregnancy record or card, previous scan and test reports, and a list of any medicines you take.
Related reading
Ready to see a specialist?
Book an appointment online or call us any time. Our team is available 24/7.