Antenatal surveillance refers to the regular monitoring and assessment of a woman’s health and her baby’s well-being during pregnancy. It is a crucial part of prenatal care to identify any potential risks or complications early, ensuring the healthiest possible outcome for both mother and child. Antenatal surveillance usually includes routine check-ups, ultrasound scans, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests.

Importance:

Antenatal surveillance is vital to monitor the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, assess the baby’s growth and development, detect any complications or abnormalities, provide useful health information and advice, and prepare for birth. It can help manage conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction, among others.

What does it involve?

At Seema Clinic, our comprehensive antenatal surveillance includes:

• Routine Check-ups: Regular physical examinations and discussions about health, lifestyle, and any pregnancy-related concerns.
• Ultrasound Scans: We conduct multiple scans throughout the pregnancy to monitor the baby’s development, confirm due dates, and check for any abnormalities. This includes Early Pregnancy Scan, NT Scan (to detect chromosomal abnormalities), TIFFA Scan (detailed anomaly scan), Fetal Echo (detailed examination of baby’s heart), and Growth and Doppler Scans (to assess fetal growth and blood flow).
• Blood and Urine Tests: To detect conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, and monitor general health.
• Screening for Genetic and Chromosomal Disorders: Tests such as cell-free DNA testing, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to detect conditions like Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 and 13, etc.
• Monitoring of Baby’s Movements: Regular counting and monitoring of the baby’s movements to assess the baby’s well-being.
• NST Reading (Non-Stress Test): A simple, non-invasive test performed in pregnancies over 28 weeks gestation. The test monitors the baby’s heart rate as the baby moves.

Who needs it:

All pregnant women should receive regular antenatal surveillance as part of their prenatal care, regardless of their health status or the health of their baby.

When to start Antenatal Surveillance: 

Antenatal surveillance should ideally begin as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, and continue regularly throughout the pregnancy. The frequency and specifics of visits and tests may vary based on the woman’s overall health, age, lifestyle factors, medical history, and the presence of any pregnancy complications or risk factors. Dr Seema and her team will provide a tailored antenatal care schedule based on these individual factors.

Hear from our past patients

Gundagani Revathi

Hi friends, I went to this hospital clinic today and the dooctor was really good. She is very suggestive, caring and supportive. I frankly recommend you all to her when necessary. Dr. Seema is really one of the best Gynaecologist that I have ever met.