Antenatal Care: A Complete Guide for Expectant Mothers in Ethiopia

Why Antenatal Care Saves Lives

Ethiopia has made enormous progress in reducing maternal mortality — but most pregnancy complications are still preventable with regular monitoring. At Bethzatha, we see hundreds of pregnant women monthly, and our high-risk pregnancy unit has helped families with conditions once considered untreatable in the private sector.

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)

**Visit as soon as you confirm pregnancy.** Ideally before 8 weeks.

What happens at your first visit: - Confirmation of pregnancy by blood or urine test - Dating ultrasound to confirm gestational age - Blood type, Rh factor, CBC, blood glucose, HIV, hepatitis B, VDRL screening - Folic acid prescription (prevents neural tube defects) - BMI assessment and nutritional counseling

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)

Visits at 16, 20, and 24 weeks.

- **Anomaly scan at 20 weeks** — the most important ultrasound in pregnancy, checks all fetal organs - Glucose challenge test at 24-28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes - Iron and calcium supplementation begins - Blood pressure monitoring begins — rising BP can signal pre-eclampsia

Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)

More frequent visits — every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks, then weekly.

- Fetal position assessment - Group B Streptococcus screening at 35-37 weeks - Birth plan discussion — hospital, pain management, support person - Warning signs of labor, when to come to the hospital

High-Risk Pregnancies

Women with diabetes, hypertension, previous C-section, twins, or age over 35 need enhanced monitoring. Bethzatha's High-Risk Pregnancy Unit provides specialized surveillance with full fetal monitoring capability.

Nutrition During Pregnancy

- **Protein:** Eggs, legumes, and dairy are excellent sources - **Iron:** Liver, tibs, and dark leafy greens combat the 50% increase in iron demand - **Folate:** Dark green vegetables and fortified injera - **Calcium:** Dairy, sardines with bones, fortified foods - Avoid raw meat, unpasteurized dairy, and excessive vitamin A

*Book your first antenatal consultation at Bethzatha's OB/GYN Department — telephones available for same-day urgent appointments.*