Antenatal Care in Ahmedabad — Structured ANC Programme
Antenatal care at Balaji Horizon is built around evidence-based visit schedules, trimester-specific investigations, and individualised surveillance. The goal: maximum reassurance, minimum unnecessary testing, and timely identification of anything that requires action.
Reviewed by Dr. Priyadatt Patel — with Dr. Shreya Iyengar Patel, Obstetrics & Fetal Medicine.
Standard ANC Visit Schedule
Antenatal visit frequency follows WHO and FIGO recommendations — adjusted to your individual risk profile. High-risk pregnancies require more frequent visits.
Booking visit (6–10 weeks)
Detailed history, examination, dating ultrasound, baseline blood work (CBC, blood group, HIV, hepatitis B/C, syphilis, thyroid, HbA1c if indicated), supplementation initiation.
First trimester scan + NT (11–13⁺⁶ weeks)
Nuchal translucency, combined screening, viability check, dating confirmation, twin diagnosis if applicable. See fetal medicine →
Anomaly scan (18–22 weeks)
Detailed fetal anatomy assessment per ISUOG standards. Identifies major structural anomalies, placental position, cervical length.
OGTT (24–28 weeks)
75g oral glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes screening. Earlier if high risk (BMI, family history, prior GDM).
Growth scans (28, 32, 36 weeks)
Fetal growth velocity, amniotic fluid, biophysical profile, placental function, Doppler when indicated.
Term visits (36+ weeks)
Weekly visits, cervical assessment, fetal position, delivery planning, admission protocol discussion, anaesthesia consultation if needed.
Lifestyle, Nutrition & Supplementation
Folic acid
400 mcg daily (5 mg in high-risk groups) — ideally from pre-conception through 12 weeks. Reduces neural tube defect risk.
Iron + Calcium
Standard prenatal supplementation. Iron dose adjusted to baseline haemoglobin and ferritin.
Vitamin D
Routine in Indian context due to widespread deficiency. Dose individualised by 25-OH-D level.
Diet & weight gain
Balanced Indian diet with adequate protein, complex carbs, fruits, vegetables. Target weight gain individualised by pre-pregnancy BMI.
Exercise
Moderate aerobic activity, yoga, pelvic floor exercises encouraged in uncomplicated pregnancies. Avoid high-impact and high-fall-risk activities.
Sleep & mental health
Prioritise sleep. Screen for perinatal mood disorders. Counselling and partner involvement encouraged.
Same-Team Continuity — Pre-pregnancy Through Delivery
Dr. Priyadatt Patel and Dr. Shreya Iyengar Patel jointly manage the antenatal pathway — obstetric care, IVF-pregnancy continuity, fetal medicine, and high-risk surveillance under one team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ANC visits should I have?
For low-risk pregnancy: WHO recommends minimum 8 contacts. Standard private-practice schedule is approximately 10–12 visits — monthly until 28 weeks, fortnightly 28–36, weekly 36+. High-risk pregnancies often need more.
Do I need all the tests offered?
Some are essential and universal (booking labs, OGTT, anomaly scan). Others depend on risk profile. We do not order tests for the sake of ordering them — each is justified clinically and discussed transparently.
Can I travel during pregnancy?
Yes, in uncomplicated pregnancies — most airlines allow travel up to 32–36 weeks. Avoid travel in unstable conditions, advanced multiple pregnancy, or prior preterm history. Discuss specific trips at your visit.
When should I be alarmed and call?
Persistent vomiting, vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movements, severe headache or visual changes, severe abdominal pain, fever, watery discharge — call immediately. We will guide whether to attend the hospital.
What if I’m carrying twins?
Twin pregnancy is automatically high-risk. Chorionicity (MCDA, DCDA) determines surveillance frequency. High-risk pregnancy guide →
Continue Reading
Due date calculator
Estimate your due date and current stage from the first day of your last period. This is a guide — an early dating scan gives the most accurate date.
For information only; not a substitute for medical assessment. Confirm your dates with your doctor.
Antenatal care by trimester
Structured trimester-specific care, screening, and education.
First Trimester Care
Booking visit, dating scan, NT scan, first-trimester risk screening.
Second Trimester Care
Anomaly scan (TIFFA), fetal echocardiography, vaccinations.
Third Trimester Care
Growth monitoring, position assessment, birth planning.
High-Risk Pregnancy
Multidisciplinary management of complex pregnancies.
Prenatal Screening
Combined first-trimester screening, NIPT, anomaly screening.
Nutrition in Pregnancy
Evidence-based nutrition guidance for every trimester.
Antenatal care — frequently asked questions
When should I book my first antenatal visit?
How many antenatal visits will I have?
What happens at each antenatal visit?
What is the difference between antenatal care and a pregnancy scan?
From your booking visit to birth
Booking visit
Ideally at 6–10 weeks: history, examination, blood tests and a plan for your pregnancy.
First-trimester scan
At 11–13+6 weeks: dating, early anatomy and optional screening, explained before you decide.
Anomaly scan
At 18–22 weeks: a detailed check of your baby’s anatomy and the placenta.
Monitoring to term
Blood pressure and growth checks, a glucose test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks, and extra scans only when needed.
Birth and after
A birth plan agreed with you, then postnatal care and a review at 6–8 weeks.
Timings are typical and are adjusted to your pregnancy.
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
323, Satyamev Eminence, Beside Saptak Bungalows & AUDA Water Tank, Science City Road, Sola, Ahmedabad 380060
Open 24 hours (emergencies & labour) · OPD Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
“Good antenatal care is quiet, regular and unhurried — each visit is a checkpoint that keeps small issues from becoming big ones.”Dr. Priyadatt Patel, MBBS, MS (OBGYN)
Every pregnant woman should know the warning signs of preterm labour — about half of early births happen with no risk factor at all.
