Expert Antenatal Care in Ahmedabad
Antenatal care — the systematic medical supervision of a pregnant woman from conception to delivery — is the single most effective tool for ensuring a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. At Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad, our structured antenatal programme combines evidence-based screening protocols, high-resolution obstetric ultrasound, and experienced specialist oversight across all three trimesters.
What Is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care (ANC) is the preventive healthcare provided to pregnant women before childbirth. It encompasses regular clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, ultrasound scans, nutritional counselling, and timely identification of complications. FIGO, WHO, and FOGSI guidelines recommend a minimum of 8 antenatal contacts for a low-risk pregnancy — more for high-risk conditions. Our programme is built on these international standards, adapted to the local disease patterns seen in Ahmedabad and Gujarat.
Our Antenatal Care Programme — Trimester by Trimester
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)
The first trimester visit — ideally before 10 weeks — establishes your baseline. We confirm viability via transvaginal ultrasound, calculate the accurate expected date of delivery, assess fetal nuchal translucency between 11–13 weeks for Down syndrome risk, screen for early complications (threatened abortion, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy), and arrange first-trimester combined screening with serum biochemistry (PAPP-A and free β-hCG). Blood group, Rh typing, complete blood count, urine culture, thyroid profile, and OGTT for high-risk gestational diabetes are ordered at this stage.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–28)
The second trimester is the window for structural screening. The Anomaly Scan (TIFFA/Level II ultrasound) at 18–22 weeks is the cornerstone — a detailed scan of all fetal organ systems, placental position, amniotic fluid volume, and cervical length. Our Fetal Medicine Unit performs these using Voluson expert-class machines with trained specialists. The Quadruple Marker test for chromosomal anomaly risk is offered at 15–22 weeks. For women with prior pregnancy loss, cervical incompetence, or uterine anomalies, serial cervical length measurement and, where indicated, cervical cerclage are planned during this period. Gestational diabetes screening via 75g OGTT is completed by 24–28 weeks.
Third Trimester (Weeks 29–40)
Third-trimester care focuses on fetal growth surveillance, presentation, placental function, and delivery planning. Growth scans with Doppler studies (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery) at 28–32 weeks and 34–36 weeks are standard for women at risk of fetal growth restriction or pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure monitoring, urine protein, and haemoglobin rechecks are done at each visit. Birth plan discussions, breastfeeding education, and newborn care orientation are integrated at 34–36 weeks. For high-risk pregnancies, the frequency and intensity of monitoring is increased accordingly.
Key Antenatal Screening Tests
Our ANC protocol includes all FOGSI-recommended and international screening investigations: nuchal translucency scan, first-trimester combined screening, anomaly scan (TIFFA), quadruple marker, gestational diabetes screening, Group B Streptococcus screening, HIV/HBsAg/VDRL/Rubella serology, complete urine examination and culture, and thyroid function testing. Additional investigations are arranged based on individual risk profiling.
High-Risk Pregnancy Monitoring
Conditions including pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, prior caesarean section, multiple pregnancy, advanced maternal age, and a history of preterm birth or pregnancy loss require enhanced surveillance. Our high-risk obstetrics team works closely with the Fetal Medicine Unit to provide continuity of care and timely intervention, avoiding unnecessary emergency escalation through proactive monitoring.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance
Evidence-based dietary counselling — including folic acid supplementation (5 mg pre-conception and in first trimester for high-risk), iron and calcium supplementation schedules, and gestational weight gain targets — is provided at each visit. Our team addresses anaemia, which remains the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in pregnancy in India, with personalised supplementation and dietary plans.
Antenatal Care at Balaji Horizon — What Makes Us Different
- Integrated Fetal Medicine — In-house Fetal Medicine Unit with Voluson expert ultrasound for anomaly scanning, Doppler studies, and fetal echocardiography
- Structured Risk Stratification — Every patient is formally categorised low, moderate, or high risk at booking; care intensity is calibrated accordingly
- FOGSI + FIGO Protocol Alignment — All investigations and timelines follow current Indian and international guidelines
- Seamless High-Risk Escalation — In-house NICU and specialist escalation pathway for complications requiring immediate management
- Continuity of Care — Same specialist team from booking to delivery, ensuring consistent assessment and no information gaps
Book Your Antenatal Care Consultation
The earlier you begin antenatal care, the more complete your pregnancy monitoring can be. Contact Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital to register your pregnancy and begin your structured antenatal programme. Our team at Science City Road, Ahmedabad is available 7 days a week for new patient registrations.
Call / WhatsApp: +91 +91 97234 31544 | Hospital: +91 97234 31544