After 3 months of pregnancy, the woman should visit her doctor monthly up to 7 months and thereafter fortnightly till 9th month.

From the 4th month of pregnancy, iron and calcium supplements should be started and tetanus immunization should be done.

A detailed ultrasound, called level 2, is performed at 5 months of pregnancy to detect any foetal defects. If a woman is more than 35 years of age, a specific set of investigations called triple test and quadruple test have to be performed to rule out Down’s syndrome.

In the 9th month of pregnancy, weekly visits must be made and the woman should be explained as to how she can keep count of her foetal kicks.

Certain warning signs like bleeding pv, leaking, pain abdomen, headache and blurring of vision, loss of fetal movements, require immediate medical attention and should be considered an emergency without any delay in reaching the hospital.

 Dr Rifat Ara,

HOD Gynaecology and Obstetrics,

SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina,