Your Complete Week-by-Week Guide to Safe and Happy Pregnancy in India (2025 Edition)

Pregnancy isn’t just about growing a life—it’s about protecting one. Here’s a deeply personal, step-by-step guide to antenatal care that keeps mom and baby safe.

Welcome to the Journey: My Antenatal Story and Your Ultimate Guide

Becoming a mother is a whirlwind of emotions—love, fear, excitement, exhaustion. I’ve been there, panicked over the smallest cramps, Googled “normal fetal heart rate” at 3 a.m., and cried when I saw the heartbeat on the first scan.

But more than anything, I learned that proper antenatal care isn’t optional—it’s life-saving.

So let me walk you through it all, just like a friend would—each test, each visit, each red flag. This isn’t just any medical guide; this is the emotional, practical, mother-tested version of prenatal care in India, 2025.

What Is Antenatal Care (ANC), Really?

Antenatal care is the ongoing medical supervision, counseling, and support you receive while you’re pregnant. It ensures you and your baby stay healthy, detects complications early, and prepares you for delivery and motherhood.

It includes:

• Routine checkups
• Blood tests and scans
• Nutritional and lifestyle advice
• Preventive vaccinations and supplements
• Delivery preparation

Step-by-Step ANC Schedule (Trimester-Wise Breakdown)

First Visit (Preferably in the First Trimester: 6–12 Weeks)

This first visit lays the groundwork for the entire pregnancy.

What to Expect:

✅ Confirmation of pregnancy
✅ LMP (Last Menstrual Period) to estimate due date
✅ Parity and obstetric history (previous pregnancies, losses)
✅ Medical history (diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension)
✅ Family history (genetic diseases, twins, infections like TB)

Physical Exams:

• Height, weight, and BMI
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Breast, abdominal, and pelvic exam
• If needed: P/S (per speculum) and P/V (per vaginum) exams

Investigations:

• Essential: Hemoglobin levels, blood group (ABO & Rh), urine routine
• Mandatory: HIV, HBsAg, VDRL
• GDM Screening: WHO OGTT/DIPSI (blood sugar test)
• Optional (if available): NT scan, double marker test for genetic screening

Actions Taken:

• Registering pregnancy on the RCH portal
• Giving MCH protection card and booklet
• Starting folic acid (400 mcg) daily
• First dose of Tetanus + adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine

Second Trimester (13–27 Weeks)

You begin to feel movement. Baby’s growing. So is the need for vigilance.

Key Questions:

• Are you feeling the baby move?
• Any vomiting, bleeding, unusual discharge?
• Are you taking supplements regularly?

Physical Exam:

• Fundal height (measuring uterus growth)
• Weight check, BP, check for swelling or pallor
• Fetal heart sounds if beyond 20 weeks

Investigations:

• Hemoglobin (again)
• Urine protein
• Level II anomaly scan (between 18–20 weeks)
• Repeat OGTT (after 24 weeks)

Supplements:

• Iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets
• Calcium + Vitamin D
• Deworming with Albendazole 400mg (after 14 weeks)

Vaccine:

• Second Td dose (4 weeks after the first one)

Third Trimester (28–40 Weeks)

Now it’s all about monitoring baby’s growth, preparing for labor, and spotting danger early.

28–34 Weeks

• Hemoglobin check
• Fundal height, fetal heart sounds, baby’s position
• Urine protein
• Symphysiofundal height (SFL) measurement
• Ultrasound for growth and amniotic fluid volume (if needed)

If Hb <9 g/dL – injectable iron (e.g. Iron Sucrose)
If Hb <7 g/dL – refer to higher center for possible blood transfusion

36–40 Weeks

• Final check-ups
• Baby’s presentation (head down? transverse?)
• Counselling for birth preparedness, delivery, breastfeeding, and postpartum contraception

Pregnancy Danger Signs (That Must Never Be Ignored)

I always kept a sticky note on my fridge with these red flags:

• Fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe headache or blurred vision
• Leaking fluid (suspected water break)
• Bleeding or reduced fetal movement
• Palpitations or breathlessness
• Itching, especially on palms/soles
• Painful urination

If you face any of these: Rush to your nearest health facility. No delay.

Where to Get Quality Antenatal Care in India?

Here are some of the most trusted hospitals in India known for exceptional antenatal and maternity care:

 Cloudnine Hospitals (Multiple Cities)

• Locations: Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Gurgaon, Chennai
• Known for: State-of-the-art facilities, highly rated OB-GYNs, prenatal classes
• Cost estimate: ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 for delivery packages
• Website: cloudninecare.com

Apollo Cradle

• Locations: Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi NCR
• Reviews: Excellent patient care, NICU facilities
• Packages: ANC + Delivery combos from ₹50,000 onwards
• Website: apollocradle.com

 Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad

• Specialist in high-risk pregnancies
• Reviews: Trusted by generations
• Website: fernandezhospital.com

 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi

• Best for affordable, advanced care
• Cost: Minimal for registered patients
• Known for: Expert faculty, emergency readiness

Notable Doctors for Antenatal & Delivery Care in India (2025)

Ask Google or Siri:

• “What tests are done in the second trimester in India?”
• “Which hospital has the best antenatal care in Mumbai?”
• “Is it normal to have leg swelling during pregnancy?”
• “Cost of delivery in Apollo Cradle?”

Aftercare: Postnatal Musts

• Continue iron and calcium for 3 months postpartum
• Breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months
• Watch for postpartum depression
• Use contraception after medical consultation

❓ FAQ Section: Your Most Asked Questions

Q1. How many antenatal visits are mandatory during pregnancy in India?
A: At least 4. But WHO recommends 8 contacts for best outcomes.

Q2. Is ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
A: Yes, diagnostic ultrasound is non-invasive and safe. Key ones: NT scan, anomaly scan, growth scan.

Q3. What is the cost of antenatal care in India?
A: Ranges from ₹1,500 (govt hospitals) to ₹30,000+ in private hospitals for full ANC packages.

Q4. What foods to avoid during pregnancy?
A: Raw papaya, uncooked meat, excess caffeine, unpasteurized milk, certain fish with high mercury.

Q5. What are the most important supplements in pregnancy?
A: Folic acid, Iron, Calcium with Vitamin D. Deworming (Albendazole) and Vitamin B12 if vegetarian.

Q6. How can I register for pregnancy in India?
A: Visit your nearest PHC/CHC or private clinic. You'll be registered on the RCH portal and receive an MCH card.

References & Trusted Sources

1. Government of India – MoHFW ANC Guidelines 2023-24
2. WHO Antenatal Care Recommendations – https://www.who.int
3. Cloudnine Hospitals – cloudninecare.com
4. Apollo Cradle – apollocradle.com
5. Fernandez Hospital – fernandezhospital.com

Pregnancy isn’t just a physical journey—it’s spiritual, emotional, and transformational. The body builds life, the heart prepares for unconditional love. And every blood test, every scan, every pill you take, is a step toward that love.

So don’t skip a visit. Don’t ignore a signal.
Motherhood deserves nothing less than care rooted in science—and in love.