Antenatal Care at Yaal Fertility Centre, Chennai
Structured pregnancy check-ups, scans, and screening at every stage
What is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care refers to the regular check-ups, scans, and tests that track the wellbeing of both mother and baby through pregnancy, following a structured visit schedule that typically starts monthly, becomes fortnightly from around the seventh month, and moves to weekly visits as you approach your due date, with the exact frequency adjusted for your individual risk factors. At every visit, we check blood pressure, weight, and urine as routine screens for early warning signs such as pre-eclampsia. Scans and blood tests are timed to specific windows through pregnancy: an early dating scan in the first trimester, a detailed anomaly scan around the 18-to-22-week mark to assess the baby's structural development, a glucose tolerance test typically between 24 and 28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes, and growth or Doppler scans later in pregnancy where indicated. Monitoring is more frequent for pregnancies conceived through IVF or ICSI, multiple pregnancies, and those with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. Rather than a one-off appointment, antenatal care is an ongoing partnership between you and your care team, so that any concerns can be picked up and managed promptly at each stage of pregnancy.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Fertility treatment depends on individual circumstances, so please book a consultation to discuss your own case.
Watch
Our Doctors Explain
Pregnancy month by month: months 6 to 10
The heartbeat scan: hearing your baby's heartbeat
Nausea in pregnancy: when is it normal?
Conditions We Treat
Gestational diabetes
Pre-eclampsia risk
Fetal growth concerns
Anaemia in pregnancy
Rh incompatibility
Thyroid disorders in pregnancy
Low-lying placenta
High-risk pregnancy monitoring (IVF/ICSI conception, multiples, advanced maternal age)
Treatments & Procedures
Dating & anomaly (TIFFA) ultrasound scans
Glucose tolerance testing
Blood pressure & urine monitoring
Fetal growth & Doppler scans
Antenatal vaccination (Tdap, TT/Td, influenza)
Routine blood & infection screening
Nutrition & weight-gain guidance
Scheduled antenatal visits
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I need antenatal check-ups?+
Visit frequency typically increases as pregnancy progresses, generally monthly in the first two trimesters and more often closer to your due date. Your doctor will set a schedule based on your individual health and any risk factors identified along the way.
What happens at a typical antenatal visit?+
A routine visit usually includes checking your blood pressure, weight, and urine, discussing any symptoms, and, depending on the stage of pregnancy, may include an ultrasound scan or blood test. Your doctor will also review your baby's growth and answer any questions you have.
Are all pregnant women screened for gestational diabetes?+
Screening for gestational diabetes is a standard part of antenatal care for most pregnancies, usually done with a glucose tolerance test at a specific stage of pregnancy. Your doctor will advise on timing based on your individual risk factors.
How many ultrasound scans will I have during pregnancy?+
The number and timing of scans depends on your pregnancy and any risk factors, but most pregnancies include an early dating scan, a detailed anomaly scan around 18 to 22 weeks, and growth scans later in pregnancy. Additional scans may be recommended if needed.
Will my pregnancy be monitored differently because I conceived through IVF or ICSI?+
Often, yes. Pregnancies conceived through fertility treatment are generally monitored a little more closely, particularly in early pregnancy, and may be classified as higher-risk depending on your individual history. This isn't a reflection of anything being wrong — it's a standard precaution given the context of how the pregnancy was achieved.
Antenatal Care near you
Further Reading
Guides on Antenatal Care
Doctor-reviewed articles to help you prepare and decide
FertilityLifestyle
Folic Acid Before Pregnancy: When to Start & Why It Matters
Start folic acid ideally three months before trying to conceive and keep taking it through the first trimester. It lowers the risk of spina bifida in the baby.
Dr. Rukkayal Fathima
FertilityWomen's Health
When to Take a Pregnancy Test for an Accurate Result
Take a home pregnancy test from the first day of your missed period, using first-morning urine. If negative and your period is still late, retest in 3 days.
Dr. Rukkayal Fathima
FertilityDiagnostics
Thyroid and Fertility: How Hormones Affect Conception
Understand how thyroid disorders affect ovulation, TSH levels for IVF, and miscarriage risks. Learn about treatments to optimize your fertility.
Dr. Rukkayal Fathima