Aim of antenatal care

· To promote and maintain good physical and mental health during pregnancy through health education on nutrition, hygiene etc.

· To promote an awareness of the socio-logical aspects of childbearing and the influence these may have on the family.

· To build up a trusting relationship between the family and the care-givers, which will encourage client to participate in and make informed choices about the care she receive.

· To monitor the progress of pregnancy in order to ensure maternal health and normal fetal development.

· To reduce maternal and perinatal mortality.

· To recognize deviation from the normal and provide prompt management and treatment as required or referring the woman to appropriate health team.

· To ensure that a live, mature, healthy baby when the woman reaches the end of pregnancy.

· To help and support the mother in her choice of infant feeding: to promote breast feeding and advise on preparation for lactation.

· To offer the family advice on parenthood. Either within a planned programme or on individual basis.

· Providing a holistic approach to the woman’s care that meets her individual needs.