Antenatal or Prenatal care is the special care given to pregnant women. It refers to the regular routine check-ups recommended before and during pregnancy. Midwives are trained professionals, qualified to provide antenatal care for women with a normal pregnancy, and this care is sustained through to delivery. If any complications develop, then the midwives refer women to a doctor at the hospital. Women then give birth in the hospital delivery ward, closely attended by the midwives and doctors.

Goals

1. Minimise risks to mother and child.
2. Prevent “problems”, if possible, through health education, adequate nutrition, exercise, vitamin intake, and appropriate medical and pharmaceutical intervention, among others.
3. Detect potential problems early.
4. Provide safe delivery for mother and baby.

Antenatal clinic visits should begin during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy; preferably as soon as possible after the first missed period. These visits are essential for the early assessment of risk factors for mother and foetus, early treatment for identified problems (for example STIs), and the education of the mother about dangers to the foetus during this critical period of development. During the initial antenatal clinic visit, the woman will be questioned on her family and personal medical history, as well as undergo various tests and examinations. All follow up visits will consist of routine weight, blood pressure and urine checks, and an overall assessment of baby’s growth, development and movement.

Antenatal care should be administered for low risk clients:

• Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
• Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks
• Weekly after 36 weeks until delivery

This schedule may be adjusted for intermediate and high-risk clients.

Antenatal health care services are provided at all Community Health Clinics and public hospitals free of charge.

Any member of the public can access this.  

1. Attend your nearest community Health Clinic and request a pregnancy test.
2. Receive pregnancy test.
3. Should the results be positive, receive an appointment for your first antenatal clinic visit.

If pregnancy is already confirmed

1. Attend Community Health Clinic on Antenatal Clinic Day.
2. Register.
3. Wait for session in waiting area.
4. Supply detailed personal and family medical history.
5. Participate in testing and examination.
6. Obtain follow-up appointment.
7. Follow advice/instructions of your healthcare provider.

For Frequently Asked Questions on Maternal and Child Health,click here.

This varies from one facility to the next.

1 form of legal identification – passport, driver’s licence, or national insurance card

BS$10.00 for pregnancy test.

Maternal and Child Health Unit
The Department of Public Health
Poncianna Hill Building, Meeting Street
P. O. Box N-3730
Nassau, N.P.
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 502-4835
Fax.(242) 502-4874
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays