Pregnancy & Delivery
Dhande Hospital provides comprehensive antenatal care, assisted and normal delivery, and postnatal support. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the health of both mother and baby and act early if any concern arises. Please call and take an appointment before your visit.
Antenatal Visit Schedule
How often should you visit the doctor during pregnancy?
- First 6 months: visit once a month.
- 7th and 8th month: visit every 15 days.
- 9th month: visit every week.
What Happens at Each Stage
First Trimester — Weeks 1 to 12
- Confirm the pregnancy and expected due date.
- Check for ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
- Early ultrasound to confirm fetal heartbeat and fetal count (twins, etc.).
- Baseline blood tests: blood group, Rh factor, haemoglobin, blood sugar, thyroid (TSH), HIV, HBsAg, VDRL.
- Folic acid and iron supplementation.
- Nuchal translucency scan at 11–13 weeks to screen for Down's Syndrome.
Second Trimester — Weeks 13 to 26
- Anomaly scan at 18–20 weeks: checks brain, spine, heart, kidneys, and all major fetal organs for structural defects.
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) to screen for gestational diabetes.
- Monitor blood pressure and urine protein for signs of preeclampsia.
- Iron and calcium supplementation review.
- Fetal movement — you should feel the baby moving regularly from around 20 weeks.
Third Trimester — Weeks 27 to 40
- Growth scan at 30–36 weeks: baby's weight, amniotic fluid, position, blood flow (Doppler).
- Check for signs of preterm labour or pregnancy-induced hypertension.
- Discuss birth plan — normal delivery vs. Caesarean section based on clinical assessment.
- Weekly check-ups in the ninth month.
Go to the emergency immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Rupture of membranes (waters breaking).
- Any vaginal bleeding.
- Severe abdominal pain or strong, regular contractions before 37 weeks.
- Reduced or absent fetal movements.
- Swelling of face, hands or legs, with headache, blurred vision, or dizziness — possible preeclampsia.
- High fever.
Key Tests During Pregnancy
| Test | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blood group & Rh factor | 1st trimester | Identify Rh incompatibility risk |
| Haemoglobin (CBC) | Each trimester | Screen for anaemia |
| TSH (Thyroid) | 1st trimester | Thyroid disorders affect fetal development |
| NT Scan (11–13 wks) * | 1st trimester | Screen for Down's Syndrome |
| Anomaly Scan (18–20 wks) * | 2nd trimester | Detailed check of all fetal organs |
| Glucose Tolerance Test | 24–28 weeks | Screen for gestational diabetes |
| HIV, HBsAg, VDRL | 1st trimester | Prevent mother-to-child transmission |
| Growth Scan + Doppler | 30–36 weeks | Baby's weight, fluid, and blood flow |
* most important scans — do not miss these
Preparing for Delivery
When coming to the hospital for delivery, please bring:
- All previous antenatal prescriptions and investigation reports.
- Your identity proof (Aadhaar card or similar).
- A trusted attendant or support person.
- Personal essentials for your hospital stay.
Postnatal Care
- Breastfeeding: begin within the first hour after delivery. Colostrum (the first milk) is rich in antibodies and vital for the newborn.
- Newborn vaccinations at birth: BCG, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV 0), and Hepatitis B (first dose).
- Postnatal follow-up: bring your baby back at 6 weeks for a postnatal check-up and the next round of vaccinations.
- Rest and nutrition: adequate rest and a balanced diet support healing and milk production. Contact us with any feeding difficulties or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my first prenatal visit?
As soon as you confirm your pregnancy — ideally before 8 weeks. Early visits allow us to confirm the pregnancy is in the right place, check for any risks, and start folic acid supplementation promptly.
Can I have a normal delivery after a previous Caesarean section?
Vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) is possible in many cases but depends on clinical factors such as the type of previous incision, the baby's position, and any complications. Dr. Neelima Dhande will assess your case individually and advise the safest mode of delivery.
What should I avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid alcohol, smoking, raw or undercooked meat and fish, heavy lifting, and any medication not prescribed by your doctor. Always consult before taking over-the-counter medicines or supplements.
How do I know if my baby is growing normally?
Regular antenatal visits and sonography scans at the recommended intervals monitor your baby's size, organ development, and blood flow. If your doctor has any concern about growth, a growth scan will be arranged.
Is 4D sonography necessary, or is a regular scan enough?
Standard 2D ultrasound is sufficient for most routine checks. 4D sonography provides detailed, life-like imaging of the baby and is particularly useful for examining fetal facial features and complex structures. Our GE Voluson P8 also performs colour Doppler to assess fetal blood flow, which adds clinically valuable information especially in high-risk pregnancies.