The Importance of Routine Prenatal Checkups from the First Trimester

Prenatal checkups, or antenatal care (ANC), are an important step in making sure your pregnancy progresses healthily. Through routine checkups, your doctor or midwife can monitor your baby’s growth as well as your blood pressure, weight, and hemoglobin levels, so that conditions such as anemia, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes can be identified early.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health recommends at least six prenatal checkups during pregnancy: two in the first trimester, one in the second trimester, and three in the third trimester. At least two of these should be done by a doctor, including an ultrasound examination. Bring your KIA (Maternal and Child Health) book to every checkup.

Outside your routine schedule, get checked right away if you experience vaginal bleeding, leaking amniotic fluid, a severe headache with blurred vision, swelling of the face and hands, a high fever, persistent vomiting, or reduced fetal movement. These conditions require prompt medical attention.

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or midwife about any concern, however small, during your pregnancy so that you feel calmer and better prepared.