Maternal Healthcare: What Every Expecting Mother Should Know

Pregnancy is a time of profound change — physically, emotionally, and practically. For many women in Africa, it is also a time of significant healthcare vulnerability. Maternal mortality rates across the continent, while improving, remain a serious concern. Yet many of the most serious complications of pregnancy are preventable with quality antenatal care.

Why Antenatal Care Matters

Antenatal care — the healthcare you receive during pregnancy — is one of the most important investments you can make in your health and the health of your baby. Regular antenatal visits allow healthcare providers to monitor your pregnancy, detect complications early, and provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and preparation for birth.

The World Health Organization recommends at least eight antenatal care contacts during pregnancy. In practice, many women in Nigeria and across Africa attend fewer visits than recommended — often due to cost, distance, or a lack of awareness of the importance of consistent care.

What to Expect at Antenatal Visits

• Blood pressure monitoring — to detect pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
• Blood tests — to check for anaemia, blood type, HIV, and other conditions.
• Urine tests — to detect infections and signs of pre-eclampsia.
• Ultrasound scans — to monitor the baby's growth and development.
• Weight monitoring — to ensure healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
• Nutritional guidance — including iron and folic acid supplementation.
• Birth planning — discussing your preferences and options for delivery.

Nutrition During Pregnancy

What you eat during pregnancy directly affects your baby's development. A balanced diet rich in iron, folic acid, calcium, and protein is essential. Nigerian cuisine offers many excellent nutritional options — leafy vegetables, beans, fish, eggs, and a variety of fruits.

Iron deficiency anaemia is particularly common during pregnancy in Nigeria. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend iron supplements, but dietary sources of iron — such as red meat, beans, and dark leafy vegetables — are also important.

Warning Signs to Watch For

While most pregnancies progress without serious complications, it is important to know the warning signs that require immediate medical attention:

• Severe headache or visual disturbances — may indicate pre-eclampsia.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding — requires immediate medical attention.
• Severe abdominal pain — could indicate a serious complication.
• Reduced or absent fetal movement after 28 weeks — contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• High fever — may indicate infection.
• Swelling of the face, hands, or feet — particularly if sudden.

Postnatal Care Is Just as Important

Many women focus intensely on pregnancy care but neglect postnatal care. The weeks after birth are a critical period for both mother and baby. Postnatal visits allow healthcare providers to monitor your recovery, support breastfeeding, screen for postnatal depression, and ensure your baby is thriving.

Postnatal depression is more common than many people realise — and it is treatable. If you are feeling persistently sad, anxious, or overwhelmed after giving birth, please speak to your healthcare provider. You are not alone, and help is available.

Healthcare Protection for Maternity

Maternity care can be expensive, particularly if complications arise. Healthcare protection plans that include maternity benefits can significantly reduce the financial burden of pregnancy and childbirth, allowing you to focus on what matters most — your health and your baby's health.

When choosing a healthcare plan, check whether maternity benefits are included, what the waiting period is, and what specific services are covered — including antenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care.