Pregnancy is a transformative journey, not just emotionally, but also physiologically. While it brings the joy of nurturing a new life, it also demands careful monitoring, and regular check-ups during pregnancy (scientifically, regular prenatal (antenatal) check-ups) are essential to ensure both mother and child remain healthy throughout the term. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most critical aspects of a safe and healthy pregnancy.
These check-ups allow healthcare providers to assess the health of the mother and the developing baby, prevent complications, and offer guidance on diet, supplements, and lifestyle. Sadly, many women in India skip or delay these visits due to lack of awareness, accessibility, or financial constraints—leading to preventable complications and even deaths.
Let’s explore in detail why routine pregnancy check-ups are medically essential, how they prevent complications, and what India’s current maternal and neonatal death rates tell us.
Table of Contents
What Happens in the Body During Pregnancy?
To understand the importance of regular monitoring, it’s vital to grasp how dramatically the body changes during pregnancy. The mother’s blood volume increases by up to 50% to nourish the baby, hormones surge to maintain the pregnancy, and every organ works harder—especially the heart, kidneys, and liver. The uterus expands, weight increases, and the immune system alters its responses.
These changes make the mother more vulnerable to specific conditions such as high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia), gestational diabetes, anemia, infections, and urinary tract issues. Meanwhile, the fetus may experience complications like restricted growth, improper positioning, or oxygen deprivation.
Without regular check-ups, these problems may go unnoticed until they escalate to emergencies during labor or even lead to stillbirth or maternal death.
Related: Microplastics in Human Reproductive Fluids: A 2025 Wake‑Up Call for Fertility
Which Check-Ups during Pregnancy are Needed?
Routine prenatal care is not just about confirming pregnancy or knowing the baby’s gender. At each visit, several assessments are made:
- Monitoring blood pressure to catch early signs of pre-eclampsia
- Urine testing to detect infections or protein levels
- Weight tracking to identify abnormal gain or loss
- Blood tests to detect anemia, Rh incompatibility, gestational diabetes, and infections like HIV, hepatitis B, or syphilis
- Ultrasound scans to check fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and placental health
- Tetanus immunization to prevent neonatal tetanus
- Nutritional counseling and iron/folic acid supplementation
These routine checks help to catch problems early, well before they become life-threatening. A condition like gestational diabetes, for example, can often be controlled with diet and exercise if diagnosed on time, whereas delayed detection could result in a complicated birth or neonatal distress.
Mandatory USG Scan During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, several ultrasound (USG) scans are recommended to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby. While the number and timing can vary depending on the healthcare provider and country, the following are commonly mandatory or strongly recommended USG scans during pregnancy:
1. Dating Scan (6–9 weeks)
- Purpose: Confirm the pregnancy, check for the fetal heartbeat, determine gestational age, and rule out ectopic pregnancy.
- Optional but often advised, especially for women with irregular periods or prior pregnancy issues.
2. Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–13 weeks)
- Purpose: Part of the first-trimester screening to detect risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
- Mandatory in many healthcare setups when combined with a blood test (dual marker test).
3. Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks)
- Purpose: A detailed scan to check for structural abnormalities, organ development, placenta position, and amniotic fluid.
- This is often considered a mandatory mid-pregnancy scan.
4. Growth Scan or Third Trimester Scan (28–32 weeks)
- Purpose: Evaluate fetal growth, position, placental function, and amniotic fluid levels.
| Scan | Timing | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Dating Scan | 6–9 weeks | Recommended |
| NT Scan | 11–13 weeks | Strongly Recommended |
| Anomaly Scan | 18–22 weeks | Mandatory |
| Growth Scan | 28–32 weeks | Recommended |
5. Additional Scans (If needed)
May be advised in certain conditions:
- Low-lying placenta
- Diabetes or high blood pressure in pregnancy
- Twins or high-risk pregnancy
- Reduced fetal movements
What Can Go Wrong Without Regular Check-Ups during Pregnancy?
Let’s take some common and serious issues that arise during pregnancy:
Hypertensive Disorders (Including Preeclampsia)
High blood pressure during pregnancy can damage organs and the placenta. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, can cause seizures, stroke, or even maternal death if not managed. Regular check-ups help diagnose it early and allow treatment through medications and delivery planning.
Gestational Diabetes
Many women develop temporary diabetes during pregnancy. Left undiagnosed, it increases the risk of high birth weight, premature birth, and future diabetes in both mother and child. With timely testing (usually between 24–28 weeks), it can be managed with dietary changes and insulin if required.
Infections and Anemia
Anemia affects energy levels and increases the risk of hemorrhage during delivery. Infections like urinary tract infections, hepatitis B, or syphilis can be transmitted to the baby. These are screened and treated early through blood and urine tests during check-ups.
Fetal Growth and Position
Ultrasound scans can show whether the baby is growing normally, is in a head-down position, or is being deprived of oxygen or nutrients. Identifying these issues early allows timely interventions like C-sections or hospital delivery planning.
Each of these conditions, if left unchecked, can escalate to maternal or neonatal death. And all of them are detectable through simple routine check-ups.
Death Rates in India Due to Lack of Prenatal Care
According to data from the Government of India and WHO:
- The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India was 103 per 100,000 live births as of 2019. Although this shows improvement over the years, it remains higher than the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70. States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh still report MMRs above 150.
- India contributes to nearly 22% of all global maternal deaths, with most caused by hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis—all preventable with early detection.
- The Neonatal Mortality Rate was 24.9 per 1,000 live births (as per SRS 2021). Nearly 40% of neonatal deaths occur on the first day of life, and 57% within the first three days. Premature birth, infections, and low birth weight—often tied to poor prenatal care—are the major causes.
Lack of or delayed antenatal check-ups contributes significantly to these numbers. Many women, especially in rural areas, do not recognize the importance of routine visits, or are hindered by distance, family pressure, or inadequate healthcare facilities.
Scientific Studies Supporting the Importance of Antenatal Care
Several global and Indian studies support the correlation between proper antenatal care and reduced mortality:
- A study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2024) found that Indian women who received 4 or more antenatal visits, TT immunizations, and iron-folic acid tablets had significantly better outcomes.
- Research from Nature Scientific Reports (2023) highlighted that women who missed antenatal care were more likely to experience stillbirths or maternal complications.
- The World Health Organization now recommends at least 8 prenatal visits, citing evidence that this frequency reduces perinatal deaths by up to 8 per 1,000 births.
In India, states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu—where ANC check-up rates are higher—have consistently shown lower maternal and infant mortality. In contrast, states with lower check-up compliance continue to face challenges.
Related: The Cancer Sugar That May Help Cure Type 1 Diabetes
Why Some Women Skip Check-Ups
Despite government efforts, many women still miss or delay care. The reasons are often complex:
- Cultural misconceptions: Some families believe visiting doctors during pregnancy can “invite trouble,” leading to reliance on home remedies.
- Lack of awareness: Many first-time mothers don’t understand why check-ups are needed if they feel fine.
- Financial and logistical barriers: In rural areas, transport, clinic access, and even family permission may be obstacles.
- Quality concerns: In some regions, the healthcare centers may lack proper equipment or trained staff, discouraging women from attending.
How Government Schemes Are Helping
Several initiatives are now in place to promote routine pregnancy care:
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) provides financial incentives for institutional deliveries.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) offers monetary benefits for ANC visits and childbirth.
- Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides free check-ups for high-risk pregnancies on a fixed day each month.
Thanks to these programs, institutional deliveries have increased across many states, and antenatal care registration is slowly improving.
Final Thoughts
Regular pregnancy check-ups are not just formalities—they’re potentially life-saving appointments. They enable early diagnosis, targeted intervention, safe delivery planning, and improved health for both mother and baby. In countries like India, where maternal and child mortality remain pressing public health concerns, routine prenatal visits are one of the simplest and most effective solutions.
Skipping check-ups can mean missing early warnings of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, or fetal distress—conditions that escalate quickly but are preventable with timely care.
If you or someone you know is pregnant, encourage them to prioritize regular visits to their doctor or nearest government healthcare center. A few appointments could make the difference between life and death.
Note: Always follow your gynecologist’s or obstetrician’s advice, as they may schedule more or fewer scans based on your health and pregnancy status.
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