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Table 1 Components of antenatal and postnatal care

From: The use of antenatal and postnatal care: perspectives and experiences of women and health care providers in rural southern Tanzania

Routine Antenatal Care

- Focused ANC Visits and referral: 1st visit: before 16 weeks of gestation, 2nd visit: from 20 to 24 weeks of gestation, 3rd visit: from 28 to 32 weeks of gestation & 4th visit: from 36 to 40 weeks of gestation, referral and follow-up should be given to pregnant women with complications.

- Early detection and diagnosis of disease/abnormality ie quick check, history taking, physical examination, laboratory investigation & decision making.

- At least 2 doses of tetanus toxoid vaccination

-Screening and management of pre-eclampsia

- Counseling on health promotion: Intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy, insecticide-treated nets, personal hygiene, diet and nutrition, danger signs

- Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

- Birth and emergency preparedness: Identify place of birth, preparing essential items, identify at least two blood donors, prepare fund for transport, identify decision maker family members

Routine postnatal care

- For the mother: Promotion of healthy behaviours, danger sign recognition and family planning

- For the baby: Promotion of healthy behaviours – hygiene, warmth, breastfeeding, danger sign recognition and provision of eye prophylaxis and immunisations according to local policy

- Extra care for low birthweight babies or babies born to HIV-positive mothers and babies with other special needs.

  1. Adapted from Lawn, J., Kerber, K., 2006. Opportunity for Africa's Newborns: Practical data, policy and programmatic support for newborn care in Africa. eds. PMNCH. Cape Town and Ministry of health-Tanzania: Focused antenatal care malaria and syphilis during pregnancy: Orientation package for service providers. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, RCH Unit and NMCP, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania; 2004.