The five aims of antenatal care (ANC) are to:

• Assess the mother and fetus’ health – Early in pregnancy, the mother and fetus’ health should be assessed.
• Prevent complications – Complications during pregnancy should be prevented.
• Prevent mortality – Maternal and child mortality should be prevented.
• Promote health – The mother and baby’s health should be promoted.
• Foster relationships – Good relationships between the husband, wife, and child should be fostered. 

Common complications of pregnancy include:

• High Blood Pressure
• Gestational Diabetes
• Infections
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm Labor
• Depression & Anxiety
• Pregnancy Loss/Miscarriage
• Stillbirth

There are three stages of prenatal development: 

• Germinal – The germinal stage of pregnancy starts at the time of conception when the sperm and the egg combine to form a zygote.
• Embryonic – This period lasts about eight weeks, from the third week of pregnancy until the end of the eighth week. During this stage, the embryo takes on distinct human characteristics, and its major organs and body parts begin to take shape
• Fetal – The period where major organs and body systems of the fetus continue to grow and mature.

• Some exercises that are healthy to do during pregnancy include:
• Walking – A great way to start if you’re new to exercise, and doesn’t strain your joints or muscles.
• Swimming – The water supports your weight, and moving against it helps keep your heart rate up.
• Stationary biking – Can be done outdoors or on a stationary bike.
• Prenatal yoga – Can help you relax and ease body tension.
• Aerobics classes – These classes feature low-impact exercises.
• Pelvic floor and abdominal exercises – Can strengthen your muscles and joints.

For antenatal care, you can visit a hospital, clinic, or specialized maternity center. You can approach obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, or family doctors who provide prenatal care services. It’s important to choose a healthcare provider you trust and feel comfortable with throughout your pregnancy.

During your pregnancy you will usually have between seven and ten antenatal appointments depending on whether it is your first pregnancy. Women with complicated pregnancies or who are expecting multiple babies may need additional appointments.

You can typically be accompanied by your partner, a family member, or a close friend during your antenatal appointments. Some healthcare providers also allow a birth coach to join you for support and to help you understand the information provided. You should keep in mind that you might be discussing confidential and private topics, hence it is important to have someone you are comfortable with.

Antenatal care and prenatal care are essentially the same, both referring to the medical and healthcare services provided to a woman during her pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. The terms are often used interchangeably, with “antenatal” more commonly used in British English and “prenatal” in American English.