Improving the quality and coverage of antenatal care globally

Antenatal care (ANC) is typically provided by skilled health care professionals to ensure the best health conditions for mother and baby during pregnancy. ANC typically includes identification of risk factors, prevention and management of pregnancy-related or concurrent diseases, and health education and health promotion.

ANC can reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality through detection and treatment of complications, as well as identifying women and girls at increased risk of developing complications during labour and childbirth.

In recent years, research has identified a number of self-care strategies that can be used by pregnant and postpartum women. Self-care strategies can also be a useful adjunct alongside conventional facility-based antenatal care services.