antenatal care

antenatal care

Medical surveillance and review performed during pregnancy for the early detection of possible complications of pregnancy, especially pre-eclamptic toxaemia (see PRE-ECLAMPSIA) and uterine and fetal abnormalities. Antenatal care includes general examination, abdominal examination, vaginal examination, regular tests to monitor the progress of the pregnancy, ultrasound scanning, checks of weight gain, blood checks, tests of HORMONES and ENZYMES to assess the efficiency of the PLACENTA, and frequent tests of the blood pressure and urine. See also ANTENATAL SCREENING.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005