A thorough antenatal history helps to:
1. Identify complications in previous pregnancies that may impact the current pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, preterm labour, PPH, caesarean delivery).
2. Detect existing medical, surgical, or obstetric conditions that can influence maternal or fetal outcomes (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, anemia, uterine anomalies).
3. Recognize new symptoms or red-flags early and plan timely interventions.
4. Understand the woman’s background, lifestyle, and support system, all of which contribute to pregnancy outcomes.
5. Guide the focus of your clinical examination: By knowing what risks exist, your examination becomes more purposeful, efficient and clinically meaningful.
Knowing the history helps you anticipate where to pay extra attention during examination (general, obstetric, and systemic). For example:
• History of hypertension → check BP trends, look for edema, hyperreflexia.
• Previous LSCS → assess scar tenderness, presentation, and pelvic adequacy.
• Decreased fetal movements → focus on fetal heart rate, growth parameters, and liquor assessment.
6. Plan individualized care and provide targeted counseling based on identified risks.
Principles during History Taking
While interacting with the pregnant woman, ensure:
• Privacy, a respectful and non-judgmental environment, for sharing sensitive information.
• Rapport building: Since ANC involves frequent visits over many months
• Use of simple language, avoiding medical jargon.
• Attentive listening without undue interruption.
• Documentation and Communication
o Record details in the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card/ ANC record slip.
o Highlight abnormal findings so that they are not missed in subsequent visits.
o Explain the purpose of each assessment for improving understanding and adherence.
Linkages with Community Health System
Inform her about the health team members responsible for her routine ANC care, home visits, and follow-up e.g. ASHA, ANM/MPW, CHO etc.
5-Page ANC History Format: https://ihatepsm.com/blog/5-page-anc-history-taking-format-essential-gui...