What is one of the primary goals of antenatal care?

One of the primary goals of antenatal care is to monitor maternal and fetal health. This aspect of care is crucial as it involves regular check-ups, screenings, and assessments that allow healthcare providers to track the progress of the pregnancy and identify any potential complications early on. By monitoring various health parameters, such as blood pressure, weight gain, and fetal development through ultrasounds and other tests, healthcare providers can ensure that both the mother and fetus are healthy and can intervene as necessary if any issues arise. This proactive approach is fundamental to promoting a healthy pregnancy and improving outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

While providing information about breastfeeding and planning for postpartum depression are important aspects of comprehensive maternity care, they do not directly address the immediate health monitoring and assessment that are central to antenatal care. Additionally, increasing the risk of preterm delivery contradicts the essential purpose of antenatal care, which is focused on maintaining and promoting the health of both the mother and the fetus throughout the pregnancy.