Two lines on a pregnancy test change everything. Joy comes first, then the questions: Who should I see? When do I start? What tests do I need? Is what I’m feeling normal?

If you are searching for antenatal care in Lagos, this guide walks you through what to expect, from your very first visit to delivery.

Ready to start your antenatal care? Doren Specialist Hospital offers antenatal services from your first checkup through to delivery. Call +234 802 306 2100 or contact us here.

What is antenatal care, and why does it matter?

Antenatal care (also called prenatal care) is the medical care you receive during pregnancy. Regular checkups help your doctor to:

• confirm that your baby is growing well
• catch problems like high blood pressure, anaemia or infections early
• prepare you for labour and delivery
• answer your questions, so you are not relying on rumours or guesswork

Many serious complications can be managed well when they are found early. That is why starting care early matters.

When should you book your first visit?

As soon as you know you are pregnant. Most women start around 8 to 12 weeks, but you do not need to wait. If you have a medical condition, a previous miscarriage or any worry, tell your doctor from the beginning.

What happens at your first antenatal visit?

Expect a detailed conversation and a set of basic checks:

• Your history. Past pregnancies, illnesses, surgeries, medications and family history.
• Physical checks. Blood pressure, weight and a general examination.
• Blood and urine tests. Commonly these include blood group, haemoglobin or PCV (to check for anaemia), genotype, screening for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, and a urine test. Your doctor will decide what is right for you.
• An ultrasound scan. To confirm the pregnancy, check the baby’s heartbeat and estimate your due date.
• Advice. Folic acid, nutrition, safe medications and what to avoid.

At Doren Specialist Hospital, your tests and scans can be done in-house through the hospital’s laboratory and radiology and sonography departments, so you don’t have to run around Lagos with results.

How often will you attend?

A common pattern, which your doctor may adjust for you, is:

• Up to about 28 weeks: roughly once a month
• 28 to 36 weeks: every two weeks
• From 36 weeks to delivery: weekly

If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you will be seen more often.

Things mums-to-be in Lagos often ask

“Do I really need so many tests?”
Yes. Some conditions have no obvious symptoms. Knowing your blood group and genotype, for example, helps your care team plan for you and your baby.

“Is it safe to take herbal drugs and unknown supplements?”
Please speak to your doctor first. Not everything that is “natural” is safe in pregnancy.

“Should I wait until the pregnancy is ‘stable’ before seeing a doctor?”
No. Early care is the safest approach, especially if you have had losses before.

Warning signs: do not wait for your next appointment

Go to a hospital immediately if you have:

• vaginal bleeding
• severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling of the face and hands
• severe or constant abdominal pain
• fever
• leaking of fluid from the vagina
• your baby moving much less than usual
• fits (convulsions)

Doren Specialist Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with emergency services always available.

Care for you and your baby after delivery

Your care does not end when your baby arrives. The hospital also offers paediatrics, immunization and an intensive care and special care baby unit, so you and your baby can stay under one trusted team.

Pregnant after a long struggle? You may need extra care.

Many women reading this fought hard to get pregnant. If you conceived after fertility treatment such as IVF, or after years of trying, you may carry extra worry along with the joy. That is completely normal. Tell your antenatal team about your fertility history from the first visit, so your care can be planned around it.

Once your baby arrives, you may also find it helpful to read about the recovery nobody warns new mothers about, written for women who went through fertility treatment.

Still trying to get pregnant?

If you are not pregnant yet and conception has been difficult, you don’t have to wait any longer for answers. Doren-Gynaecare IVF Fertility Centre, our fertility clinic in Ajah, Lagos, offers fertility testing, IUI and IVF. You can book a fertility consultation here or call (+234) 707 575 2354.

Note: the fertility centre handles fertility treatment. For antenatal care and delivery, book with Doren Specialist Hospital.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start antenatal care?
As soon as your pregnancy is confirmed.

Do I need to attend if I feel fine?
Yes. Many problems have no symptoms in the early stages.

Can my husband come with me?
Yes. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Does Doren Specialist Hospital accept HMO?
Yes, the hospital has a dedicated HMO liaison centre. Confirm your plan with the team before your visit.

Which branch should I visit?
Call the hospital on +234 802 306 2100 and the team will guide you to the right location for antenatal care.

Is antenatal care available at the IVF clinic?
No. Antenatal care is provided by Doren Specialist Hospital. The IVF centre focuses on fertility testing and treatment.

What if my pregnancy came from IVF?
Let your antenatal doctor know from the first visit so your care can be planned accordingly.

Book your antenatal visit

Start your pregnancy journey with a team that will walk with you from your first scan to delivery.

👉 Book your antenatal appointment
📞 Call: +234 802 306 2100
📍 Main hospital: 1, OsaPaul Street (formerly Kemfat Road), Thomas Estate, Ajah, Lagos