According to WHO, what should be the minimum number of ANC (ANC) visits?

Bihar CHO -2019

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

The traditional World Health Organization (WHO) model, known as Focused Antenatal Care (FANC), recommends a minimum of four ANC visits for a pregnancy without complications.
This model focuses on providing essential, evidence-based interventions at critical points during gestation to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
The suggested schedule for these four visits is typically: Visit 1 (before 16 weeks), Visit 2 (24–28 weeks), Visit 3 (32 weeks), and Visit 4 (36 weeks).
Although WHO updated its guideline in 2016 to recommend eight contacts, many examinations still test on the older, widely established minimum of four visits.

Option A: While more visits are generally beneficial, 5 is not the specific minimum number recommended by the traditional WHO FANC model.
Option C: Three visits are considered insufficient to adequately monitor the progress of the pregnancy, detect potential complications, and provide all necessary preventive care and health education.
Option D: Two visits are grossly inadequate for comprehensive antenatal care. This frequency would miss critical opportunities for screening, intervention, and health promotion throughout the pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain WHO recommendations for Antenatal Care (ANC) visits as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Regular ANC visits are crucial for monitoring maternal and fetal well-being, identifying high-risk pregnancies, and providing timely interventions to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Nurses play a key role in educating pregnant women about the importance of attending all scheduled ANC visits and recognizing danger signs.
What if a patient presents for her first visit at 22 weeks, having missed the first scheduled visit? The nurse must adapt the schedule, combining necessary first-trimester screenings (if still possible) with second-trimester assessments. The priority would be to catch up on essential tests and health education to ensure the best possible outcome despite the late start.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'WHO', 'minimum number', and 'ANC visits'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question based on guidelines from a major international health organization.
Recall the traditional WHO Focused Antenatal Care (FANC) model, which is commonly taught and tested in nursing programs.
This model specifies a minimum of four visits for an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Consider that while newer guidelines (like the 2016 update to 8 contacts) exist, questions asking for the 'minimum' often refer to the older, foundational FANC model.
Select the option that aligns with the classic 4-visit recommendation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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