During which period should a pregnant woman visit the Antenatal clinic twice a month?

MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

The standard guideline for antenatal care in a low-risk pregnancy recommends increasing the frequency of visits as the due date approaches.
During the 8th month of gestation (approximately 28 to 36 weeks), visits are scheduled twice a month, or every two weeks.
This fortnightly schedule allows for closer monitoring of maternal blood pressure, fetal growth, and position, and screening for late-pregnancy complications.
This contrasts with monthly visits in the first seven months and weekly visits in the final month.

Option A: During the 6th month (part of the second trimester, up to 28 weeks), antenatal visits are typically scheduled once a month for a low-risk pregnancy.
Option B: During the 7th month (up to 28 weeks), the standard frequency of antenatal visits is still once per month.
Option D: During the 9th month (from 36 weeks until delivery), the frequency of visits increases to once a week.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Antenatal visit schedule as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adherence to the recommended antenatal visit schedule is crucial for early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications, contributing to reduced maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.
Nurses play a key role in educating pregnant women about the importance of each visit, what to expect, and the danger signs to report immediately.
This schedule is for low-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancies (e.g., with gestational diabetes, hypertension, multiple gestations) require a more frequent and individualized visit schedule determined by the healthcare provider.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question, which asks for the specific period when antenatal visits occur twice a month.
Recall the standard guidelines for the frequency of antenatal care (ANC) visits during an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Remember that the frequency of visits increases as the pregnancy progresses.
Mentally review the schedule: monthly for the first two trimesters, then fortnightly (twice a month), and finally weekly in the last month.
Match the 'twice a month' frequency to the corresponding gestational period, which is the 8th month (28-36 weeks).
Select the option that correctly identifies this month.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Antenatal visit schedule
Stem keywords: pregnant woman, Antenatal clinic, twice a month
Lead-in keywords: During which period
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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