How many ANC visits are required according to WHO?

MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Medium

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The option '4' corresponds to the minimum number of visits recommended by the World Health Organization's older Focused Antenatal Care (FANC) model, which was introduced in 2002.
This model was designed to provide essential, targeted assessments for low-risk pregnancies at key stages: once in the first trimester, once in the second, and twice in the third.
Although the current WHO guideline recommends 8 contacts, the FANC model's 4-visit schedule is a well-established previous standard and the most plausible answer among the given choices.

Option A: A single ANC visit is critically insufficient. It would only allow for initial registration and baseline tests, missing all opportunities for follow-up, monitoring fetal growth, detecting late-onset complications like pre-eclampsia, and preparing for birth.
Option B: Two ANC visits are inadequate for comprehensive maternal and fetal monitoring. This schedule would leave large gaps in care, particularly during the third trimester when risks for complications increase significantly.
Option C: Three ANC visits, while better than one or two, still fall short of the minimum required to effectively screen for and manage potential pregnancy complications. The third trimester, a period of rapid fetal growth and increased maternal risk, would be inadequately monitored.

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) Schedule as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be knowledgeable about the most current (2016) WHO guideline recommending a minimum of 8 contacts to provide evidence-based, high-quality care and advocate for their patients to receive the current standard of care.
Understanding the recommended ANC schedule is crucial for patient education, appointment scheduling, and ensuring that all necessary screenings and assessments are completed at the appropriate gestational age.
Adequate ANC is a cornerstone of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity by allowing for early detection and management of complications.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify the keywords in the question: "ANC visits" and "WHO". This indicates the question is asking for a specific public health recommendation.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Step 3: Recall the different WHO guidelines for antenatal care. You may remember the older "4 visits" model (Focused Antenatal Care or FANC) and the newer "8 contacts" model (2016 guideline).
Step 4: Observe that the current recommendation of 8 is not available as an option.
Step 5: Conclude that the question is likely based on the older, but still widely known, FANC guideline which recommended a minimum of 4 visits.
Step 6: Select '4' as the most appropriate answer from the given choices, as it represents a valid (though outdated) WHO minimum standard.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QVzCDfRnbjSt2H2Sv4Muwk

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 32-40