Minimum ANC visits by ANM during pregnancy should be

UPPSC 2017

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

The established minimum number of antenatal care (ANC) visits recommended by national health programs in India is four.
This 4-visit schedule is considered essential for monitoring maternal and fetal health, identifying high-risk pregnancies, and providing timely interventions.
The schedule ensures at least one visit in the first trimester, one in the second, and two in the third trimester to cover critical periods of fetal development and maternal health.
This model is often referred to as Focused Antenatal Care (FANC).

Option A: Three visits are insufficient to adequately monitor the entire course of pregnancy, particularly the late third trimester when risks like pre-eclampsia can escalate.
Option B: While more than the minimum, five is not the standard number for minimum recommended visits. It falls between the minimum of four and the newer WHO recommendation of eight.
Option D: Nine visits are close to the newer WHO recommendation of eight contacts but exceeds the established minimum standard of four that is typically tested in examinations regarding basic requirements.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Minimum recommended number of Antenatal Care (ANC) visits during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The ANM plays a crucial role in tracking pregnant women in their designated area and ensuring they complete these four essential visits, which significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality.
These visits are critical for administering Tetanus Toxoid (TT) injections, distributing Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets, monitoring blood pressure, and educating the mother on nutrition and danger signs.
What if a woman misses her second-trimester visit? The ANM must prioritize her at the next Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND), combine the necessary assessments from the missed visit with the current one, and reinforce the importance of not missing future check-ups.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question: It asks for the 'minimum' number of ANC visits.
Recognize this as a factual recall question based on national health guidelines, a common topic in community health nursing.
Recall the standard recommendation for antenatal care in India. The established guideline for the minimum number of visits is four.
Differentiate between the 'minimum' requirement (4 visits) and the 'ideal' or updated WHO recommendation (8 contacts). The question specifically asks for the minimum.
Evaluate the options. '4' directly matches the established minimum requirement.
Select the option '4' as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Minimum recommended number of Antenatal Care (ANC) visits during pregnancy.
Stem keywords: Minimum ANC visits, ANM, pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: should be
Negative lead-in flag: false

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