Antenatal Care in Ghana: A Guide for Expectant Mothers
Antenatal care (ANC) is the routine health care you receive while pregnant. Attending regularly is the single most effective way to catch problems like anaemia, high blood pressure and malaria early — long before they threaten you or your baby. This guide explains what to expect at a Ghanaian health facility, what it costs, and how Miracle Steps International Foundation can support you.
When to start and how often to go
Ghana Health Service recommends booking your first antenatal visit as soon as you suspect you are pregnant, ideally before 16 weeks, and attending at least eight contacts before delivery. Bring your NHIS card, your Ghana Card and any previous maternal health record book to every visit.
Before 16 weeks
Registration and booking visit: confirmation of pregnancy, medical history, blood pressure, weight, blood and urine tests, malaria prevention (IPTp) and folic acid.
Around 20 weeks
Growth check, fetal heartbeat, ultrasound where available, tetanus vaccination and iron supplements.
Around 26 weeks
Blood pressure and swelling checks for pre-eclampsia, repeat malaria prevention, nutrition counselling.
Around 30 and 34 weeks
Baby's position and growth, anaemia screening, birth-preparedness plan (where you will deliver, transport, funds, blood donor).
36 weeks to delivery
Weekly or two-weekly checks, final position check, signs of labour and newborn-care counselling.
What it costs
Under Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme, pregnant women can register free of charge and the Free Maternal Health Care policy covers antenatal visits, delivery and postnatal care at accredited facilities. You may still be asked to pay for items such as a delivery kit, some medicines that are out of stock, or transport. If cost or distance is keeping you from your check-ups, talk to us — that is exactly what our Safe Pregnancy Campaign exists for.
Warning signs — go to a facility today
- Bleeding from the vagina at any stage
- Severe headache, blurred vision or upper abdominal pain
- Swelling of the face and hands
- Fever or chills
- Baby moving much less than usual
- Waters breaking before 37 weeks
- Painful or burning urination
Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment if you notice any of these. In an emergency call 112 or go to the nearest health facility.
What to pack for delivery
Prepare your bag by 36 weeks: maternal health record book and NHIS card, two or three cloths, sanitary pads, soap and a towel, baby clothes and blankets, a cap and mittens, a bucket, and money for transport. Our pregnancy packs are put together around this exact list.
How Miracle Steps can help
Through the Safe Pregnancy Campaign we distribute free pregnancy and delivery packs, run maternal health education outreaches with local facilities such as Abokobi Polyclinic, and connect expectant mothers in Adenta and surrounding communities with antenatal support. Over 90 pregnancy packs have reached mothers so far.
Contact the foundationThis guide is general health information based on Ghana Health Service antenatal guidance. It does not replace advice from your midwife, nurse or doctor.