07/08/2025
Focused antenatal care (FANC) is a goal-oriented approach to antenatal care. It's all about providing pregnant women with the essential care and interventions they need to ensure a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends FANC as a key strategy to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. The approach focuses on:
1. *Goal-oriented care*: Care is tailored to specific goals, like reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
2. *Evidence-based interventions*: Only interventions with proven effectiveness are provided.
3. *Individualized care*: Care is adapted to each woman's needs and risk factors.
FANC typically includes:
- *Four antenatal visits*: Scheduled visits at specific gestational ages (e.g., 8-12 weeks, 20-24 weeks, 26-32 weeks, and 36 weeks to birth).
- *Screening and management*: For conditions like hypertension, anemia, and infections.
- *Health education*: On topics like nutrition, breastfeeding, and birth preparedness.
- *Birth planning*: Encouraging women to plan for skilled birth attendance.
By focusing on essential care and interventions, FANC aims to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. How can I help you with FANC?
