Prenatal, antenatal and postnatal care

Prenatal or antenatal care supports your health and the baby's development during pregnancy, while postnatal care supports recovery, feeding, contraception, and emotional wellbeing after birth. Visits may include discussions about symptoms, blood pressure, tests, medicines, birth planning, and the baby's growth. Support should continue after delivery, when physical recovery and mental health both deserve attention.

Prenatal and antenatal are commonly used for care during pregnancy. Postnatal means the period after birth, including checks on bleeding, pain, wounds, feeding, sleep, pelvic recovery, and mood. Emotional changes are common, but persistent low mood, frightening thoughts, detachment, or difficulty caring for yourself may signal postnatal depression. [Low Mood After Birth](/symptoms/postnatal-low-mood/) is a related symptom topic.

Arrange pregnancy care early and take a list of medicines, supplements, allergies, previous pregnancies, and health conditions. Attend recommended checks and ask what each test is for. Before birth, discuss feeding preferences, warning signs, support at home, and contraception. After birth, accept practical help, rest when possible, and mention pain, low mood, or reduced interest in sex; [Low Sex Drive](/symptoms/low-sex-drive/) can have physical or emotional contributors.

During pregnancy, contact your maternity service urgently for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headache with vision changes, fluid leakage, breathing difficulty, or reduced fetal movement. After birth, urgent assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, chest pain, severe breathlessness, one-sided leg swelling, fever, severe headache, confusion, or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby. [Perinatal Mental Health Support](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/perinatal-mental-health-support/) can help with emotional concerns.

Which appointments and tests are recommended for me? Which symptoms should prompt a call? What recovery changes are expected after birth? Who can help if feeding or mood becomes difficult? When can I discuss contraception and returning to activity?