Antenatal check-ups in Nepal: the 8 visits and when they are
The short answer
Nepal’s antenatal care (ANC) guideline suggests 8 check-ups during pregnancy. The first should be within the first 12 weeks. Nepal moved from 4 to 8 check-ups in fiscal year 2079/80. Your health worker may give you different dates, and theirs always come first.
The 8 check-ups
From the Family Welfare Division’s ANC to PNC continuum of care guideline (2079), Annex 3:
| Check-up | When |
|---|---|
| 1 | Up to 12 weeks |
| 2 | Up to 16 weeks |
| 3 | 20 to 24 weeks |
| 4 | 28 weeks |
| 5 | 32 weeks |
| 6 | 34 weeks |
| 7 | 36 weeks |
| 8 | 38 to 40 weeks |
Weeks are counted from the first day of your last period. To see the dates for your own pregnancy in BS and English dates, use the Nepali due date calculator. It shows all 8 check-ups worked out from your due date.
The Td vaccine
The same table lists the Td vaccine (tetanus and diphtheria): the first dose at the first check-up and the second dose at the second check-up. Your health worker will tell you which doses you need, which depends on doses you had before.
Why the first check-up matters
The first visit is the time to confirm the pregnancy, work out your due date, and check your health. Going early also gives the most time to find and treat problems. If you are not sure how many weeks you are, read how many weeks pregnant am I?
Keep your card
At your check-ups you are given a mother and newborn health card. Keep it safe and bring it to every visit and when you give birth. It records your check-ups, tests and vaccines.
The Aama programme
Under the Aama programme (guideline 2078), you may be able to get:
- free delivery care at a facility that runs the programme, including normal, complicated and caesarean births
- transport money when you give birth at the facility: NPR 3,000 in mountain districts, NPR 2,000 in hill, inner-Madhesh and Kathmandu Valley districts, and NPR 1,000 in Terai districts
- an ANC incentive of NPR 800 if you had at least 4 check-ups as per protocol and give birth at the facility
Amounts can change in any year’s budget, so ask your health post for the current details.
When not to wait for your next check-up
Get help straight away if you have any bleeding from your vagina, severe pain in your belly, a bad headache or blurred vision, fits, fever, sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, fluid leaking from your vagina, or if your baby moves less than usual later in pregnancy. In an emergency, call 102 for an ambulance.
Keep track of your visits
Cycella Pregnancy, for adults, keeps your weeks, visits, readings and questions on your phone, with Nepal’s check-up times as a reference you can add to your plan and BS dates next to English dates. It is free on Google Play. See Cycella Pregnancy.
Sources
Try the Nepali (BS) due date calculator, or see Cycella Pregnancy (free on Google Play). Cycella is a free, private Android period tracker, now on Google Play.
Was this helpful?
Your answer stays on this device for now.