Introduction

This study session will start by describing the concepts and principles of FANC and the fundamental differences between FANC and the traditional approach to antenatal care. FANC has the following three strategies:

• Thorough evaluation: history taking, physical examination and basic investigations.
• Intervention: prevention / prophylaxis and treatment.
• Promotion: health education / counselling and health service dissemination.

This session explains what should be done to maintain the health of pregnant women and the fetus, the birth preparedness expected from a health service provider and a pregnant woman, the advice required regarding the actions to be undertaken in case complications arise and the methods of writing a referral note if the woman has to be transferred to a higher health facility.