The antenatal period covers the time from conception until birth. This section looks at the duration of pregnancy at the mother’s first antenatal visit, the number of antenatal visits and maternal history and health, including previous caesarean section, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI) and maternal medical conditions.
Antenatal care
Antenatal care is a planned visit between a pregnant woman and a midwife or doctor to assess and improve the wellbeing of the mother and baby throughout pregnancy.
Previous caesarean section
Caesarean section describes a method of birth in which the baby is removed directly from the uterus through an incision in the mother’s abdomen.
Smoking during pregnancy
Smoking status is reported by the mother in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, after 20 weeks of pregnancy or at any time during pregnancy.
Body mass index
The most commonly used method of assessing whether a person is normal weight, underweight, overweight or obese.
Medical conditions
Medical conditions include hypertension and diabetes, both pre-existing and conditions which are diagnosed during pregnancy.