Your First ANC Visit: What to Expect

What happens at your first antenatal care visit, and how should you prepare?

18/08/2026

When to Go — Before 12 Weeks

Rwanda Ministry of Health recommends that every pregnant woman attends her first antenatal care (ANC) contact as early as possible — ideally before 12 weeks of pregnancy. The earlier you begin ANC, the earlier any risks can be identified and managed.

Your first ANC visit is the most comprehensive of all your appointments and typically takes longer than follow-up visits because your health provider will take a full medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and order a range of baseline tests. Do not be concerned by the number of procedures — they are all designed to ensure you and your baby are safe.

Your Medical History

At your first visit, your health provider will ask detailed questions about your medical history, including any previous pregnancies and their outcomes, any existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, or HIV), medications you are currently taking, allergies, and your family's medical history. They will use the first day of your last menstrual period to calculate your estimated due date.

Be as honest and complete as possible. Everything you share is confidential and is used only to provide you with the best possible care. Your provider cannot help you effectively if they do not have an accurate picture of your health.

Physical Examination and Measurements

Your health provider will check your blood pressure, weight, and height. Your body mass index (BMI) will be noted, as being underweight or overweight can affect your pregnancy. Your abdomen will be examined to assess the size of your uterus and confirm your gestational age.

Your provider will also check for signs of anaemia (pale inner eyelids, pale gums), examine your legs for swelling, and listen to your heart and lungs. All these checks are routine and establish your baseline health — a critical reference point for monitoring changes throughout your pregnancy.

Tests and Investigations

Your first ANC visit includes several important blood and urine tests. A haemoglobin test checks for anaemia. Blood typing and rhesus factor testing identifies your blood group. An HIV test is offered to all pregnant women in Rwanda — if you test positive, immediate treatment protects your health and prevents transmission to your baby. A syphilis test (RPR) is also done, as untreated syphilis causes serious harm to your baby but is easily cured with a single injection.

A urine test checks for protein (a sign of kidney problems or preeclampsia), glucose (a sign of gestational diabetes), and signs of urinary tract infection. Your provider may also test for malaria depending on your district.

What You Will Receive

At your first ANC visit, you will be given your antenatal care card (ANC card), which records all your pregnancy information and must be brought to every subsequent visit. You will receive iron and folic acid supplements to take daily. If eligible, you will receive intermittent preventive treatment for malaria (IPTp-SP), a tetanus toxoid vaccination, and a deworming tablet — all free at public health facilities in Rwanda.

Your health provider will give you the date of your next ANC appointment and explain what symptoms to watch for between visits. Keep your ANC card safe — it is one of the most important documents of your pregnancy and must accompany you when you go into labour.

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