Antenatal Care in Nigeria: A Complete Guide for Expectant Mums
Antenatal care (ANC) is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby during pregnancy. This guide covers everything Nigerian mums need to know about antenatal care, from the WHO focused ANC model to costs, NHIS coverage, and how to find a clinic near you.
The WHO Focused ANC Model
Nigeria follows the World Health Organisation (WHO) focused antenatal care model, which recommends a minimum of 4 scheduled visits for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. This model prioritises quality over quantity, ensuring that each visit includes specific, evidence-based interventions.
The updated 2016 WHO recommendations suggest 8 antenatal contacts to reduce perinatal deaths and improve women's experience of care. However, many Nigerian facilities still follow the 4-visit model due to resource constraints, particularly in rural areas.
Key Principle
Every pregnant woman in Nigeria, regardless of her location or income, is entitled to basic antenatal care. Early and regular ANC attendance is one of the most effective ways to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
What to Expect at Each Antenatal Visit
Visit 1: Booking Visit (Before 16 Weeks)
The booking visit is your first official antenatal appointment and is the most comprehensive. It is best to attend before 12 weeks if possible, though many Nigerian women present later.
What happens:
- Full medical history taken (including family history and previous pregnancies)
- Physical examination including height, weight, and blood pressure
- Blood tests: blood group, genotype (AA, AS, SS), packed cell volume (PCV), HIV, hepatitis B & C
- Urinalysis to check for infections, protein, and glucose
- Ultrasound scan to confirm gestational age and check for multiples
- Due date calculation — use our due date calculator to estimate yours
- Tetanus toxoid vaccination (if not up to date)
- Prescription of routine drugs: folic acid, ferrous sulphate, and antimalarial prophylaxis
- Health education on nutrition, danger signs, and birth preparedness
Visit 2: 24–28 Weeks (Second Trimester)
By this stage, you should be feeling your baby move regularly. This visit focuses on monitoring your health and your baby's growth.
What happens:
- Blood pressure and weight check
- Fundal height measurement (to assess baby's growth)
- Listening to baby's heartbeat with a Pinard stethoscope or Doppler
- PCV check to screen for anaemia (very common in Nigerian pregnancies)
- Glucose screening for gestational diabetes (especially if you have risk factors)
- Review of fetal movements — you can start using a kick counter
- Intermittent preventive treatment for malaria (IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine)
- Discussion about birth preparedness and complication readiness
Visit 3: 32 Weeks (Third Trimester)
The third trimester is when monitoring becomes more intensive. Your healthcare provider will check for signs of pre-eclampsia, assess your baby's position, and begin discussing your delivery plan.
What happens:
- Blood pressure check (watching for pre-eclampsia)
- Urinalysis for protein (another pre-eclampsia indicator)
- Fundal height measurement and baby's position assessment
- PCV check and repeat blood tests if needed
- Discussion about delivery plan: where to deliver, transport arrangements
- Review of pregnancy warning signs
- Start preparing your hospital bag
Visit 4: 36 Weeks (Final Weeks)
This is typically your last scheduled visit before delivery. Many hospitals will ask you to come weekly from 36 weeks onwards, especially if you are considered high-risk.
What happens:
- Full assessment of baby's position (head-down is ideal for vaginal delivery)
- Estimation of baby's weight
- Blood pressure and urinalysis
- Discussion of delivery options and birth plan
- Review of signs of labour — use our contraction timer when the time comes
- Ensuring all necessary items for delivery are ready
- Blood cross-matching if caesarean section is anticipated
Government vs Private Hospitals
One of the biggest decisions expectant mums in Nigeria face is choosing between government (public) and private healthcare facilities. Both have their advantages and drawbacks.
| Factor | Government Hospital | Private Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Package Cost | ₦5,000 – ₦30,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦500,000+ |
| Delivery Cost | ₦10,000 – ₦80,000 (vaginal); ₦50,000 – ₦200,000 (CS) | ₦150,000 – ₦1,500,000+ (vaginal/CS) |
| Wait Times | Often long; you may spend all day | Generally shorter; scheduled appointments |
| Doctor Continuity | You may see different doctors each visit | Usually see the same consultant throughout |
| Equipment | Basic but functional; teaching hospitals are better equipped | Generally more modern equipment |
| NHIS Accepted | Yes (most) | Some (must be NHIS-accredited) |
| Specialists | Available at teaching hospitals; limited at general hospitals | Readily available at specialist facilities |
| Comfort | Shared wards, basic amenities | Private rooms, better amenities |
Teaching Hospitals
Teaching hospitals such as LUTH (Lagos), UCH (Ibadan), ABUTH (Zaria), and UNTH (Enugu) offer a middle ground. They have specialist consultants, modern equipment, and relatively affordable costs. They are an excellent option for high-risk pregnancies.
NHIS Coverage for Pregnancy
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) provides coverage for maternal healthcare services. If you or your spouse is enrolled, you can access antenatal care, delivery services, and postnatal care at NHIS-accredited facilities.
What NHIS Covers During Pregnancy:
- Routine antenatal consultations and examinations
- Basic laboratory investigations (blood tests, urinalysis)
- At least 2 ultrasound scans during pregnancy
- Routine drugs (iron supplements, folic acid, antimalarials)
- Normal vaginal delivery
- Caesarean section (where medically indicated)
- Postnatal care for mum and baby
- Immunisations for the newborn
How to Access NHIS Maternity Benefits:
- Ensure you are enrolled in the NHIS (through your employer or voluntary contributor programme)
- Register with an NHIS-accredited Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO)
- Choose a primary healthcare provider from the HMO's list
- Present your NHIS card at each antenatal visit
- If you need specialist care, your primary provider will issue a referral
Note: Some services may require co-payments. The NHIS does not cover all medications, and there may be limits on the number of scans covered. Always confirm with your HMO what is included in your plan.
Cost Estimates for Antenatal Care in Nigeria
Understanding the financial commitment of pregnancy care is important for planning. Here are typical cost ranges as of 2024/2025:
Government Hospital
- ANC Registration: ₦2,000 – ₦10,000
- ANC Package (all visits): ₦5,000 – ₦30,000
- Ultrasound Scan: ₦3,000 – ₦8,000 per scan
- Lab Tests (booking): ₦5,000 – ₦15,000
- Vaginal Delivery: ₦10,000 – ₦80,000
- Caesarean Section: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000
Private Hospital
- ANC Registration: ₦20,000 – ₦100,000
- ANC Package (all visits): ₦50,000 – ₦500,000+
- Ultrasound Scan: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 per scan
- Lab Tests (booking): ₦20,000 – ₦60,000
- Vaginal Delivery: ₦150,000 – ₦800,000
- Caesarean Section: ₦300,000 – ₦1,500,000+
* Costs are approximate and vary by location, facility, and individual circumstances. Lagos and Abuja tend to be more expensive than other states.
Finding Antenatal Care by State
Below are some of the major healthcare facilities offering antenatal care across Nigeria's key states. For the most up-to-date information, contact the facility directly or visit your state's Ministry of Health website.
Lagos State
- • Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba
- • Lagos Island Maternity Hospital
- • Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja
- • General Hospital, Ikorodu
- • General Hospital, Gbagada
- • Numerous PHCs across all 20 LGAs
FCT Abuja
- • National Hospital Abuja, Central District
- • University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada
- • Asokoro District Hospital
- • Wuse General Hospital
- • Maitama District Hospital
- • Garki Hospital
Rivers State
- • University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
- • Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
- • Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital
- • Kelsey Harrison Hospital
- • PHCs across all LGAs
Kano State
- • Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH)
- • Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital
- • Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital
- • Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital
- • PHCs across all LGAs
Oyo State
- • University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
- • Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital
- • Ring Road State Hospital
- • PHCs across all LGAs
Enugu State
- • University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla
- • Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane
- • National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu
- • Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital
- • PHCs across all LGAs
Tips for a Successful Antenatal Experience
- Register early. The earlier you book, the better your care will be. Aim for before 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- Keep a folder. Maintain a file with all your test results, prescriptions, and antenatal card. Bring it to every visit.
- Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor or midwife about anything you do not understand. It is your right.
- Take your medications. Iron supplements, folic acid, and antimalarial prophylaxis are essential. Do not skip them even if they make you feel nauseous.
- Eat well. Check our Nigerian pregnancy nutrition guide for local food recommendations.
- Know the danger signs. Familiarise yourself with pregnancy warning signs so you know when to seek immediate medical help.
- Plan for delivery. Start thinking about where you will deliver, transport to the hospital, who will accompany you, and how you will pay. Create a birth plan.
- Budget ahead. Start saving early. Even if you are using a government hospital, there will be costs for registration, tests, drugs, and delivery items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many antenatal visits should I have in Nigeria?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) focused ANC model recommends a minimum of 4 visits for low-risk pregnancies. However, the updated 2016 WHO model recommends 8 contacts. Most Nigerian hospitals follow the 4-visit model: a booking visit before 16 weeks, then visits at 24–28 weeks, 32 weeks, and 36 weeks. High-risk pregnancies require more frequent monitoring.
How much does antenatal care cost in Nigeria?
Costs vary widely. Government hospitals charge between ₦5,000 and ₦30,000 for the entire antenatal package. Private hospitals range from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 or more, depending on the facility and location. Teaching hospitals fall somewhere in between, typically ₦20,000 to ₦80,000.
Does NHIS cover antenatal care in Nigeria?
Yes. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers antenatal care for enrolled female contributors and wives of male contributors. Coverage includes routine check-ups, basic laboratory tests, ultrasound scans, and delivery. You must register with an NHIS-accredited Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and choose a primary healthcare provider.
When should I register for antenatal care?
You should register for antenatal care as early as possible, ideally before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Early registration (known as the booking visit) allows your healthcare team to carry out baseline tests, screen for potential complications, calculate your due date, and plan your care effectively.
What tests are done during the booking visit in Nigeria?
The booking visit typically includes blood group and genotype testing, haemoglobin level (packed cell volume), HIV screening, hepatitis B and C tests, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement, and a physical examination. An ultrasound scan may also be done to confirm the pregnancy dating and check for any abnormalities.
Can I receive antenatal care at a government hospital if I live in a different state?
Yes, you can receive antenatal care at any government hospital in Nigeria regardless of your state of origin. However, it is generally easier and more efficient to register at a facility in your state of residence, particularly if you plan to deliver there.
Medical Disclaimer
This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy or health condition.