Go to hospital at once if you have any of these
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Water leaking or breaking before time
- Severe headache or blurred vision
- Sudden swelling of face, hands or feet
- Fits (convulsions) or fainting
- High fever
- Severe pain in the belly
- Baby moving less or not moving
- Difficulty breathing
- Regular pains before 37 weeks
Pregnancy month by month
Months 1–3 (weeks 1–13)
- Take 1 folic acid tablet daily till the end of the 3rd month.
- Register your pregnancy and get the first check-up before 12 weeks.
- Blood tests: haemoglobin, blood group, sugar, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B; urine test; Td vaccine.
Months 4–6 (weeks 14–27)
- Start iron + folic acid (1 tablet daily for at least 180 days) and calcium (2 tablets daily).
- Take iron with lemon water, not with tea or milk; keep calcium 2 hours apart from iron.
- One deworming tablet as given by the health centre. Detailed baby scan at 18–22 weeks. Sugar test at 24–28 weeks.
Months 7–9 (weeks 28–40)
- Count baby’s movements every day — at least 10 in 12 hours.
- Sleep on your left side. Keep the hospital bag ready and save 102 / 108.
- Deliver in a hospital — it is free in government hospitals.
Pregnancy check-up schedule
| Check-up | When |
|---|---|
| 1st check-up & registration | 6–12 weeks |
| Dating scan (ultrasound) | 7–13 weeks |
| Td vaccine 2nd dose | 8–20 weeks |
| 2nd check-up | 14–26 weeks |
| Detailed baby scan | 18–22 weeks |
| Sugar test (glucose test) | 24–28 weeks |
| 3rd check-up | 28–34 weeks |
| 4th check-up & birth plan | 36–40 weeks |
Free government schemes for mothers
Free check-up by a doctor on the 9th of every month in the 2nd and 3rd trimester at government health facilities.
Free delivery (normal and caesarean), medicines, tests, food and transport for mothers, and free care for sick babies up to 1 year.
Cash help for delivering in a government or accredited hospital (amount depends on the state).
₹5,000 for the first child and ₹6,000 for a second child if it is a girl, paid to the mother’s bank account.
Ask your ASHA worker or nearest government health centre. Amounts and rules can change; check with your state health department.
In the COSSLIVES app
Mother Care shows your week, reminds you of each check-up and tablet, keeps your reports safe, and switches to baby care after delivery.
Questions
When should I get my first pregnancy check-up?
As early as possible, ideally before 12 weeks. Register your pregnancy at the nearest government health centre or with your doctor.
How long should I take iron tablets in pregnancy?
From the 4th month, take 1 iron + folic acid tablet daily for at least 180 days in pregnancy, and continue after delivery as advised.
How many times should my baby move?
From about 28 weeks, count at least 10 movements in 12 hours. If the baby moves less, go to the hospital the same day.
Is delivery free in government hospitals?
Yes. Under JSSK, normal and caesarean delivery, medicines, tests, food and transport are free for mothers in government hospitals.
Information only, not a diagnosis. Always follow your doctor's advice. In an emergency call 112.
Based on guidance from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, National Health Mission and WHO. Last updated 2026-11-11 · Doctor review: in progress
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