antepartum

Antepartum, from Latin ante “before” and partus “birth,” denotes the period of pregnancy before the onset of labor. In obstetrics it describes the interval from conception to the start of labor, during which the fetus and mother are monitored for growth, development, and health. The antepartum period encompasses prenatal care, screening, and management of maternal health conditions and fetal conditions.

Routine antepartum care includes regular prenatal visits, monitoring of weight and vital signs, urine tests, and screening for infections and genetic conditions. Fetal assessment may involve ultrasound imaging for anatomy and growth, and fetal surveillance such as non-stress tests or biophysical profiles in certain pregnancies. Care plans are individualized based on maternal age, medical history, and fetal status.

Common antepartum complications include antepartum hemorrhage (bleeding before delivery), placenta previa, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and infections. These conditions require risk assessment, closer monitoring, and possible interventions to reduce risks to mother and fetus. Management may involve medications to control blood pressure or glucose, treatment of infections, counseling, and planning for timing and mode of delivery. In high-risk pregnancies, care may be coordinated by maternal-fetal medicine specialists and may involve hospitalization for observation, fetal monitoring, or administration of corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity if preterm birth is anticipated.

The term contrasts with intrapartum care, which concerns the period during labor and delivery, and postpartum care, which follows birth. Understanding the antepartum period is essential for achieving favorable perinatal outcomes.