In 2015, an estimated 303 000 women died from pregnancy-related causes and 2.6 million babies were stillborn, half occurring during the third trimester. 1, 2 Many of these adverse outcomes can be prevented by quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. Within the continuum of care, antenatal care (ANC) provides a platform for critical healthcare functions including health promotion, prevention, screening and diagnosis of diseases. Implementing timely and appropriate evidence-based practices during ANC can improve maternal and fetal health. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to communicate with and support women, families and communities at this very pivotal time in the course of their lives.

On 7 November 2016, the World Health Organization released its comprehensive recommendations on routine ANC for pregnant women and adolescent girls. 3 In accordance with a human rights-based approach, the guidance is intended to respond to the complex nature of the issues surrounding the practice, organisation and delivery of ANC within the health systems, and to prioritise person-centred care and well-being—not only the prevention of death and morbidity.