Pregnancy Care in Dakar: How to Organise Your Follow-Up

In Dakar, pregnancy care is built around a minimum of four antenatal visits, two or three ultrasounds and a simple vaccination schedule. You can choose between the public system (health posts, health centres and hospitals) and private clinics, with a wide gap in cost. Start early, ideally within the first trimester, and keep every result in one antenatal record book. This article is informational only: for any medical decision, consult a healthcare professional.

Antenatal visits: rhythm and cost

Senegal's recommended schedule includes at least four antenatal visits, and more if the pregnancy is considered higher risk. Most families in Dakar go monthly until the seventh month, then every two weeks, then weekly in the final month.

Each visit usually covers weight, blood pressure, fundal height and the baby's heartbeat. Early on, baseline tests are added: blood group and rhesus, haemoglobin, serologies, blood sugar and a urine test. Private laboratories are easy to find in Plateau, Point E, Mermoz and Sacre Coeur, and a first trimester work-up often falls between 25 000 and 60 000 FCFA.

Practical tip: ask for an antenatal record book at your first visit and have every result written into it. If you are employed, check your IPM or private insurance coverage and always ask for itemised invoices.

Where to go, neighbourhood by neighbourhood

Coverage across Dakar is good, but traffic changes everything: a maternity ward twenty minutes away off-peak can take over an hour at rush hour on the VDN or the corniche road.

• Plateau, Point E, Fann: the highest concentration of gynaecology practices, laboratories and referral hospitals.
• Almadies, Ngor, Ouakam, Yoff: private clinics used to expatriate and diaspora patients, usually with quicker appointment slots.
• Mermoz, Sacre Coeur, Liberte 6, Castors: a solid middle ground, with mid-sized private facilities and decent access from most of the city.
• Parcelles Assainies, Pikine, Guediawaye, Keur Massar: neighbourhood public health centres and posts, where antenatal visits stay most affordable. Arrive early, queues build fast.
• Rufisque, Diamniadio: a growing mix of public and private facilities, useful if you live on the outskirts.

If you plan to give birth in Dakar, pick the maternity ward based on the real night-time journey from your home, not only on reputation.

Ultrasounds: what to budget for

Three scans typically structure a pregnancy: one in the first trimester to date it, one in the second for the anatomy scan, one in the third for growth and the baby's position. In the private sector, expect roughly 15 000 to 40 000 FCFA per scan, more for a detailed anatomy scan. Public facilities charge less, but waiting times are longer.

Always ask for the written report, not just the printed images. The report is what counts in your medical file, especially if it has to go to a doctor abroad.

Vaccines, rainy season and emergencies

Vaccination is part of antenatal care and is explained by the midwife or doctor during your visits. The tetanus vaccine is part of the standard pregnancy schedule in Senegal, and others may be discussed depending on your record. Never make a vaccine or medication decision on your own: consult a healthcare professional.

The rainy season, from July to October, deserves extra care: a treated mosquito net, no standing water around the home, and quick attention if a fever appears. Malaria prevention follows a specific protocol monitored by the facility following you. In an emergency: SAMU 1515, Fire and rescue 18, Police 17.

Diaspora visitors should bring a legible letter from their usual doctor and check airline rules for flying at their stage of pregnancy.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Clinique Croix Bleue : Castors

To compare other health facilities in the capital, you can see all addresses.

Useful tools

• Route planner: work out the trip to the maternity ward at rush hour.
• Currency converter: handy for converting FCFA budgets from abroad.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers, transport and key local information.
• Also worth reading: our round-up of the best clinics in Dakar and our guide to health insurance in Senegal.

Frequently asked questions

When should I book my first antenatal visit in Dakar?

As early as possible, ideally in the first trimester and as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. An early visit allows the pregnancy to be dated, baseline tests to be done and the rest of the schedule to be planned.

How much does a pregnancy ultrasound cost in Dakar?

In the private sector, a scan usually costs between 15 000 and 40 000 FCFA depending on the examination. Public facilities charge less, but appointments take longer to obtain.

Can I have antenatal care in the public system and give birth privately?

Yes, many families do exactly that. Contact your chosen maternity facility well in advance and bring your complete record book; for any medical question, consult a healthcare professional.