Antenatal Care
Overview
Antenatal care is continuous medical care provided during pregnancy, which should begin soon after you realize you are pregnant. The care involves consistently monitoring your and your baby's health, conducting routine screenings, and providing professional advice to ensure optimal health for you and your baby.
What should I share with Dr Thafeni when attending a consultation?
Dr Thafeni will ask pertinent questions about the dates of your period and also inquire about your health, prior medical conditions, previous miscarriages and whether or not you have a history of multiple pregnancies. These questions are crucial as they provide important information about your health and pregnancy, which will guide the doctor in providing the best care for you and your baby.
What happens during an antenatal appointment?
During an antenatal appointment, Dr Thafeni prioritizes your well-being and your baby's health. The first appointment is crucial as it allows Dr. Thafeni to gather important information to help carefully formulate a treatment plan designed to suit your individual needs, goals, and preferences.
The first appointment is a crucial step in your antenatal care journey. It's a time to confirm your pregnancy, monitor your health status, and start tracking the pregnancy to ensure a successful and smooth delivery. This initial step is designed to provide you with the reassurance and preparation you need for the journey ahead.
The initial antenatal visit entails taking and tracking your medical history, learning about previous medical conditions and operations, and consistently monitoring your medications.
Dr Thafeni will ask about your lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol intake, and the use of recreational drugs. These questions are not meant to judge but to understand your situation better and provide the best care possible. The doctor will also determine if there are signs of anxiety, depression, or stress so they can be addressed if needed.
These questions are intended to help guide the doctor in finding a suitable antenatal care monitoring plan that meets your expectations.
What tests are carried out during an antenatal visit?
Dr Thafeni continuously monitors your health and carries out the following tests:
- Blood pressure
- Measurement of weight and height
- Blood tests (anaemia, rubella, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis C and HIV).
Your doctor will determine the duration (weeks) of your pregnancy to give you a due date for the baby. This due date is important as it helps to plan and monitor the progress of your pregnancy, and it also serves as a reference point for the delivery.
FAQ
The frequency of antenatal appointments depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether it is considered low or high risk. Here's a general guideline:
- First Trimester (0-12 weeks):
- Your first appointment is typically scheduled around 8-10 weeks to confirm the pregnancy and establish a care plan.
- Follow-ups may occur every 4-6 weeks unless otherwise advised.
- Second Trimester (13-28 weeks):
- Appointments are usually every 4 weeks to monitor your baby's growth, check your health, and address any concerns
- Third Trimester (29-40 weeks):
- From 28-36 weeks, visits become more frequent, typically every 2 weeks.
- After 36 weeks, weekly appointments are standard until delivery.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, we may recommend more frequent check-ups. Always consult your doctor or midwife for a schedule tailored to your needs.