Antenatal Care During Pregnancy

 
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Your health before and during pregnancy can have a lifelong impact on your baby’s health. For this reason, antenatal care should begin before you become pregnant.

Once you are pregnant, your first antenatal appointment or ‘booking visit’ will ideally take place when you are about 6 to 8 weeks pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will do a thorough health assessment including taking a medical history and family history as well as examining you to identify any conditions or circumstances that may be relevant to your pregnancy. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and express your personal wishes and ideas. 

Your doctor or midwife will discuss the model of care and your pregnancy pathway with you. The model of care will include:

  • who will be your lead maternity carer

  • where you will receive your antenatal care and with whom

  • the planned schedule or number of antenatal visits

  • where you will give birth 

  • your options for antenatal education or classes


Your pregnancy pathway and antenatal visits will be based on your individual needs. Most women have uncomplicated pregnancies, so generally they will have between eight and ten antenatal appointments during the course of their pregnancy. 

Thabo Moleme