What is Antenatal Care?

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, it’s important to see your Gynecologist doctor as soon as possible so you can schedule the appointments you will need during your pregnancy. These are called your antenatal appointments or antenatal care.

Why go to antenatal appointments?

These appointments will allow your Gyanaecologist doctor, to help both you and your baby stay healthy. Even if your pregnancy is going well and you’re feeling well, it’s important for you to attend your appointments so that any potential risks can be identified and prevented, or reduced.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about your pregnancy such as what’s happening during each trimester, physical pregnancy symptoms and the birth itself.

What will happen during the appointments?

The antenatal care during pregnancy depends on:

  • your health and any health risks you or your baby may have
  • your stage of pregnancy, medications, diet etc,
  • any problems you may be experiencing

There will be a number of checks, scans, tests and discussions, such as:

The health of baby, what trimester you are in and what this means for you and your baby

  • finding out about your medical history, general health and how any previous pregnancies were
  • discussing any medicationyou are taking etc.
  • checking your blood pressure, weight, testing your urine,physical problems.
  • providing advice on consuming healthy foods, fruits and lifestyle changes.
  • checking about any physical and mental stress symptoms that may be distracting you