Antenatal Care
Antenatal Care

Antenatal Schedule

“A woman in birth is at once her most powerful, and most vulnerable. But any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know.”

Each mom who births us will be required to attend their antenatal consultations as per the schedule below. This is so that we can make sure you and your baby stay healthy. You will also be required to see a back-up affiliated OBGYN. The antenatal schedule is a guide and it may differ as per each expectant mother’s individual needs.

At the booking appointment we will ask you lots of questions to find out if there is anything in your medical history or lifestyle that could affect your pregnancy or baby. We will also give you education about having a healthy pregnancy.

We will do all vital checks, such as taking your blood pressure and testing a urine sample to see if there are any pregnancy complications. It is also a good time for you and your partner to ask any questions. More frequent visits are available at any time for any reason. Your due date at 40 (+) weeks is really more of a due “zone”.You could give birth anytime from 37 weeks up to 42 weeks.

A guide to your Antenatal consultations

Routine Midwife Antenatal Consultations per trimester

Weeks 4 to 28: Once a month
1st Trimester
Weeks 28 to 36: Once every 2 weeks
2nd Trimester
Week 37 to birth: Once a week
3rd Trimester

We support and respect you in your choices for our Protea Birth Unit or hospital birth.

Your birth options

We spend time with you at your antenatal consultations

After all, we will be present at one of the most important events of your life!

Knowing what check-ups, screenings and scans to have and when to have them during your pregnancy is important information for every pregnant woman. During your pregnancy, you’ll be offered a range of tests, including blood tests and ultrasound scans. These tests are designed to check for anything that may cause a problem during your pregnancy or after the birth. Your midwife will guide and advise each of her clients and may differ slightly from the guide below.

Your first Antenatal consult with the Midwife~

Take a detailed personal, family, pregnancy and medical history to determine any existing trait or condition that might have negative effect on pregnancy.

 Take your medical history.

 History of current pregnancy.

 Address any questions regarding admin, financial processes in the practice.

 Discuss terms and conditions of the contract.

Your first Antenatal physical examination~

 Blood pressure.

 Urine analysis.

 Abdominal palpation.

 Position, presentation and engagement.

 Fetal heart rate.

 Maternal weight and height.

 Assess wellbeing of pregnancy.

 Schedule follow up appointment.

 This information will be used for all official communication between yourself and the practice.

Ensure you bring the following with~

 Any results or scans that you have done so far during this pregnancy.

 Your ID or Passport.

 Your partners ID or Passport.

 Medical Aid card (if you have one).

If you are transferring from another caregiver

If you are currently with another care provider, and would like to transfer your care to Protea Midwives, you must be able to  provide your medical records for the midwife to review. This is a simple request for a transfer of medical records via email or hard copy from the other practice to us. You may not continue your back-up care with the current gynaecologist/obstetrician unless they are affiliated with us, as per the OBGYN’s we work with here.