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
As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you can book an appointment with us to confirm your pregnancy.
The following will be done at the first visit:
Confirmation of Pregnancy.
History Taking.
Physical Examination.
Booking Ultrasound.
Essential booking blood tests:
- Blood group and Rhesus factor
- Blood group antibodies (Coombs if Mother is RH Negative.
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B antigens.
- Rubella immunity.
- Full blood count to assess platelets and hemoglobin level.
- Blood Glucose Levels.
Dating Ultrasound Scan
First Trimester Ultrasound
Downs Screening (Ultrasound measurements and blood test)
Please book by contacting a Sonographer here.
Second Trimester Down Syndrome Screening / Fetal Wellbeing Ultrasound. Please book by contacting a Sonographer here.
Blood pressure.
General health check.
Measure tummy to check baby’s growth.
Check baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Addressing questions and concerns regarding your health and wellbeing in the pregnancy.
Health education.
Blood pressure.
General health check.
Measure tummy to check baby’s growth.
Check baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Addressing questions and concerns regarding your health and wellbeing in the pregnancy.
Health education.
Please book by contacting a Sonographer here.
Blood pressure.
General health check.
Measure tummy to check baby’s growth.
Check baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Addressing questions and concerns regarding your health and wellbeing in the pregnancy.
Health education.
Please book by contacting a Sonographer here.
Blood pressure.
General health check.
Measure tummy to check baby’s growth.
Check baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Addressing questions and concerns regarding your health and wellbeing in the pregnancy.
Health education.
Blood pressure.
General health check.
Measure tummy to check baby’s growth.
Check baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Addressing questions and concerns regarding your health and wellbeing in the pregnancy.
Health education.
Blood pressure.
General health check.
Measure tummy to check baby’s growth.
Check baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Addressing questions and concerns regarding your health and wellbeing in the pregnancy.
Health education.
Blood pressure.
General health check.
Measure tummy to check baby’s growth.
Check baby’s heartbeat and movements.
Addressing questions and concerns regarding your health and wellbeing in the pregnancy.
Health education.
Weekly Antenatal consults with the midwife to monitor the wellbeing of mom and baby in the final month of pregnancy.
Health education and tips on natural methods to help bring on labour.
Referral to allied healthcare professionals such as a chiropractor, reflexologist, homeopath or acupuncturist as needed.
Non-stress tests, as needed.
If the pregnancy reaches 41+ weeks an antenatal consultation will be done to plan for an induction of labour, if needed. This is done in collaboration with your back-up OBGYN.
Routine Midwife Antenatal Consultations per 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.
Foetal 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