Pregnancy Care in Chatsworth: Your Guide to Antenatal Care

A positive pregnancy test can bring excitement, questions and uncertainty about what happens next. You may wonder when to arrange your first appointment, which tests you may need and how often your pregnancy should be monitored.

Pregnancy care, also called antenatal or prenatal care, provides ongoing support and medical assessment throughout pregnancy.

These appointments allow your healthcare provider to monitor your health, follow your baby’s development and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are looking for pregnancy care in Chatsworth, this guide explains what antenatal care involves and what you can expect during each stage of your pregnancy.

What is antenatal care?

Antenatal care is the healthcare you receive from the beginning of pregnancy until your baby is born.

It usually includes:

• Reviewing your medical and pregnancy history

• Monitoring your blood pressure, weight and general health

• Assessing your baby’s growth and development

• Arranging appropriate blood tests and ultrasound examinations

• Discussing nutrition, supplements and physical activity

• Identifying factors that may require additional monitoring

• Preparing for labour, delivery and the postnatal period

Antenatal care is not limited to examinations and tests. It also gives you a regular opportunity to ask questions, understand the changes taking place in your body and participate in decisions about your care.

When should you arrange your first pregnancy appointment?

South African maternity guidance recommends contacting a healthcare provider as soon as you suspect that you may be pregnant. The World Health Organization recommends that the first antenatal contact take place during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

You do not necessarily need to wait until a particular week before contacting the practice. After a positive pregnancy test, the practice can advise you on the appropriate timing for your first consultation and ultrasound.

Earlier assessment may be recommended if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding or persistent abdominal pain

• A history of ectopic pregnancy or recurrent pregnancy loss

• An existing medical condition

• Previous pregnancy complications

• Concerns about medication taken during pregnancy

• Uncertainty about the date of your last menstrual period

• Any symptoms that concern you

  
  

The timing of your first ultrasound will depend on your symptoms, medical history and estimated stage of pregnancy.

What happens at the first antenatal appointment?

Your first pregnancy consultation allows your obstetrician to understand your medical history and begin developing an appropriate care plan.

The consultation may include:

Pregnancy and menstrual history

You may be asked about the first day of your last menstrual period, previous pregnancies, miscarriages, deliveries and any previous pregnancy complications.

This information helps estimate how far along the pregnancy may be and which assessments could be appropriate.

Medical and family history

Your obstetrician may ask about:

• Existing medical conditions

• Previous operations or hospital admissions

• Allergies

• Prescription and non-prescription medication

• Relevant family medical history

• Lifestyle and occupational factors

This information helps identify anything that may require additional attention during pregnancy.

Physical assessment

Depending on your stage of pregnancy and individual circumstances, your assessment may include measurements such as blood pressure, weight and other relevant examinations.

Blood and urine tests

Initial antenatal investigations may screen for conditions that could affect pregnancy. The exact tests requested will depend on your medical history, clinical assessment and relevant South African maternity guidance.

Your obstetrician should explain which tests are recommended and what the results may mean.

Pregnancy ultrasound

An early pregnancy ultrasound may help:

• Confirm the location of the pregnancy

• Estimate gestational age

• Assess whether there is more than one baby

• Evaluate the pregnancy according to its stage

  
  

What can be seen on an ultrasound depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed. If the pregnancy is very early, a repeat scan may occasionally be recommended.

How often will you have antenatal appointments?

The timing and frequency of antenatal appointments depend on your stage of pregnancy and individual health needs.

A person with an uncomplicated pregnancy may follow a routine schedule of appointments. More frequent monitoring may be advised when there are maternal or pregnancy-related risk factors.

These may include:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Multiple pregnancy

• Previous pregnancy complications

• Concerns about fetal growth

• An existing medical condition

• Findings identified during an examination, test or ultrasound

Your obstetrician will explain the recommended schedule and adjust it if your circumstances change.

What is monitored during pregnancy?

Each antenatal visit has a purpose. The assessments performed will depend on how far the pregnancy has progressed.

Your appointments may include:

• Blood-pressure monitoring

• Urine testing when indicated

• Review of symptoms and general wellbeing

• Assessment of your baby’s growth

• Discussion of fetal movement later in pregnancy

• Review of blood tests and ultrasound findings

• Discussion of nutrition, medication and supplements

• Planning for labour and delivery

• Emotional-health and practical-support discussions

Use these appointments to raise any physical, emotional or practical concerns. It can be helpful to keep a list of questions between visits.

Which pregnancy scans may be discussed?

Ultrasound examinations are used at different stages of pregnancy for different reasons. Not every pregnancy requires exactly the same scan schedule.

Depending on your pregnancy and clinical needs, your obstetrician may discuss:

An early pregnancy or dating scan

This scan may help confirm the location of the pregnancy and estimate gestational age. Its timing will depend on your history, symptoms and how far along the pregnancy is believed to be.

First-trimester screening

Your obstetrician can explain the available screening options, their timing and what the results can and cannot show.

Participation in screening is a personal decision that should follow an informed discussion.

An anatomy scan

An anatomy scan is generally performed during the second trimester to examine aspects of the baby’s development. Your obstetrician will advise you about the appropriate timing and whether a referral is required.

Growth or follow-up scans

Additional scans may be recommended when closer monitoring of fetal growth, amniotic fluid, placental position or another aspect of the pregnancy is required.

You can read more in the practice’s guide to pregnancy ultrasound in Chatsworth.

Preparing for your antenatal appointments

Before your first consultation, gather any information that may help your obstetrician understand your health history.

Consider bringing:

• The date of your last menstrual period, if known

• Details of previous pregnancies and deliveries

• Previous pregnancy or ultrasound reports

• A list of current medication and supplements

• Relevant medical records or test results

• Details of allergies

• A list of questions or concerns

Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to the prescribing healthcare professional. Some medication may need to be reviewed during pregnancy, but changes should be made under appropriate medical guidance.

Nutrition, supplements and lifestyle during pregnancy

Pregnancy does not require one identical lifestyle plan for everyone. Recommendations should consider your medical history, nutritional needs and pregnancy-related factors.

During antenatal visits, you may discuss:

• Folic acid and other supplements

• A balanced and varied diet

• Food-safety precautions

• Appropriate physical activity

• Weight monitoring

• Work and travel considerations

• Alcohol, smoking and other substance exposure

• Medication and complementary products

Avoid starting supplements, herbal preparations or over-the-counter medication without checking whether they are appropriate during pregnancy.

Which pregnancy symptoms require assessment?

Many physical changes can occur during pregnancy, and not every symptom indicates a complication. However, some symptoms should be discussed promptly with a healthcare professional.

Seek medical assessment if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain

• A severe headache that does not settle

• Changes in vision

• Sudden swelling of the face or hands

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Fever or feeling significantly unwell

• Persistent vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down

• Fluid leaking from the vagina

• Regular painful contractions before your expected delivery period

• Reduced or changed fetal movement after you have started feeling regular movement

This is not a complete list. Contact your healthcare provider or an appropriate emergency service if you are concerned about your symptoms.

Antenatal appointments are intended for routine monitoring and should not delay urgent medical assessment when it is needed.

Pregnancy care for higher-risk pregnancies

Some pregnancies require additional observation or involvement from other healthcare professionals.

Additional monitoring may be considered if you have:

• High blood pressure or heart disease

• Diabetes or another endocrine condition

• Kidney disease

• An autoimmune condition

• A multiple pregnancy

• Previous premature delivery

• Previous pre-eclampsia

• Previous pregnancy loss

• Concerns identified during the current pregnancy

Being advised that a pregnancy needs closer monitoring does not necessarily mean that a complication will occur. It means that your care plan may include additional appointments, tests or specialist input.

Planning for labour and delivery

As your pregnancy progresses, your antenatal conversations will begin to include preparation for birth.

Topics may include:

• Your intended delivery facility

• Signs that labour may be starting

• When to travel to the hospital

• Vaginal and caesarean delivery considerations

• Pain-management options

• What to pack for hospital

• Support during labour

• Feeding and early postnatal care

A birth plan can help communicate your preferences, but it should remain flexible. Clinical circumstances can change and decisions may need to be adjusted to support maternal and fetal wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions about pregnancy care

Can I arrange an appointment before eight weeks?

Yes. You can contact the practice after confirming or suspecting pregnancy. The practice can advise when your consultation and first ultrasound should take place based on your history and symptoms.

Will I have an ultrasound at every appointment?

Not necessarily. Ultrasound timing depends on your stage of pregnancy, clinical needs and previous findings. Your obstetrician will explain which scans may be appropriate.

Can I exercise during pregnancy?

Many people can remain physically active during pregnancy, but the appropriate type and intensity of exercise depend on your health and pregnancy. Discuss your exercise routine with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have symptoms or pregnancy complications.

Can I continue taking my usual medication?

Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice. Give your obstetrician a complete list of prescription medication, over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal preparations so that these can be reviewed.

What if I have only discovered my pregnancy later?

Arrange an antenatal consultation as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider can assess your stage of pregnancy, arrange appropriate investigations and develop a care plan based on your circumstances.

Where can I discuss pregnancy care in Chatsworth?

Dr Vineshree Govender is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist practising at Life Chatsmed Garden Hospital in Chatsworth, Durban.

You can contact the practice to discuss the appropriate timing for an antenatal consultation and what information to bring with you.

Taking the next step

If you have received a positive pregnancy test, begin by recording the date of your last menstrual period, reviewing any medication you take and contacting a healthcare provider for guidance.

A clear antenatal plan should help you understand:

• When your first consultation should take place

• Which initial assessments may be recommended

• When ultrasound examinations may be considered

• How frequently you should be monitored

• Who to contact if you develop concerning symptoms

You can explore Dr Govender’s pregnancy and women’s health services, read the practice’s frequently asked questions or contact the practice for guidance.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Pregnancy-care recommendations differ between individuals. Please consult Dr Vineshree Govender or another qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance.