Why antenatal care

You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your midwife as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Your GP surgery or a children's centre can put you in touch with your nearest midwifery service. You can find your nearest children's centre through your local council.

It's best to see a midwife or GP as early as possible to get the information you need about having a healthy pregnancy. Some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia , should be done before you're 10 weeks pregnant.

If you have special health needs, your midwife, GP or obstetrician may take shared responsibility for your maternity care. Let your midwife know if you have a disability that means you have special requirements for your antenatal appointments or for labour.

If you have had a baby before, you'll have around 7 appointments, but sometimes you may have more — for example, if you develop a medical condition. Early in your pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will give you written information about how many appointments you're likely to have and when they'll happen. You should have a chance to discuss the schedule of antenatal appointments with them.

Antenatal appointments should take place in a setting where you feel able to discuss sensitive issues, such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse, mental health problems or drugs. Are you pregnant for the first time? If so, are you making sure that you and your baby are healthy? The importance of antenatal care cannot be understated because it could detect abnormalities and preventable illnesses in mother and child.

Expectant parents who have questions surrounding pregnancy should consider joining an antenatal class because of the support, health advice and guidance on offer. There are several important aspects to antenatal care, and finding the right provider can go a long way to ensuring pregnant mums-to-be reap the best physical and psychological benefits available. Regular antenatal check-ups and weekly classes can help your pregnancy along.

Good antenatal care includes regular screening which can detect and prevent early complications such as hypertension and pregnancy diabetes; both of which can dramatically affect the foetus. Early detection means regular monitoring and treatment. St John Medical provides screening services that measure heart rate and monitor the baby. The clinic includes an obstetrician and midwife, who both assist with mum and foetus wellbeing. There are certain foods that should be avoided during pregnancy.

Your immune system is also working to for two, making it more susceptible to bacterial attacks. Chat to your antenatal provider about what foods to stay away from.

Prenatal vitamins play a big part in the health of your child. Even with a healthy diet, you will need supplements due to the additional hard work your body is doing. Not only do antenatal classes provide the opportunity for friendly support, but you are also educated on the finer points of dealing with pregnancy, how your child is developing, what to expect when you give birth and how to go about giving your child the best just after the birth.

Look for classes that cover all the labour and birthing options as well as early baby care. Your other half may not quite understand the other side of pregnancy, the side where dad comes in.

Read more on Parenthub website. Your doctor, or GP, is likely to be the first health professional you see when you become pregnant, and may help with your antenatal care. Antenatal care, midwife services, labour and birth, lactation consultant, childbirth education and support for Central Australia. Read more on NT Health website. During your pregnancy, you'll be offered a range of tests, including blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Read more on Better Health Channel website. There are a few extra things you need to know if you are pregnant over the age of While many migrant and refugee women experience healthy pregnancies, issues associated with resettlement can contribute to poorer perinatal outcomes than those experienced by women in general.

Read more on Department of Health website. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.

Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.

If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. Central Specialists Medical Specialists. Home Blog What is Prenatal Care?

What is Prenatal Care? In fact, maternal mortality was reduced when prenatal care began in the first trimester according to one study, meaning that women who sought late prenatal care were more at risk 1 So what is it about prenatal care that makes it so crucial to a successful delivery?

What is prenatal care? What you can expect during your visits Here's a rundown of everything you may expect during your prenatal appointments: weeks: Traditional prenatal care begins with an extended office visit with the obstetrician or midwife. A detailed history 2 is taken, including a family history of genetic disorders with possible tests 3 that include: ultrasound, pelvic exam, blood work, blood pressure, weight and urine screening for proteins and sugar.

The most likely things that will happen during your visit are blood pressure checks, urine screenings, weight recording and any additional tests if needed.

FH is the distance in centimetres from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus and FHTs are listening and measuring the foetal heart rate with a hand-held device called a Foetal Doppler. Your doctor may also check your hands and feet for swelling. FH and FHTs may be conducted at every visit from here to 34 weeks to check on the baby. Visits are routine to check health, growth and position of the child with very few additional tests being performed.

Learn more about your pregnancy and develop a plan Your prenatal visit doesn't just confirm your pregnancy, it offers you the chance to discuss different procedures and potential scenarios, and address any questions and concerns with a doctor through your pregnancy. Reduce the risk of complications and defects Regular screenings, for problems like gestational diabetes, can help prevent complications by detecting it early and providing the right treatment 4.

Offer appropriate immunisation Vaccines help protect both you and your baby from easily preventable diseases.