Antenatal Care
Also known as ‘pregnancy care,’ refers to the health care services and support you receive while pregnant. This is done to ensure that you and your unborn child are as possible in good health throughout your pregnancy.
Where will I receive my antenatal care?
You may be provided antenatal care in different locations even at home depending on your health, circumstances, and where you live:
- home, with visits from the nurse or doctor
- doctor’s clinic
- the local health center, birth unit, children’s center,r or young person’s project
- local hospital
If you are carrying twins or triplets or have other potential risks, you will most likely have at least two antenatal appointments at the hospital.
How do I locate antenatal care near me?
For antenatal care and delivery, your doctor can refer you to the best prenatal care provider – Elite Body Home. More information is available on the website https://elitebodyhome.com/service/prenatal-care/
Why are antenatal care visits necessary?
Antenatal care should be scheduled on a regular basis to:
- Monitor on your child’s development.
- Keep a look at your baby’s health with a blood samples and ultrasound scans.
- Some circumstances, such as pre-eclampsia and urinary tract infections, may not have any early symptoms, but routine blood pressure checks and urine tests can detect them even if you feel fine.
If you don’t want to go when you’re afraid of having blood work, tell the nurse.
If you are unable to attend an antenatal appointment, notify your nurse or the hospital so that another appointment can be scheduled.
Will I be subjected to internal exams?
No, unless there is an issue that needs to be investigated, you are unlikely to have an inner examination until you go into labor.
If your baby appears to be late, you will be endorsed to membrane sweep near the end of your pregnancy. This involves your nurse inserting a finger into your sensual part to reach your cervix and softly sweeping the membranes apart.
Can I bring someone to my routine visits?
You have the option of going to your appointments alone or with someone. If you bring someone, they can either wait in the reception area or keep coming into the room with you.
If you bring somebody with you, the nurse will most likely ask to just see you alone at least once. This is in case you want to tell her something that you would rather not say to another person.
How many meetings will I have?
This will be determined by your specific circumstances. If this is your first child, you will have up to ten antenatal appointments. If you’ve previously had a baby, you’ll have about 7 appointments. If you have a medical condition or develop one while pregnant, you may have more.
How long do prenatal appointments last?
The first antenatal consultation is known as the ‘booking appointment,’ and it can last up to an hour. You will be asked numerous questions about your wellness, the health of your family, and the health of the baby’s father, particularly about any ailments in the family that may affect your baby.
The nurse is gathering information to ensure that she can assist you and your baby all through your pregnancy.
Your visits will be much quicker after the booking appointment. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, they will take about 10 to 15 minutes – enough time to take your blood pressure and a urine test, as well as perceive how your baby is growing in later months.
