When you’re pregnant, it’s very important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. From regular check-ups at the clinic to planning your baby’s birth, the right antenatal care will help you to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Antenatal care is the care and support you receive while you’re pregnant. It’s your choice whether or not to have antenatal care, but it’s the most important step you can take towards having a healthy pregnancy.
As soon as you know you’re pregnant you can start antenatal care with us. Complications during pregnancy are unlikely, but they can happen at any stage – starting regular medical appointments with us means we can help prevent any issues or treat them early before they become more serious.
Your antenatal care will include frequent check-ups, screenings and exams at one of our health facilities, and these will change as your pregnancy progresses. At the start you may have blood tests to check for any health issues that could affect your pregnancy or your baby. Later on you’ll have your blood pressure measured and you may be asked to do urine tests. These will check for signs of pregnancy conditions, such as pre-eclampsia, that would need to be monitored and treated.
You’ll also be given advice on how to look after yourself, information on what to expect at each stage of pregnancy, and support preparing for a positive birth. We will prescribe vitamins and minerals, and any medication you might need to keep you both well.
The typical antenatal care schedule
Our antenatal appointments are tailored to your personal situation, and we’ll give you a schedule of all the visits you should have while pregnant.
Your first appointment will probably be around 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. At your first check-up, we will:
- Take your full medical history
- Test and treat any infections or conditions, such as anaemia
- Give you a due date, which is an estimate of when your baby will arrive.
This will also be when you’ll have your first scan – unless there’s a reason for you to have one earlier. Although the scan is done for medical reasons, it’s very exciting to see your baby for the first time!
After this, you’ll see us at least three more times, up to and including around 30 weeks of pregnancy. Your care will be tailored to you and your baby’s needs, but your appointments will include:
- Advice on looking out for signs of complications at each stage of pregnancy
- A check of your baby’s heartbeat
- A check of your physical and mental health
- Continued testing for any infections or conditions
- An ultrasound in some of your appointments so we can see your baby is doing well
Then, starting at 34 weeks, you’ll have appointments every 1-2 weeks right up until your due date. During these final weeks of your pregnancy, we’ll discuss your hopes for your birth and help you create a birth plan so you can feel more confident and prepared. We’ll help you think about things like:
- Where to have your baby
- Whether to have pain relief
- Positions you can try during labour
- Who you want to have with you
Further assistance during your pregnancy
Beyond your antenatal appointments with us, there are plenty of things you can do to stay well during pregnancy and after.
Maintain a healthy diet:
Nutrition and eating well is very important for having a healthy pregnancy. During your antenatal care our maternity team will give you advice about the best ways to look after yourself. This could include:
- Eating a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein
- Taking additional vitamins that are hard to get from food alone, such as folic acid
- Avoiding certain foods that are unsafe during pregnancy, such as unpasteurised milks and cheeses or undercooked meat
- Preparing food safely
Exercise safely:
Regular exercise during pregnancy can be safe when done correctly, and can bring many benefits like helping to prevent lower back and pelvic pain. Always make sure you speak to us first before getting started, so we can advise you on the safest ways to get active.
Get emotional support:
Many women go through a wide range of emotions during pregnancy, from excitement to anxiety and everything in-between. One of the best ways to manage emotions is simply by talking.
Find someone you trust and tell them how you’re feeling. It could be your partner, a friend, family member, or a community group. As part of your antenatal care, we’ll invite you to join an antenatal group if you wish. Here you can get advice on looking after yourself and share experiences and worries with other mums-to-be.
You can also speak to us in confidence if you have any questions or need extra support with anything.
Postnatal support after you give birth:
Postnatal care is the care provided to a woman and her newborn baby following childbirth. It’s a really important time where you receive support with your physical recovery and help to bond with your baby. At MSI, our postnatal care services start a few days after your baby is born, and we’ll continue supporting you until your baby is around 6 weeks old. During postnatal care we’ll help you navigate the ups and downs of being a new parent, giving you guidance on newborn care and breastfeeding, and making sure both you and baby are thriving
Summary
Pregnancy can be an exciting and overwhelming time, but it’s important to remember you’re not alone. We’re here to listen and support you every step of the way.
For more information, please contact us on 0800720005 or WhatsApp us on 0709819001.
