pregnancy
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From that first positive test to the final weeks before delivery, antenatal care is your roadmap through pregnancy. But what actually happens at each stage, and why does it matter?
Congratulations, we hear you are expecting! Falling pregnant is both an exciting and terrifying time, but that’ s why antenatal care is so important. Sr Amber Buyl, midwife and Birthwise coordinator at Netcare Park Lane Hospital, explains:“ Antenatal care refers to the regular medical and supportive care provided to parents and their baby throughout pregnancy, right up to delivery and the postpartum period. This includes check-ups, screening tests, health education and emotional support to prepare for parenthood.”
“ Your care should begin as soon as you see that thin blue line, or at least before 12 weeks,” says Dr Ninke Fourie, GP and Birthwise team member.“ Starting early allows accurate dating of the pregnancy as well as baseline screening and testing to identify any potential risks.”
Here’ s what you can expect from antenatal care, according to Sr Buyl and Dr Fourie.
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