Antenatal care is the term used to describe a health professional looking after you during your pregnancy.
After finding out you’re pregnant your family doctor will provide a referral for your first appointment with an obstetrician, who will provide your antenatal care. If you choose to do Shared Care with your GP, they will also be a part of your antenatal care.
Your first booking will usually be between 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. During this visit, we will discuss your past medical history and find out how you are feeling at this important early stage. An examination is performed and will include an ultrasound to confirm how many weeks pregnant you are. We discuss blood tests required and any special investigations if needed. I like to find out a little bit about what your hopes are for the pregnancy and childbirth. During this appointment, we will have a general discussion about diet and exercise.
Intimacy and travel are also common topics discussed by patients, you might have a list of your own questions. Some patients like to write the questions down so they remember them for the next visit.
After your first appointment, visits are usually every four weeks until around 28 weeks gestation and then fortnightly until 36 weeks. After 36 weeks, I will see you weekly until your baby arrives.
At each visit, we talk about how you are feeling and I perform an ultrasound so you can see how your baby is progressing. A vital part of each visit is answering any questions you may have.
Unscheduled visits at short notice are easy to make at any time if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health or that of your baby.
Call the rooms directly to make an appointment to discuss your pregnancy.