Antenatal Care
Once your pregnancy is confirmed, it’s important to see your GP or a midwife as soon as possible so you can schedule the appointments you will need. Appointments during your pregnancy are called your antenatal appointments or antenatal care. Even if your pregnancy is going well and you’re feeling well, it’s important for you to attend your appointments so that any potential risks can be identified and prevented, or reduced.
What will happen during the appointments?
The antenatal care you get throughout your pregnancy depends on:
• your health and any risks you or your baby may have
• your stage of pregnancy
• any problems you may be experiencing
There will be a number of checks, scans, tests and discussions, such as:
• when the baby is due, what trimester you are in and what this means for you and your baby
• finding out about your medical history, general health and how any previous pregnancies were
• discussing any medication you are taking
• ensuring you are up to date with cervical screening
• making sure your mental health is OK, and supporting you if you have depression or anxiety
• checking your blood pressure and weight and testing your urine
• organising blood tests and screening
• providing advice on healthy eating and lifestyle changes
• feeling and measuring your tummy, and listening to the baby’s heartbeat
• asking you about your home environment, work and what support you have. If you are experiencing family Violence , this is a good opportunity for you to discuss it
• checking about any physical symptoms that may be bothering you
• running through your Birth plan with you
• finding out about antenatal classes
• advice about taking your baby home, feeding them and other care