Antenatal care is the care you receive from healthcare professionals during your pregnancy. You'll be offered a series of appointments with a midwife, or sometimes with a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth.
They will check that you and your baby are well, give you useful information to help you have a healthy pregnancy (including healthy eating and exercise advice) and answer any questions you may have.
You will also be offered antenatal classes, including breastfeeding workshops. You need to book antenatal classes in advance, so ask your midwife about when you should book classes in your area.
Care should be centred on the pregnant woman; the aim should be to keep her fully informed on the progress of her pregnancy and to provide her with evidence-based information and support to make informed decisions.
What happens at your first antenatal visit?
- At your first antenatal visit you will be asked lots of questions about your health, any other pregnancies, yourself, your partner and your family. This will assist the midwife or doctor to plan your care.
- Your midwife or doctor will check your blood pressure, weight and height and you may need to have a Pap smear if you have not had one in the last 2 years.
- Other examinations (heart, chest and breasts) may be done if indicated.
- At your first visit, you may also have some blood taken for tests and your urine will be checked as well. To find out more about these tests, please have a look at the topic 'Routine antenatal tests'.
- You will be asked about possible signs of depression, stresses that you might have and social supports (your family and friends).
About video: Target Australia and Bounty provide information around antenatal care. Presented by Hannah Dahlen - Professor of Midwifery.
- 207 views
