Lesego Lala
Welcoming a new life into the world is an extraordinary experience, filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. As expectant parents begin this incredible journey, one essential step stands out: early prenatal booking.
Having your first antenatal appointment early in your pregnancy is vital for both mother and baby. Early pregnancy booking allows for the scheduling of necessary tests and evaluations, enabling healthcare providers to create personalised care plans tailored to individual needs. This proactive approach, from genetic screenings to blood pressure monitoring and the identification of pre-existing medical issues, lays the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy.
“The preliminary stages of pregnancy are crucial for tracking foetal growth and development,” says Dikeledi Mthembu, Operations Manager for Maternal Chronic Women’s Reproductive Health (MCWH).
Mthembu says regular antenatal consultations allow healthcare professionals to monitor your baby’s growth, heart rate, and movement, providing reassurance and peace of mind throughout the journey.
“Early booking ensures timely ultrasound scans and screenings to monitor foetal well-being and identify any potential developmental issues,” she says.
Prioritising maternal well-being through early prenatal booking offers support and advice on the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of pregnancy.
“Early antenatal care enables expectant parents to confidently embrace their pregnancy experience,” she adds. This care addresses typical discomforts and anxieties while promoting self-care and mental health awareness.
Early antenatal care is more than just a routine appointment; it is the first step towards a healthy pregnancy, a pleasant birth experience, and a bright future for both mother and baby.
“By prioritising prenatal care from the beginning of pregnancy, expectant parents can embark on this journey with confidence, understanding, and the necessary support,” Mthembu explains.
All clinics in Region F provide prenatal services, including Bellavista Clinic, Glenanda Clinic, Kibler Park Clinic, Rosettenville Clinic, Crown Gardens Clinic, South Hills Clinic, Mayfair Clinic, Crosby Clinic, Esselen Clinic, Jeppe Clinic, Yeoville Clinic, Bezuidenhout Valley (Bez Valley) Clinic, Malvern Clinic, and a mobile clinic that serves Booysens, Albert Street, Mangolongolo, and George Goch.
“Using these services will help ensure a healthy pregnancy,” says Mthembu.
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