Pregnancy Care
Receiving quality care before, during, and after pregnancy is essential for the health of both mother and baby. Proper maternity care supports healthy development and gives your child the best possible start in life.
PRENATAL CARE
Quality prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy and includes proper nutrition, regular medical check-ups, and healthy lifestyle habits before and during pregnancy. Consulting your healthcare provider before planning a pregnancy helps ensure the best maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Things you will need to do
Steps to support a safe and healthy pregnancy
Choosing the right healthcare provider for your pregnancy and childbirth is an important step. Your provider will guide you through prenatal care, manage a safe delivery, and support you with comprehensive postpartum care.
Taking folic acid is an essential step when planning a pregnancy or during early pregnancy. A daily supplement containing at least 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid helps significantly reduce the risk of certain birth defects and supports healthy fetal development. Most prenatal vitamins provide the recommended amount or more, making them an easy and effective part of pre-pregnancy and prenatal care.
You should also take the following important steps to support a healthy pregnancy:
- Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications with your healthcare provider and use only those approved as safe during pregnancy.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs completely,
- Limit caffeine intake,
- And stop smoking to reduce risks to both mother and baby.
You will have regular visits with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy to receive comprehensive prenatal care. The frequency of visits and the types of tests and examinations will vary based on each stage of pregnancy, including:
- First trimester care,
- Second trimester care, and
- Third trimester care
During your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may recommend several tests to monitor your baby’s development and your overall health. These tests help identify potential concerns early and support a safe, healthy pregnancy.
Common prenatal tests include:
- Ultrasound scans to track your baby’s growth and confirm your due date
- Glucose testing to screen for gestational diabetes
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Blood tests to:
- Check fetal DNA
- Determine blood type (Rh and ABO)
- Detect anemia
- Monitor any pre-existing medical conditions
- Fetal echocardiography to examine your baby’s heart health
- Nuchal translucency screening to assess the risk of genetic conditions
- Amniocentesis to check for certain birth defects or genetic disorders
- STD screening tests to protect both mother and baby
Genetic screening options:
Depending on your personal or family medical history, genetic testing may be recommended. Your healthcare provider will explain the benefits and help you decide what is right for you.
High-risk pregnancies:
If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you may need more frequent check-ups. Additional tests may be required to closely monitor maternal and fetal health.
Your healthcare provider will guide you on how to manage common pregnancy symptoms and discomforts.
These may include
- Morning sickness,
- Back and leg pain,
- Sleep difficulties,
- Skin and hair changes, and
- light vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.
Every pregnancy is unique. While some women experience only mild symptoms and continue working or travelling throughout pregnancy, others may need to reduce their workload or take time to rest. In certain cases, short-term or extended bed rest may be recommended to support a healthy pregnancy and ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
Pregnancy is a complex and unique journey. While many women experience healthy, normal pregnancies, some may develop complications. Having a pregnancy complication does not mean you cannot have a healthy baby. It simply means your healthcare provider will monitor you more closely and provide specialised care to protect both you and your baby.
Common pregnancy complications may include:
- Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia, with guided care and monitoring from your provider
- Preterm or premature cervical changes
- Placental conditions, such as placenta previa or placental insufficiency
- Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
- Early or preterm labor
- Restricted fetal growth
- Medical concerns affecting the baby
Being aware of these potential complications helps you recognise symptoms early and seek timely medical care. If you notice anything unusual during pregnancy, contacting your healthcare provider promptly can make a significant difference in ensuring a safe and healthy outcome.
Early diagnosis, regular prenatal check-ups, and expert care are key to managing pregnancy complications successfully.
Talking with your healthcare provider about labor and delivery helps you feel confident, informed, and prepared for childbirth. Creating a personalised birth plan allows you to share your preferences and ensures your care team understands your wishes.
Your birth plan may include:
- Pain management options during labor, including epidural or natural pain relief
- Your preferences regarding episiotomy
- What to expect if a caesarean section (C-section) becomes necessary
- Your comfort level with assisted delivery, such as forceps or vacuum delivery
- Who you want to be present with you during labor and delivery
Getting ready for the hospital:
- Prepare a hospital bag in advance with essential items for you and your baby
- Having everything ready helps reduce stress when labor begins
As your due date approaches:
- Your body will start showing signs that labor is near
- It may not always be easy to recognise early labor, but your provider will guide you on when to come in for an examination or head to the hospital
If you go past your due date:
- Your provider will discuss next steps based on your health, age, and risk factors
- In some cases, labor may be induced between 39 and 42 weeks for a safe delivery
When labor begins:
- Your healthcare team will support you with various comfort and pain-management strategies
- Our goal is to ensure a safe, supportive, and positive birth experience for both mother and baby
The weeks after childbirth are important for a mother’s recovery and well-being. Proper postnatal care helps ensure safe healing and a smooth transition into motherhood.
- Vaginal delivery: 1–2 days hospital stay
- C-section delivery: 2–3 days hospital stay
Breastfeeding offers important health benefits for both mother and baby and may take a few weeks to learn. Support is available for breast care, proper feeding techniques, and managing common challenges.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant and you:
- Take medications for diabetes, thyroid disorders, seizures, or high blood pressure
- Are not receiving regular prenatal care
- Have pregnancy discomforts that you cannot manage without medication
- May have been exposed to sexually transmitted infections, harmful chemicals, radiation, or environmental pollutants
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Fever, chills, or painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Physical injury or severe emotional distress
- Your water breaks (ruptured membranes)
- Reduced or absent baby movements during the second half of pregnancy