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Frequently asked questions on Antenatal Care
Q & A

June 21, 2021

Frequently asked questions on Antenatal Care <br>Q &#038; A - featured image
With Midwife, RN Sibongile Mokoena (Maternity Unit Manager, Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital)

As a midwife my education and training concentrates extensively on the care of women throughout their lifespan; concentrating on being experts in what is normal and identifying conditions that need further evaluation, as a result I have the greatest platform where pregnant mothers often ask me a lot of questions, amongst which Antenatal care is most prevalent. In this section of Q & A, I will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions on Antenatal Care.

Q. Most women ask what is antenatal care, the mystery surrounding the foreign or not so foreign word? The question is more often, asked by new mothers’ to be.

A. Antenatal care is the routine health control of presumed healthy pregnant women without symptoms (screening), in order to diagnose diseases or complicating obstetric conditions without symptoms, and to provide information about lifestyle, pregnancy and delivery. This can be performed by any trained midwife; general practitioner; or / and Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (specialist). All these professionals perform the antenatal care equally well.

Q. Now, why is it so important to attend antenatal care?

A. The benefit of attending the antenatal care is for both the mother and the baby; it assists in screening, diagnosing, and managing or controlling the risk factors that might adversely affect the pregnant women and/or the pregnancy outcome. In simpler terms, it assists with detecting problems already present or those that can develop during pregnancy, which will be treated immediately once detected. It is always in the best interest of both mother and infant to undergo initial pregnancy screening.

Q. What does antenatal care achieve?

A. During the antenatal care the midwife, or the qualified professional, will monitor the growth of your baby. This will give you an opportunity to gain more information about your pregnancy. The aim is to improve your maternal health. You will also be educated about the warning signs and how to respond to them. It is never a health habit to consume alcohol or smoke during a pregnancy as this will impact your baby’s health. You will be provided with nutritional information to manage your weight; breast feeding; HIV and best advice based on which chronic medication should or should not be consumed during pregnancy. The basic aim of antenatal care is to provide all mothers’ to be with as much information as possible regarding their pregnancy.

Q. When should one start with the antenatal care?

A. You should begin with the antenatal care as soon as your pregnancy has been identified or diagnosed. Your partner can accompany you, as this can be a positive experience for both parents to be and can shift away any expectations of fear.

Q. Where can I go for antenatal care and who can I approach?

A. It is always said that “a healthy mom equals a healthy baby.” Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital offers antenatal classes and care, which are led by myself (Midwife Sibongile Mokena). Our specialist (Obstetrician and Gynaecologist), Dr Thabo Liphapang is dedicated to mother and child health and safety. You can contact the hospital for any enquires on 058 624 3010.