Antenatal Care: Your Pregnancy Journey at NeoHealth
Starting Your Pregnancy Journey
Finding out you are pregnant is a life-changing moment, and quality antenatal care from early in your pregnancy is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby. At NeoHealth, Dr Lakay provides comprehensive pregnancy care tailored to each patient's needs.
Your First Visit
Your first antenatal visit should ideally be booked before 10 weeks of gestation. This initial consultation includes:
- Confirming the pregnancy
- Estimating your due date
- Baseline blood tests (blood group, Rhesus factor, HIV, syphilis, full blood count)
- Discussion of medical history and risk factors
Trimester-by-Trimester Care
First Trimester
An early ultrasound scan confirms viability and dates.
Second Trimester
- Detailed anatomy scan at around 20 weeks
- Glucose tolerance testing for gestational diabetes (24-28 weeks)
- Ongoing monitoring of blood pressure and urine
Third Trimester
More frequent visits to monitor fetal growth, position, and maternal wellbeing as delivery approaches.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
- Folic acid, begin before conception if possible, continue through first trimester to prevent neural tube defects
- Iron, calcium, and vitamin D, important throughout pregnancy
- Dr Lakay will guide you on appropriate supplementation and dietary choices
Danger Signs to Watch For
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe headaches with visual disturbances
- Sudden swelling of the face or hands
- Reduced fetal movement
- Abdominal pain
Pertussis Vaccination
The maternal pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is recommended between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect your newborn in the first weeks of life. Contact NeoHealth to begin your antenatal care as part of our women's health service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my first antenatal visit?
Ideally between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. Early booking allows dating of your pregnancy, baseline blood tests, and early identification of any conditions that need closer monitoring.
What happens at the first antenatal visit?
A detailed medical and obstetric history, baseline blood tests including blood group, HIV, syphilis and haemoglobin, a urine test, blood pressure check, and usually a dating ultrasound if available.
How often will I need antenatal check-ups?
Monthly until 28 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. This schedule may change depending on your individual pregnancy risks.
When is the pertussis vaccination given in pregnancy?
Between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine protects newborns from whooping cough in the first few months before they can be vaccinated themselves.
When should I call my doctor urgently during pregnancy?
Severe headache, blurred vision, severe abdominal pain, significant bleeding, reduced baby movements after 28 weeks, contractions before 37 weeks, severe vomiting, or any concerning change.
About the Author
Dr Claudia Lakay
Dispensing General Practitioner & Co-founder
Stellenbosch graduate, trained in the rural Eastern Cape before practising at prominent general practices in East London. One of the few female GPs in George offering comprehensive women's health, inc...
MBChB (Stellenbosch University)
Medical disclaimer
This article provides general health information for educational purposes. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Information reflects current South African clinical practice and referenced guidelines at time of writing, but clinical guidelines evolve. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment based on this article alone.
Reviewed in accordance with HPCSA ethical guidelines on health information publishing and NeoHealth's editorial policy.
For medical emergencies: call 10177 or go to your nearest emergency centre. For personal assessment, book a consultation at NeoHealth.