Antenatal Health for Expectant Parents

Antenatal Health for Expectant Parents

Antenatal health refers to the care and monitoring you receive during pregnancy, before childbirth. It encompasses antenatal care, health checks, screening tests, lifestyle guidance, and support to promote the well-being of you and your unborn baby. In Australia, good antenatal care is associated with better birth outcomes, early detection of complications, and healthier mothers and babies.

FACTS ON THIS PAGE

• Antenatal Health for Expectant Parents
• What Is Antenatal Care and Why Is It Important?
• What Happens in an Antenatal Appointment?
• What Can I Do to Support Antenatal Health?
• 5 Helpful Tips for Managing Antenatal Care in the Lead-up to Birth
• How Your GP at Laurimar Medical Centre Can Help

What Is Antenatal Care and Why Is It Important?

Antenatal care, which generally includes regular appointments with a GP, midwife, or obstetrician to monitor your health and the baby’s growth, is important because it:

• Helps detect and manage health conditions early (e.g., high blood pressure, gestational diabetes).
• Monitors fetal development and growth.
• Offers screening for genetic, infectious, or structural issues.
• Educates and supports you in healthier pregnancy choices.
• Reduces the risk of complications during birth.

What Happens in an Antenatal Appointment?

Your First Visit (usually around 6–10 weeks)

• Confirms pregnancy and estimated due date
• Takes medical and family history
• Performs baseline blood tests (e.g., full blood count, blood group, antibodies, screening for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis)
• Screens for underlying conditions (thyroid, kidney, etc.)
• Discusses lifestyle, supplements (e.g. folate), nutrition, vaccinations
• Discusses birthing options and makes necessary referrals

Subsequent Visits with your GP

• Monitors maternal vital signs (blood pressure, weight gain).
• Performs routine tests (glucose challenge test for gestational diabetes, urine tests).
• Offers referral for ultrasound scans (anomaly scan around 18-20 weeks).
• Addresses concerns, informs, and prepares for labour and birth.
• Provides information on recommended vaccinations during pregnancy and can administer these vaccinations.

The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines recommend a number of antenatal visits, depending on whether this is your first pregnancy or not. Ten visits are generally recommended for first-time mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies, and seven visits for women who’ve had previous births.

What Can I Do to Support Antenatal Health?

• Begin taking prenatal vitamins as recommended by your GP.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stay active with safe, moderate exercise.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
• Manage stress and get adequate rest.
• Attend all scheduled antenatal appointments and follow advice.
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations (e.g., flu, COVID, etc.).

5 Helpful Tips for Managing Antenatal Care in the Lead-up to Birth

1. Book early: schedule your first antenatal visit promptly to establish care.
2. Use a pregnancy care plan or checklist: track appointments, tests, and reminders.
3. Partner or support person involvement: choose someone to accompany you to help with questions and emotional support.
4. Prepare questions ahead: write down concerns and topics to discuss with your provider.
5. Attend antenatal education classes: for labour, birth, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

How Your GP at Laurimar Medical Centre Can Help

At Laurimar Medical Centre, your GP can:

• Order screening tests and monitoring.
• Refer you to a midwife, obstetrician, or hospital services when needed.
• Monitor and manage health conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).
• Offer counselling, education, and support to make informed decisions about your pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, book a visit with your GP at Laurimar Medical Centre today for reliable information and dependable care.