How often should I be coming in for Antenatal Care (ANC) services?

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We recommend 8 antenatal care visits to maintain the best care, monitoring of wellbeing, and early handling of any complications during your pregnancy. A minimum of 4 is necessary for the health of you and your baby!

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What will happen during the Antenatal Care (ANC) visits?

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The care provided during each ANC visit is dependent on how far along you are in your pregnancy. 0 - 16 weeks: 1st ANC visit, Profile and Ultrasound At this visit, you can expect us to:

• Take a thorough medical background check of you and your family
• Check your weight, height, and vital signs
• Perform a thorough physical exam
• Order lab tests for blood and urine
• Perform your first ultrasound
• Give you nutritional supplements

20 - 24 weeks: 2nd ANC visit and Ultrasound Scan (Anomaly Scan) This ultrasound visit is used to check the position of the placenta and any abnormalities It may also be able to tell you the sex of the baby, should you wish to know 26 - 28 weeks: 3rd ANC visit and Random Blood Sugar (RBS) testing An RBS check is done to help detect diabetes The midwife will ask you questions regarding the pregnancy, and will be able to answer any of your questions or concerns 30 - 32 weeks: 4th ANC visit, Blood Testing, and Optional Lamaze classes

This antenatal clinic visit is used to check on the continued progress and health of you and your baby Lamaze classes will also be introduced. These exercises help in relaxing your muscles and positioning of the baby so that labour muscles are not tensed and delivery is easier

34 weeks: 5th ANC visit, Optional Lamaze classes, Optional 3rd Ultrasound This antenatal care service is used to check on the continued progress and health of you and your baby. The midwife will ask you questions about your pregnancy, and answer any of your questions or concerns 36 weeks: 6th ANC visit, Optional Gynaecologist Consultation The gynaecologist/obstetrician will check the position of your baby, and further discuss your plans for labor and birth 38 weeks: 7th ANC visit, Education on labour and delivery and general welfare, Optional Lamaze class Your midwife will remind you about the danger signs, physically examine you to monitor growth of the baby, and and ask you how frequently your baby is moving 40 weeks: 8th ANC visit The midwife will remind you about recognising labour and when to call the hospital / midwife

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Do I need to come in for all of my ANC visits?

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Yes! It is important to visit an antenatal clinic to monitor the growth of your baby and the health of your pregnancy.

Earlier detection of problems or complications can help us ensure we are managing your pregnancy appropriately and help you have the healthiest delivery possible.

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I am a father. Is there anything I need to do during your Antenatal Care (ANC) services?

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There are no mandatory tests for the father. However, there are many things you can do to support your partner and prepare for the delivery and even for antenatal care. Please accompany your partner to her ANC visits. During these visits you will learn:

• Different types of antenatal care services
• How to save money for the delivery
• How to make sure your partner and baby are safe during delivery
• How your baby is growing
• Whether she can have a normal delivery
• How to choose the best family planning option

You should also make several important decisions with your partner during the ANC journey:

• Delivery location - By Month 4, you should decide where she is going to deliver. You can tour Jacaranda's facilities during your normal ANC visits
• Transport - By Month 4, you should decide where she is going to deliver. You can tour Jacaranda's facilities during your normal antenatal care services and visits
• Who will accompany her - By Month 5, it is important to decide who will accompany her to the hospital and support her during labour and delivery
• Delivery Preparation - By Month 7, you should pack the delivery day bag. A delivery day bag checklist can be found here

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What should I eat during my pregnancy? What should I avoid?

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You should eat proteins (meats, beans, eggs, or ndengu), fruits, and vegetables You should avoid cigarette smoke, alcohol, and sugar to make sure your baby is not too big or too small You can talk with your midwife about any food or nutrition questions

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