Early Pregnancy and Antenatal Care
Recognising early pregnancy signs helps women get proper care quickly. Look out for tender breasts, fatigue, nausea (morning sickness), frequent urination, and missed periods - though symptoms vary hugely between women.
Antenatal care involves regular clinic appointments to monitor both mother and baby's health. Your first appointment happens at 8 weeks, where healthcare professionals provide guidance, support, and essential health checks.
A team of professionals supports pregnant women: midwives provide most routine care, GPs handle general health issues, and obstetricians (specialist doctors) manage complicated pregnancies. Routine checks include monitoring baby's heart rate, mum's blood pressure, urine tests, and weight monitoring.
Most women can choose where to give birth, but hospital births might be recommended if there were previous complications, the baby's premature, or there's risk of conditions like preeclampsia.
Remember: Antenatal care isn't just about checking for problems - it's about preparing you for parenthood and ensuring the healthiest possible pregnancy.