CONDITIONS

ANTENATAL OBSTETRIC CARE

After confirming your pregnancy with ultrasonography and measurement of hormones, Dr Hartell offers moms-to-be antenatal care to prepare them for the journey of pregnancy. Your first prenatal appointment will be focused on your gynaecological health and history including your usual menstrual cycle, previous use of contraceptives and history of previous pregnancy.

These appointments are aimed to ensure the health of mom and baby during early pregnancy and beyond. To make sure mom and baby are happy and healthy, she will do an ultrasound scan of your belly and evaluate your overall health. This may include checking your blood pressure, weight and testing your urine.

Measuring your belly and listening to baby’s heartbeat are also done during these visits. For baby, blood tests, scans and screening may be done to ensure your baby is developing as should be and that no genetic abnormalities are present. Aside from tending to any physical or emotional symptoms that may be plaguing you during your pregnancy such as morning sickness, fatigue, weight gain and anxiety, your obstetrician will be able to offer advice on healthy eating and lifestyle changes that will need to be made now that you are expecting.

To ensure a healthy and positive experience of pregnancy for moms and reduce risks for birth, regular scans, ultrasounds and screening will be done throughout your pregnancy to identify any health risks and abnormalities that may be an issue. Of course, you will learn to know your baby's sex, due date and whether or not a twin pram will be needed! The growth of your baby will also be assessed in terms of the head, abdomen and the length of the thigh bone to give an estimate of foetal weight (EFW).

Knowledge during pregnancy is empowering. Getting advice about pregnancy, delivery as well as taking your baby home, breastfeeding and other postnatal care can be discussed with your obstetrician during these appointments. Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, Dr Hartell will guide you through the next 9 months in terms of what to expect, answer your many questions and maintain you and your baby’s health until you meet him or her.

Deciding on the birth plan that suits your needs is also essential. Whether you prefer a natural vaginal delivery, vaginal birth with pain relief or a Caesarean section, she will be able to advise you on what may be best for your baby as well as what to expect from each choice. Following the birth of your baby, Dr Hartell will also advise you on postnatal support classes and possible treatment for postpartum depression (baby-blues).