Antenatal care
What are the early signs of pregnancy?
Missing a period is generally the most common sign of pregnancy. However, others may suggest implantation, including:
- Nausea
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Fatigue
- Food cravings or aversions
- Mood swings or irritability
If you think you could be pregnant, you can take an over-the-counter test and schedule an appointment with Dr Marion Ntsako Nkanyane to confirm your test results.
When should I start to see an obstetrician?
Most women meet with an obstetrician about eight weeks after their last menstrual period. At your first appointment, Dr Nkanyane will perform an exam to measure your overall health and wellness. She will also perform a pelvic exam, pap smear, and ultrasound to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
She will then talk to you about what to expect during your prenatal check-ups and let you know how often you should schedule your appointments.
Typically, prenatal appointments are scheduled every four weeks for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, then every other week from 28 weeks to 36 weeks. After that, you'll have weekly check-ups for your final weeks of pregnancy until your baby is born.
If your pregnancy is classified as high-risk, you'll have more frequent appointments.