talking point
with preconception screening for immunity
If you get a high risk such as
rubella (German measles), hepatitis, HIV and syphilis, and iron levels,” says Dr Abigail Lukhaimane, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto. These tests
will check your immunity against certain diseases that are dangerous to a foetus. If you haven’t done these tests, you need to do them immediately.
Reviewing all medications
you’re taking is also best done pre-pregnancy. And once you’re pregnant simply avoid taking even over the counter remedies without consulting your doctor, explains Dr Zinn. When it comes to what supplements to take, folic acid is important for the first few weeks of development, when the baby’s spine is forming. “Taking 400 micrograms daily of a folic acid supplement reduces the risk of spina bifida and similar midline developmental disorders,” says Dr Zinn. Your healthcare provider will also suggest a prenatal vitamin.
to ensure your baby is developing normally. There are two important ultrasound scans you will have, says Dr Lukhaimane. “The 11 to 13 week scan, combined with blood tests,
7 screens for the
most frequent congenital anomalies such as the trisomies 13, 18 and 21 (Down syndrome), and certain congenital heart and skeletal malformations. The screening provides only a probability, not a definite answer.”
24 YOUR PREGNANCY
SCHEDULE YOUR SCANS Scans are there
result, you can opt to have an amniocentesis, in which some fluid is extracted from around the baby using a thin needle. “A new test is available, called cell-free DNA, which is from the baby and can be found in the mother’s blood,” says Dr Zinn. “It’s very accurate for excluding Down syndrome but is extremely expensive.” “The second important scan is the anomaly scan, done between 18 and 22 weeks,” says Dr Lukhaimane. This ultrasound scan allows a detailed examination of each part of your baby to see if the baby is developing well. “You can have another congenital screening at this stage too,” adds Dr Lukhaimane.
backup plans and bookings at a medical facility. You can choose between a private or semi-private room.
“The public or government midwifery and maternity services usually work on a level of risk basis,” Dr Zinn explains. “You’ll typically book around 12 weeks at a midwifery obstetric unit and could be referred to the next level up if you have additional medical or past pregnancy problems.” These include
being very
overweight, having diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or chronic infection, having had previous uterine surgery such as a c-section, or having had past obstetric complications such as recurring miscarriage or premature delivery.
WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE, FOLIC ACID IS IMPORTANT FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF DEVELOPMENT, WHEN THE BABY’S SPINE IS FORMING
8
BOOK A BED You obviously can’t pinpoint the exact
date and time your baby will arrive, but you can make an educated guess, and you need to decide where the big event will happen. “For many this will depend on financial circumstances and medical aid plans, and then on where your doctor practises or your catchment area for government services,” says Dr Zinn. If you’ll be using the services of a private doctor or a private hospital, book early. The same applies if you’ll have a private midwife, and if you plan to give birth at home, do make
If there are no complications, you don’t need to book an actual bed as a state patient. When you go into labour, go to your nearest government hospital, taking with you your ID and clinic card. You’ll be assigned a bed in an antenatal ward, give birth in a labour ward and then move to a postnatal ward.
9
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Read up on what you
can expect throughout your pregnancy and in the first few months of your baby’s life. And do the fun stuff too – start researching baby names.
THEM AS GIFTS) Start stocking up on your nursery. Vital items include baby clothes, blankets, nappies, baby wipes and bum cream. Vital equipment includes a car seat if you have a car, a bassinet or cot where baby will sleep, and possibly a pram or stroller.
10 11 FIGURE
OUT YOUR FINANCES
“A lot of planning goes with a pregnancy, and a financial plan should be part of this,” says Sinenhlanhla Nzama, an investment marketing actuary at Old Mutual. Immediate key issues include medical expenses and additional (unpaid) leave, while a longer term concern is the cost of your child’s education.
“Even if you have medical aid, make sure you’re aware of the benefits offered by the specific plan you’re on. If there are any procedures or scans that may not be covered or are limited, budget for these,” says Sinenhlanhla.
Dr Zinn says: “Beware of depending
solely on your
own finances for private care, as pregnancies can become complicated, requiring long term hospitalisation and even intensive care. Even very premature babies can do well with ICU care but the cost in the private sector without medical aid cover is prohibitive.” And start saving for the
future cost of education as early as possible after the baby is born, advises Sinenhlanhla. “The earlier you start, the lower the amount you’ll need to save each month in order to meet these costs.” YP
BUY THE BASICS (OR ASK FOR
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