Antenatal Care
Comprehensive Antenatal Care with Dr Randall Hammond: Nurturing Your Pregnancy Journey
Are you expecting a bundle of joy? Congratulations on this beautiful journey! At Dr Randall Hammond’s obstetric practice in Hilton, we understand that each pregnancy is unique, and we are here to support you every step of the way. As an experienced obstetrician, Dr Hammond provides compassionate and comprehensive antenatal care, ensuring the well-being of both you and your baby. We invite you to share your symptoms and concerns so that we can tailor a personalised care plan to meet your specific needs. Let’s embark on this magical journey together, nurturing the health of you and your precious little one.
Your Pregnancy Symptoms:
During pregnancy, your body goes through remarkable changes, and it’s essential to listen to what it is telling you. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms or have concerns about your pregnancy, Dr Hammond is here to lend a caring ear and offer expert assistance:
- Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting can be distressing during the early months of pregnancy.
- Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased energy demands.
- Breast tenderness: Hormonal fluctuations can cause sensitivity and tenderness in the breasts.
- Frequent urination: The growing uterus exerts pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent bathroom trips.
- Changes in appetite: Pregnancy can cause fluctuations in food cravings and aversions.
- Weight gain: Gaining weight is a normal part of pregnancy but should be monitored to ensure a healthy range.
- Mood swings: Hormonal changes may lead to emotional ups and downs.
- Swelling and bloating: Edema or swelling in the feet and ankles may occur due to fluid retention.
- Back pain: The growing uterus can place strain on the lower back, causing discomfort.
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting: Any abnormal vaginal bleeding should be promptly addressed.
- High blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy requires careful monitoring and management.
Expert Diagnosis and Care:
Dr Randall Hammond takes a holistic approach to antenatal care, encompassing meticulous assessments, attentive listening, and compassionate support. Our team is trained to diagnose and address a wide range of pregnancy-related conditions, ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby. Dr Hammond will conduct a thorough physical examination and may recommend additional tests or screenings based on your symptoms and medical history.
Some of the diagnoses we specialise in include:
- Gestational Diabetes: If you’re at risk for or have developed gestational diabetes, we’ll work with you to manage your blood sugar levels and ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.
- Preeclampsia: Early detection and careful management of preeclampsia can help reduce risks for both mother and baby.
- Thyroid Disorders: If you have pre-existing thyroid conditions or develop thyroid issues during pregnancy, Dr Hammond will provide personalised treatment plans to support your health.
- Anaemia: We’ll monitor your iron levels and provide appropriate interventions if you are diagnosed with anaemia during pregnancy.
- Infections: Early detection and management of infections during pregnancy are crucial for the health of both you and your baby.
- Foetal Development Abnormalities: In the event of suspected foetal developmental issues, we’ll conduct detailed ultrasounds and other diagnostic procedures to assess your baby’s well-being.
Caring Antenatal Treatment and Support:
Dr Hammond believes in providing patient-centred care, understanding that each woman’s pregnancy journey is unique. We are dedicated to creating a warm and nurturing environment for you, ensuring you feel supported and empowered throughout your pregnancy.
Our antenatal care services include, but are not limited to:
- Personalised Prenatal Visits: Regular check-ups and consultations with Dr Hammond to monitor your health and the development of your baby.
- Prenatal Testing: Comprehensive screening and diagnostic tests to assess your baby’s growth and well-being.
- Nutritional Guidance: Expert advice on maintaining a healthy diet to support both you and your baby’s nutritional needs.
- Emotional Support: Pregnancy can bring about a mix of emotions, and we’re here to listen and provide guidance as you navigate this transformative time.
- Childbirth Preparation: We’ll provide information and support to prepare you for labour and delivery, all while helping you feel confident and informed.
- Postpartum Care: After childbirth, we’ll continue to support you during the postpartum period, ensuring your recovery and addressing any concerns that may arise.
- High-Risk Pregnancy Management: For high-risk pregnancies, Dr Hammond will closely monitor your health and baby’s development, providing specialised care to optimise outcomes.
Dr Randall Hammond and his compassionate team are committed to making your pregnancy journey as joyful and stress-free as possible. We’re honoured to be part of this special time in your life and look forward to being your trusted partners in ensuring the health and happiness of both you and your baby. Schedule your antenatal care appointment with us today and embark on this beautiful journey together.
FAQ
Expectant mothers are advised to begin antenatal care as soon as they confirm their pregnancy. Ideally, this care should commence between 4 and 8 weeks into the pregnancy, but it is essential not to delay beyond 12 weeks from the start of the last menstrual period.
Antenatal care refers to the medical attention you receive from healthcare professionals throughout your pregnancy. It is also known as pregnancy care or maternity care. During this time, you will be scheduled for appointments with a midwife or, in some cases, an obstetrician—a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and childbirth.
The antenatal care process involves one visit during the first trimester, a single visit during the sixth month of pregnancy, and two visits between the seventh and ninth months. Antenatal care is deemed complete when a pregnant woman has attended four appointments at a healthcare facility or with a midwife.
Several assessments, scans, tests, and discussions will take place, including determining your baby’s due date, identifying which trimester you are in, and understanding what this stage means for both you and your baby. Your medical history, overall health, and previous pregnancy experiences will be reviewed, and any medications you are currently taking will also be discussed.
Your height and weight will be measured to calculate your body mass index (BMI). Additionally, your blood pressure will be monitored, and your urine will be tested for signs of pre-eclampsia. Blood tests will also be conducted to assess your overall health, determine your blood type, and check for conditions such as HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B.
Folic acid helps in the proper development of the baby’s neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects and supports overall fetal development.
It is advisable to take folic acid while trying to conceive, ideally starting three months before and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The recommended dosage during this period is 400 micrograms, taken once daily.
The first trimester of pregnancy is defined as the period up to the 14th week, or 13 weeks and 6 days, from the first day of your last menstrual cycle. During this early stage, exposure to harmful substances poses the highest risk of leading to significant birth defects.
The first trimester of pregnancy is defined as the period up to the 14th week, or 13 weeks and 6 days, from the first day of your last menstrual cycle. During this early stage, exposure to harmful substances poses the highest risk of leading to significant birth defects.
During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a baby’s body and most of their internal organs begin to develop. Folic acid plays a crucial role in ensuring this development occurs normally. Insufficient folate levels during this critical period can heighten the risk of neural tube defects and potentially other complications for your baby.
The timing of your initial prenatal visit may differ depending on the clinic. There is no universally correct or incorrect time. Typically, your first appointment will occur when you are between 6 and 12 weeks pregnant.
Since many women may not obtain sufficient folate through diet alone, it is commonly recommended for those of childbearing age to take folic acid supplements. However, excessive intake of folic acid during pregnancy can potentially lead to increased insulin resistance and may impair brain development in children.
The precision of determining your baby’s gender improves as your pregnancy progresses. Accuracy rates range from 70.3% at 11 weeks to 98.7% at 12 weeks, reaching 100% by 13 weeks. The earliest point at which gender determination can be conducted using an ultrasound is 11 weeks, employing a method known as the ‘nub theory.
By 6 weeks of gestation, the embryo typically has a steady heartbeat, averaging around 110 beats per minute. The heart begins to beat just 22 days after conception, or 5 weeks and 1 day into the gestation period.
The terms “antenatal” and “prenatal” both refer to the period before birth. They describe the essential healthcare provided leading up to childbirth.