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Living and Loving

The importance of antenatal care

Posted on April 24th, 2017

Antenatal classes can be very beneficial for expecting parents – whether you’re having a natural birth, a second baby or even a C-Section. Here’s why you should consider joining an antenatal class and where to find the right one for you.
The importance of antenatal care
Antenatal care is an essential part of pregnancy and should start as soon as you find out you’re expecting. Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth.
Attending antenatal classes will give you and your partner an opportunity to ask questions you don’t always remember at your regular pregnancy check-ups, and you’ll meet other expecting parents and make new friends.
“A good time to start these classes is between 22 and 26 weeks, when there’s still sufficient time to make important decisions about caregivers, clinics and birth options,” writes Sister Lilian in her book Pregnancy and Birth Companion (Human & Rousseau).
Sticking to your appointments is essential to determine if your baby is healthy and whether your pregnancy is progressing well.
ALSO SEE: Your guide to antenatal checks

Benefits of antenatal care

  • Antenatal care can prevent complications. “A small minority of pregnant women develop complications such as hypertension and diabetes. Early diagnosis means they can be properly monitored and treated,” explains midwifery consultant, Dr Diana du Plessis.
  • Antenatal care provides caregivers with an opportunity to explain the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding to expecting moms.
  • Antenatal classes will help expecting parents to gain insight and get fact-based information on pregnancy, birthing options, breastfeeding and caring for a newborn baby so that they can make informed choices.
  • “Antenatal classes also give partners an opportunity to understand the whole process of pregnancy, birth and early parenting,” says Sister Lilian.

How to find an antenatal class?

  • Ask friends and family members who have already attended classes for suggestions.
  • Look in the classifieds section of Living and Loving Magazine where antenatal classes are sometimes advertised. There should be information on classes at your doctor’s consulting rooms as well.
  • Search for antenatal classes in your area on the Internet. Sites such as www.antenatalcourses.co.za/ can help you find classes in most of the big cities in South Africa. If you don’t have time to attend a class or can’t find one near you, just-engage.com offers online antenatal classes.

How to choose the right class for you

Sister Lilian recommends looking for classes that cover all labour and birth options, as well as classes that cover pregnancy niggles and early baby care.

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