What can I expect during an antenatal appointment?
During antenatal appointments, Dr Kalonji carries out several tests and examinations, including ultrasounds scans and blood pressure monitoring. Additionally, the doctor will feel your abdomen to check for signs of movement from the baby as well as their position in the uterus.
Dr Kalonji can determine how well the baby is growing by measuring your stomach. In addition, listening to the baby’s heartbeat provides further information on the baby’s development. This is also a good opportunity to raise any issues you have concerning your baby's growth.
During these antenatal appointments, Dr Kalonji will discuss your birthing plan options. Choosing a birthing plan is critical, particularly in the early stages of foetal development. This will help prepare you for your pregnancy, allowing you to become familiar with what to expect beforehand.
You can expect your visits to become more frequent closer to giving birth. However, the frequency of your visits also depends on your general health during pregnancy.
What are my options concerning birthing?
Choosing a specific birthing plan depends on your medical history as well as what is at your disposal concerning maternity services as provided by your medical aid. However, despite careful planning, not everything goes accordingly. So, it is important to maintain flexibility when a birthing plan does not go according to plan.
What else do I need to do to ensure a healthy pregnancy?
Dr Kalonji will advise you on an appropriate routine during pregnancy to ensure a risk-free birth. He may suggest vitamins such as folic acid as well. During this time, light exercises can also be beneficial, but this must be discussed with your doctor.
How will I know the gender of my unborn baby?
A prenatal blood test can determine the sex of your baby about 11 weeks into your pregnancy. However, this is entirely your decision to find out the baby’s sex. It helps to discuss this with your partner beforehand. An ultrasound at 14 weeks can reveal the sex, but at 18 weeks, we can confirm the sex of the baby. From 18 weeks, the results are more accurate.
