The NHS provides about 11 antenatal visits for women in their first pregnancy, with approximately two less visits for women with a previous pregnancy. At The Oaks Clinic the structure is similar but mothers have a greater say in the number of visits they want and the number of scans that they can have. This can then be tailored to your or your developing baby's needs.
Routine consultant appointments are with Miss Chineze Otigbah. The package includes a booking visit, followed by routine scans, antenatal visits at 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 41+ weeks gestation, blood tests, telephone and email support, delivery and 6-week postnatal follow-up.
The Booking visit
The booking visit is timed to coincide with the 11-13 week scan; however, this can be done at any time during your pregnancy. The booking visit appointment will include details of any previous pregnancies, medical problems or surgical operative procedures in the past. We will discuss your concerns and aspirations for your pregnancy and the type of care you would like to undertake. The schedule for your visits will be discussed so that appointments can be arranged to suite your convenience. At this visit screening investigations that are routine in the NHS will also be discussed. Blood samples and measurements of blood pressure and urine analysis will be done at this visit, or can be organised for a subsequent visit. Other important information, such as type and place of delivery, will also be discussed at this appointment. The booking visit usually lasts about one hour.
Once the details of your past medical social and surgical history is taken time will be spent going through the process of your visits, the blood tests you will require, and the scans you will need to have. At this visit a brief risk assessment will be made to determine whether or not you will need extra scans or medication to improve the outcome of your pregnancy.
Routine ultrasound scans
Routine pregnancy ultrasound scans are included as follows:
Anomaly scan between 18 and 20 weeks
Growth scan at 32 weeks
Other scans are available as required, such as a cervical length assessment or uterine artery Doppler ultrasound. These are undertaken if there is a specific need, such as previous preterm birth, or previous small babies and blood pressure problems.
Routine antenatal appointments
Subsequent appointments will occur depending on the type of care you choose, with increasing frequency toward the latter part of your pregnancy. The recommended schedule of visits are 16, 25, 28, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 41 + weeks gestation for a woman in her first pregnancy; for a second or subsequent pregnancy the visits at 25 and 31 weeks are omitted. However, these visits can be adjusted according to your needs.
You will be given a contact number should you have any urgent queries during your pregnancy.
At the 16-week visit the results of your booking visit will be discussed. Your Downs Syndrome screening result will be made available within 48 hours of your booking visit.
Most of your subsequent visits will be to receive reassurance, assess the position and size of the baby, check your blood pressure and check your urine ensuring you and your baby remain healthy during the period of your pregnancy. Any concerns that you may have will be discussed at these visits. At the 36 weeks visit time will be spent discussing your birth plan and mode of delivery, pain relief and positions in labour. Should you require midwifery advice one of our experienced team of midwives will be happy to discuss your concerns with you.
Routine antenatal blood tests:
During your pregnancy you will undergo a number of blood tests; most of these are undertaken at the booking visit. Another blood test is offered at 28 weeks.
Blood group - Most women have a rhesus positve blood group. However, If you are rhesus negative, you will be advised to have a single injection at 28 weeks to help prevent you from developing antibodies that may harm your baby.
Haemoglobin electrophoresis - This test is performed to exclude the possibilty that you carry the gene for sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia.
Glucose - This test checks your blood sugar level and may help your doctor determine your risk of diabetes in pregnancy.
Sypillis - All women are tested for syphillis because, although it is rare, it is easily treated and is harmful to the unborn baby.
Rubella - This virus is the cause of a condition called German measles which like sypillis can cause harm to your unborn baby.
Hepatitis B - This infection can be transmitted to your baby. If the result is positive this allows the paediatrician to plan for the type of vaccination your baby will need to prevent him from getting the disease after birth.
HIV - This infection can be transmitted between mother and baby during pregnancy. Transmission can be reduced if we are aware of it and you have medication to reduce the virus quantity in your blood and have delivery by Caesarean section.
Telephone and e-mail support
At booking you will be given a dedicated mobile telephone number for any queries that may arise during the duration of your pregnancy.
Delivery
At The Oaks Clinic we do not provide private delivery.
6-week postnatal follow-up
The postnatal visit is provided as part of your pregnancy care; this is usually around 6 weeks but any concerns that may arise before that may bring the appointment forward. At this visit, both your physical and mental well-being will be discussed.