Pregnancy Care and Planning
The journey to motherhood is dynamic, joyful and complex, and the team at The Butterfly Clinic is here to support you through this significant, exciting life change. We provide pregnancy planning services to help you grow your family, and offer comprehensive pregnancy care to ensure a healthy pregnancy, detect potential complications, and provide appropriate interventions. Receive compassionate, evidence-based care at The Butterfly Clinic.
Pregnancy Planning
Pre-conception Care
If you are planning to become pregnant, visit The Butterfly Clinic for individualised guidance and support. Pregnancy planning involves a holistic approach to preparing the body and mind for pregnancy, ensuring an optimal environment for the embryo to implant and develop. Services aim to support individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood and include:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight.
- Eating a nutritious diet.
- Engaging in regular exercise.
- Avoiding harmful substances, including tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Managing any underlying medical conditions.
- Identifying potential fertility issues.
- Reviewing family medical history.
Early Antenatal Visits
The first antenatal visit typically occurs in the first trimester. During this visit, the healthcare provider will obtain a comprehensive medical history, perform a physical examination, and order necessary tests and screenings. Here, pre-existing medical conditions, family history, previous pregnancy issues, and lifestyle factors that may impact the pregnancy are discussed for individualised support and guidance.
Ongoing Pregnancy Care
Regular antenatal check-ups are scheduled throughout the pregnancy to monitor the health of both the mother and baby. These visits typically include assessments of blood pressure, weight, and the baby’s growth, as well as listening to the baby's heartbeat. Additional screenings and tests may be recommended at specific stages of the pregnancy.
Your healthcare team at The Butterfly Clinic will inform you of scheduled appointment times, and these will increase in frequency as your pregnancy progresses.
Important Scans
Screening and Diagnostic Tests
There are numerous screenings and tests performed during pregnancy. These may include the following:
- Early first trimester blood & urine test
- Early first trimester ultrasound “dating scan”
- 11-13 weeks: blood test and ultrasound to screen for chromosomal and structural abnormalities. This includes screening for Down Syndrome
- 18-20 weeks: : ultrasound to review morphology
- 24-28 weeks: screening for gestational diabetes mellitus
Health Education
Pregnancy care emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Expectant mothers are provided with guidance on nutrition, exercise, rest, and managing common discomforts of pregnancy. Education on prenatal vitamins, breastfeeding, and childbirth preparation is also included.
Pregnancy care emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Expectant mothers are provided with guidance on nutrition, exercise, rest, and managing common discomforts of pregnancy. Education on prenatal vitamins, breastfeeding, and childbirth preparation is also included.
Embrace Your Journey
Empower yourself on your unique women's health journey, and let our compassionate specialists be your trusted allies in supporting your wellbeing. Schedule an appointment today.