Congratulations on your pregnancy!

• The first important ultrasound scan is at week 12: You can book a scan with Maryke Kilian, a Sonographer who is in private practice and consults at Genesis Maternity Clinic. Bookings via Jenny on 071 154 0223. 
• Your first antenatal consultation is at week 16: Knowing what check-ups, screenings and scans to have and when to have them during your pregnancy is important information for every pregnant woman. During your pregnancy, you’ll be offered a range of tests, including blood tests and ultrasound scans. These tests are designed to check for anything that may cause a problem during your pregnancy or after the birth. 
  
  
  

• Midwives specialise in normal, healthy pregnancies and low-risk births: Midwives believe that birth is a natural physiological process that should be inherently trusted. Midwives will tend to be more present during labour and will be more holistically based, allowing more space for the labour to unfold naturally before moving to medical interventions.
• Obstetricians tend to focus on the pathologic potential of pregnancy and birth: They see birth as a medical condition, which means that, to prevent complications, some of them may be quick to suggest medical or technological interventions.
• Every pregnant mother will see a back-up Ob/Gyn during their pregnancy: I work closely with the Genesis affiliated Ob/Gyn’s. This is to check that your pregnancy maintains a low risk pregnancy status and should any high risk complications arise, your Ob/Gyn will continue with your care. Your Ob/Gyn is also your back- up in case a caesarean section is needed and this procedure will be done at the on-site state-of-the-art operating theatre at Genesis Maternity Clinic.

More than 90% of women are low-risk for complications for pregnancy and birth, so most women are good candidates for midwifery -led care. Midwifery-led care is best for healthy women who are ready to take an active role in their health care. You can keep healthy and low-risk for the entire pregnancy and birth by:

• Attending all appointments
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Continuing to exercise in preparation for birth and recovery
• Attending required antenatal classes as necessary
• Becoming educated by reading from many different resources
• Asking questions during antenatal visits

*Should any high risk complications arise, your Ob/Gyn will continue with your care.

The practice is not affiliated to any Medical Aid therefore; it does not deal with Medical Aid Schemes. Only cash or EFT payments are accepted. An invoice to claim back the payment from the Medical Aid Scheme is issued after the consultation, birth or home visit. Kindly send the ICD 10 codes to you medical aid for a quote, they will also need my practice number which is provided below:

• Antenatal Consultation: ICD Z34.9 (88002)
• Birth (Natural Vaginal Birth): ICD O80.0 ( 88399) 
• Postnatal Visit: ICD O80.0 ( 88421) 
• Midwife Practice Number: 0756814

I mainly work at Genesis Maternity Clinic, however I also am able to offer my services at some birth units, please enquire directly with me at your consultation.

A VBAC: A Vaginal Birth after a Caesarean can be a safe and healthy option for most women who have had one previous caesarean. Women who would like to enquire whether they are suitable candidates for a VBAC, must have an antenatal consultation with me to assess if they are a suitable candidate for a VBAC. 

If you are currently with another care provider, and would like to transfer your care to me, you must be able to  provide your medical records for me to review: This is a simple request for a transfer of medical records via email or hard copy from the other practice to my practice. 

Knowing what check-ups, screenings and scans to have and when to have them during your pregnancy is important information for every pregnant woman: During your pregnancy, you’ll be offered a range of tests, including blood tests and ultrasound scans. These tests are designed to check for anything that may cause a problem during your pregnancy or after the birth.

The antenatal schedule is a guide and it may differ as per each expectant mother’s individual needs.

At the booking appointment I will ask you lots of questions to find out if there is anything in your medical history or lifestyle that could affect your pregnancy or baby: I will also give you education about having a healthy pregnancy. I will also do all vital checks, such as taking your blood pressure and testing a urine sample to see if there are any pregnancy complications. It is also a good time for you (and your partner) to ask any questions. More frequent visits are available at any time for any reason. Your due date at 40 (+) weeks is really more of a due “zone”. You could give birth anytime from 37 weeks up to 42 weeks.

The practice is not affiliated to any Medical Aid therefore; it does not deal with Medical Aid Schemes. Only cash or EFT payments are accepted. An invoice to claim back the payment from the Medical Aid Scheme is issued after the consultation, birth or home visit.

The baby’s heartbeat is monitored throughout labour using a hand-held ultrasound device called a Doppler.

• Yes, I love working with Doulas! If you have not yet done so, this is a good time to start doing your research on hiring a Doula! The role of the birth doula encompasses the non-medical aspects of care during childbirth. I recommend you ask me for a list of Doulas I like to work with. It is important to connect with your Doula and feel like you can trust her. She will be with you during one of the most intimate and vulnerable times in your life, so your comfort with her is vital. A good place to look is at WOMBS, (Women Offering Mothers Birth Support).

• Pain relief
• Relaxation
• Buoyancy to helping women feel lighter
• Facilitating position changes
• Helping reduce stress hormones that increase pain
• Immersion in water can help reduce anxiety
• Reduced risk of episiotomy and tearing
• Can facilitate the foetal ejection reflex rather than interfere with it
• Encourages relaxation of the pelvic floor
• Reduces inhibition and anxiety by creating a feeling of privacy to allow a mother to follow her natural birthing instincts and work with her body
• Encourages a gentler arrival and transition for baby
• By facilitating movement, privacy, and both emotional and physical relaxation water birthing can reduce the length of labour by encouraging the release of labour hormones
• Reduces the risk of medical interventions

I will perform a newborn physical exam after the birth and your baby will also be checked by the Genesis Clinic Paediatrician before discharge.

If your birth is at Genesis Maternity Clinic, you will be given paperwork to fill out after your birth. Bring original identity documents for both parents and marriage certificate if applicable.