Consider where you wish to give birth to the baby, who will care for you during your pregnancy and the financial implications of your choice. Regular medical check-ups and good care throughout pregnancy will reduce the risks to you and your baby.
State-subsidised hospitals and clinics
- Obstetrician.
- Midwife.
Private hospitals and clinics
- Obstetrician.
- General practitioner.
- Midwife.
Home birth
- Midwife.
- General practitioner.
- Obstetrician.
What to ask:
- Ask the doctor and midwife about their qualifications and experience.
- Ask about fees charged.
- Who will respond to your calls when the caregiver is off duty or not on call?
- Do they have delivery privileges at more than one hospital?
- Will they consider home birth?
Set up an initial appointment and prepare your screening questions. Time is of the essence during this appointment, so select a few key questions to determine whether or not the caregiver’s philosophy about pregnancy is similar to yours.
Consult the following sources for more information on childbirth education classes:
- Caregiver.
- Place of delivery.
- Family and friends.
- Local childbirth associations.
Related articles
Childbirth and parent education
Attending childbirth and parent education classes is an excellent way to prepare for the birth and develop a support system.
5 mins to read
Common nutrition-related problems
The influence of hormonal changes, and the effect of the changes in the size of the growing uterus, can lead to eating complications during pregnancy.
5 mins to read
Checklist - maternity ward suitcase
*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.
Items for hospital stay
5 mins to read
Medication for pain relief
In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.
5 mins to read
Labour
As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.
5 mins to read
Criteria for prenatal classes
Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.
Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.
5 mins to read
Conception
The fertilised egg divides into two identical cells – then four, then eight, then 16, and then many billions, and 266 days later – your baby.
1 min to read
The Ninth Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 36-40. It’s time for the final preparations before the big day.
2 mins to read
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
-
5 mins to read
The Eighth Month of Pregnancy
Read more about weeks 32 to 35 of your pregnancy below.
2 mins to read
The Fifth Month of Pregnancy
Read more about weeks 18-22 of your pregnancy below.
2 mins to read
Food Cravings During Pregnancy
Pregnant women will tell you they experience almost irrepressible cravings for certain foods – salty, sweet, spicy or fatty foods. Some think it’s the body signaling what the growing baby needs.
2 mins to read
The Seventh Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 28-31. The changes in your body continue to take place as you enter your third trimester! As baby prepares for its future exit: its eyelids are uncovered and eyelash
2 mins to read
Checklist - preparing to bring baby home
Clothing
5 mins to read
Signs of labour
The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions
5 mins to read
How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?
There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.
4 mins to read
