Prenatal Care

Physical changes

*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.

Items for hospital stay

The uterus

There are many factors to consider before dedicating yourself to raising and budgeting a child for the next 18 years or more. 

A detailed medical history, of you and your partner, will be recorded at your first prenatal visit.

Clothing

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.

Regular prenatal care is most important if you are carrying more than one baby, as the risk to you and your babies is higher.

The experience of childbirth and parenthood is an unknown adventure, which results in major changes to your life. 

The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions

Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very visible… or not at all.

Your health, and the growth and development of your baby, must be closely monitored. 

Sharing the adventure of pregnancy, birth and parenting can make this one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract.

During the first stage, also known as the dilation stage, your cervix will dilate and efface from 0–10 cm.

Preparing for your prenatal appointments is important. Find out our prenatal checklist, so you can ask the right questions to your healthcare provider.

Older siblings learn about sharing, life-long love and friendship.