Antenatal care is how you and your care team keep watch over your health and your baby’s growth through pregnancy. The earlier it starts, the more it can do — which is why we encourage every mother to book as soon as she knows she is pregnant, ideally within the first 12 weeks.
What to bring
- Your national ID, and your SHA (Social Health Authority) or insurance card if you have one.
- Your Mother & Child Health booklet, if you have been given one.
- The date of the first day of your last period, if you know it.
- A list of any medicines or supplements you take, and details of any previous pregnancies.
What happens at the first visit
Your first visit takes a little longer than the ones that follow. Our team will:
- Talk through your health, any previous pregnancies and your family history.
- Check your blood pressure, weight and urine.
- Arrange your antenatal profile — baseline blood tests, which in pregnancy commonly include your blood group, your haemoglobin (to check for anaemia) and screening for infections such as HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Your clinician will explain which tests you need.
- Work out how far along you are, and arrange your first ultrasound scan. Every pregnant woman is advised to have one before 24 weeks — it confirms your due date, checks for twins and shows how your baby is developing.
- Explain the supplements recommended in pregnancy, such as iron and folic acid, and plan your next visits.
With our laboratory on site, most of these tests can be done the same day.
How often you will be seen
Pregnancy care is a series of visits, not a single check. The World Health Organization recommends at least eight antenatal contacts during pregnancy, with visits becoming more frequent towards the end. Your clinician will agree a schedule that suits you and your pregnancy.
Warning signs — come in straight away
- Bleeding from the vagina
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or swelling of the face and hands
- Your baby moving less than usual
- Your waters breaking, or fluid leaking
- A fever, or severe pain in your abdomen
- Fits or convulsions
Do not wait for your next antenatal appointment. Come straight in — our casualty and maternity team are here 24 hours a day, every day — and call +254 721 600700 on the way so we are ready for you. If you are bleeding heavily or having fits, call an ambulance (999 or 112) or ask someone to bring you; do not drive yourself.
Planning for delivery
As your due date approaches, we will talk through your birth plan. Hamat Healthcare offers delivery around the clock, with our own operating theatre on site should a caesarean section be needed, and a consultant paediatrician for your newborn. Read more about our maternity care, or book your first antenatal visit.
This article is general information, not medical advice for your pregnancy. Always follow the guidance of your own clinician. If you are worried about yourself or your baby, call +254 721 600700 or come in — our maternity team is available 24 hours a day.