For most women, pregnancy is a joyous time filled with much anticipation. It is, however, not the same for everyone. Some people feel afraid and apprehensive, and some are uncertain about how to best look after themselves and their unborn baby. Several Clinix Hospitals have maternity facilities, which means that advice and medical assistance is readily and easily accessible.
At Clinix, we also offer a Maternity Cash Package for expectant mothers so that they can have first-class care for the birth of their babies. This package includes one day of normal delivery and two days of post-delivery care, a free mother-and-baby pack, a framed photo of your baby, and free birth certificate registration.
Payment can be done on a lay bye basis over six months, prior to delivery. To book and make arrangements, contact Clinix Botshelong Empilweni Private Hospital on 011 861 6200.
Here are some guidelines on how to have a healthy pregnancy:
Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can.
When you find out that you are pregnant, make an appointment to see a doctor at your nearest Clinix Maternity Hospital. A doctor or midwife will be able to assist you with all the information you require and will perform all the relevant tests and examinations necessary for the first trimester.
Seeing your doctor from the very beginning means that you will have the best advice for a healthy pregnancy right from the start. Visit any of these Clinix Hospitals to ensure the best care for you and you baby.
– Botshlong Empilweni
– Dr SK Matseke
– Victoria Itokolle
– Tshepo Themba
– Naledi Nkanyezi
Would you be interested in Mom-to-be webinars? Let us know at: XXXXXX
Maintain a healthy diet
Eating well during pregnancy is essential for both mum and baby. This means ensuring that you eat a good balance of fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. While many believe that you need to ‘eat for two’ when you are expecting, this is certainly not the case. For the first and second trimester you should eat as you ordinarily would, and in the third trimester you may add up to 200 additional calories per day.
Vitamins also play a major role in a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid and vitamin D are critical for healthy development of your baby. There a many pregnancy multi-vitamins the market, all of which contain the correct doses for the needs of your growing baby. Be sure to drink enough fluids throughout as the amount of water in your body increases during pregnancy to help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels. If you are uncertain about your diet, talk to your doctor or midwife about what you should be eating.
Improve your food hygiene
Food hygiene is hugely important while you are expecting. Ensure that your hands have been thoroughly washed or sanitised before you handle any foods. Thoroughly wash your utensils, prepping boards and hands after handling raw meat of any kind.
There are also some foods that you should be avoiding as they potentially carry bacteria or parasites that could be harmful to you or your baby. Listeriosis is of particular concern is it can cause miscarriage, and the following food should be avoided as they contain the listeria bacteria:
– Unpasteurised milk
– Undercooked or raw meats
– Pates such as chicken liver or duck pate
– Soft cheeses
– Raw or partially cooked eggs
Don’t forget to exercise
Gentle exercise, unless otherwise specified by your doctor or midwife, is safe throughout your pregnancy. In fact, exercise will:
– Helps you to cope with changes your body is going through, and the pressure on your joints during pregnancy.
– Help you maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.
– Increase you chance of an uncomplicated labour and birth.
– Improve your mood.
– Help prevent certain pregnancy complications.
– Help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight much easier.
Ask your doctor or midwife if you are unsure of what kind of exercises you should be doing. Safe exercise usually includes activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Many gyms also have classes specifically for pregnant women.
Avoid drinking and smoking
Drinking and smoking can negatively affect the growth and development of your baby. Pregnant women who regularly drink heavily are at risk of giving birth to babies with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders which can result in complications such as learning difficulties and birth defects.
If you smoke, it’s best to stop, for your own health and that of your baby. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Stop as soon as you can – it’s never too late! Even stopping in the last few weeks of your pregnancy can benefit you both.
Get enough rest
Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your body, leaving you feeling exhausted. Take naps when you can, and be sure to get as much sleep as possible in the evenings. Put in place a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure that you unwind enough to have a good rest.
Some days being pregnant might feel overwhelming, and staying healthy might feel like hard work, and that’s ok too. Reach out to your doctor or midwife for support – we have dealt with it more times than we can count. At Clinix, we are here for you, and for your baby.
