Maternity Care
Your pregnancy, cared for at every step
Personal, continuous care from your first positive test to the weeks after your baby arrives, with an obstetrician in Cape Town who will get to know you and your pregnancy.
Your pregnancy journey
From your first visit to life with your newborn
A typical journey by trimester. Your own schedule is tailored to you and your baby.
First trimester · Weeks 6–13
Your first visit
Confirming your pregnancy and due date with an early scan, a full medical history, routine blood tests and advice on nutrition, supplements and what to expect.
First trimester · Weeks 11–14
Early screening scan
A detailed scan to check your baby's early development, with screening for chromosomal conditions discussed and offered.
Second trimester · Weeks 18–24
Anatomy scan & growth
A detailed ultrasound of your baby's anatomy, the placenta and amniotic fluid, plus screening for gestational diabetes when indicated.
Third trimester · Weeks 28–36
Birth planning
More frequent visits to monitor growth and wellbeing, and an open conversation about your birth preferences, pain relief and delivery options.
Birth · Around 37–41 weeks
Delivery
Labour and birth at Melomed Private Hospital, Mitchells Plain, by vaginal delivery or caesarean section, as planned together.
Postnatal · Around 6 weeks after birth
Postnatal recovery
A check-up to review your physical and emotional recovery, feeding, contraception and any concerns about life with your new baby.
Delivery options
Planning your birth together
Your preferences are heard and respected, and every recommendation is explained, so you can make informed choices.
Normal vaginal delivery
For many women, a vaginal birth is a safe and positive choice. You will be supported through labour, with pain-relief options, including epidural anaesthesia, discussed beforehand.
Planned caesarean section
Recommended when there is a medical reason, such as the baby's position, placenta praevia or certain previous surgeries. The reasons, risks and recovery are fully explained.
Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)
If you have had a previous caesarean, you may be able to aim for a vaginal birth. Your suitability is assessed carefully and discussed honestly.
High-risk pregnancy specialist care in Cape Town
High-risk & twin pregnancy care
Some pregnancies need closer attention. A high-risk label is not a cause for alarm. It means you and your baby benefit from extra monitoring and careful planning.
- High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
- Diabetes before or during pregnancy
- Twin pregnancies
- Previous caesarean, miscarriage or preterm birth
- Maternal age over 35
- Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, epilepsy or HIV
What to expect
Support before, during and after pregnancy
Before pregnancy
Preconception advice on folic acid, vaccinations, medication and managing existing conditions.
During pregnancy
Regular check-ups, scans and tests, each explained clearly, with time for your questions.
At the birth
Attentive care in labour and delivery at Melomed Mitchells Plain, following the plan made together.
After the birth
Support with recovery, feeding, emotional wellbeing and contraception in the weeks that follow.
When to seek urgent care
Don't wait if something feels wrong
Contact the practice or go to the hospital's maternity or emergency unit straight away if you notice any of the following:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Leaking fluid from the vagina (your waters breaking)
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Your baby moving less than usual
- Severe headache, blurred vision or swelling of the face and hands
- Fever, or pain or burning when passing urine
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
In an emergency
Go directly to the emergency unit at Melomed Private Hospital, Mitchells Plain or your nearest hospital emergency unit. Please do not use the online form for urgent or emergency medical concerns. It is not monitored around the clock.
Maternity FAQ
Questions expectant mothers often ask
Ideally as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, preferably before 10 weeks. An early visit lets us confirm your due date, review your health and plan your first-trimester screening.
Your Health. Your Journey. Our Priority.
Begin your pregnancy journey with us
Book your first antenatal visit at Melomed Mitchells Plain. We look forward to meeting you.