The Friend Edition Blog: Walking the Antenatal Journey Together

You know when you are that OBGYN friend , the first instinct of the people around you is to add you to the first group they send that positive pregnancy test to.

It has been such a beautiful experience to journey with friends through their pregnancy journeys, and for them to trust my expertise. I genuinely love doing it. It’s a language I use daily at work, so it’s never a stretch to share it with the people in my life.

What has this journey taught me about the antenatal journey?
Disclaimer: I have not been on one myself but I have walked alongside thousands of women in this journey.

One thing I’ve learned is that most people are so nervous about whether everything will go well And that’s understandable.
But let me reassure you.
Pregnancy is a natural process. Designed by God, with the instruction to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The population continues to increase which means there are far more healthy pregnancies than complicated ones.

And for those who are challenged with complications? There has been so much research dedicated to pregnancy-related conditions. Most clinicians are trained and equipped to navigate these situations carefully and safely.

Secondly people want to know the gender. Ha ha.!! Always.

Recently, I received that proof-of-pregnancy scan from a friend again.
You know what that means?
I am about to walk another antenatal journey with another friend.

But I’ve also had to review my life and realised I don’t have the luxury of unlimited time anymore. And I don’t want to stop showing up for all these women in my circle who confidently look up to me.

Beautifully, through this amazing community I get to be part of here, I know many of you are still to experience this antenatal journey And as I write this guide to my friend, I hope it can be something that you also use in the future.

So I hope this blog helps you:
• Be well prepared
• Be empowered
• Be informed
• Be unstoppable

As you head into conversations with your midwife or obstetrician.

So … What Is the Antenatal Journey Really About?

The World Health Organization recommends at least eight antenatal contacts during pregnancy.
Not because pregnancy is an illness.
But because prevention is powerful.

Antenatal care simply means regular pregnancy check-ups to:
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Check baby’s growth
• Screen for anaemia, diabetes, and infections
• Offer vitamins and supplements
• Prepare you for labour
• Educate you about warning signs

It’s about catching things early not waiting for problems.

The Journey, Broken Down Simply

First trimester (Before 12 Weeks) – 1 visit
This is the foundation visit.
• Confirm pregnancy and estimate your due date
• Full health check
• Blood tests
• Urine test
• Start iron and folic acid
• Book your first ultrasound and genetic testing

Second Trimester (4–6 Months) 2-3 visits
• Review your results
• Anatomy scan around 20 weeks
• Screen for gestational diabetes
• Monitor baby’s growth

This is when many moms begin to relax and enjoy the journey.

Third Trimester (7–9 Months) 4 or more
The mommy’s are usually so tired and they come in to the visits requesting delivery, ha ha, so cute.
Visits become more frequent.
We focus on:
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Baby’s growth and position
• Birth planning
• Preparing you mentally and physically for labour

Why Regular Visits Matter
In many parts of the world, including here in South Africa, complications during pregnancy can still occur. The difference is when women attend antenatal care early and consistently, we catch concerns sooner.

And when we catch things early, we manage them well.
That’s the power of the journey.

A Gentle Reminder From Your OBGYN Friend 🤍

You are allowed to feel excited.
You are allowed to feel nervous.
You are allowed to ask questions.

Go to your appointments informed.
Ask your midwife.
Ask your obstetrician.
Understand your results.

Pregnancy is not something you survive ,it’s something you prepare for.

And while I may not physically walk every antenatal journey with each of you, I hope this space can serve as your extended friend circle equipping you with knowledge, confidence, and calm.

Because when women are informed, they become unstoppable.

And I can’t wait to celebrate your proof-of-pregnancy scans too. 🤍

A season of EPIFEM babies

Love

Dr Nshali