Question

When should pregnant women start the maternity clinic?

14 August 2021. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, Southern Africa, Support.

Hi, I am in South Africa and want to know when should the pregnant women on ARVs start maternity clinic?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks for your question.

i-Base is in the UK where contacting a maternity clinic is recommended as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Info about antenatal care in the UK:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/your-antenatal-care

This seems to be the same in South Africa. Although this guidelines from 2016 are a technical document for health workers, they state:

“A woman should visit her healthcare provider as soon as she suspects pregnancy, even as early as the first missed menstrual period.” (page 29)

Ref: Guidelines for Maternity Care in South Africa – 2016
https://www.knowledgehub.org.za/elibrary/guidelines-maternity-care-south-africa-2016