OBSTETRIC CARE

Dr. Dutywa encourages patients to book their first visit as soon as they miss a period or confirm a positive pregnancy test, ideally before 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Early booking is important because it allows:

• Accurate dating of the pregnancy

• Early detection of potential risks

• Timely screening tests

Preventative measures for certain complications

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create images of the baby inside the womb. In early pregnancy, this scan confirms:

• That the pregnancy is inside the uterus (and not ectopic, meaning outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube)

• Whether there is one baby or multiples

• The baby’s gestational age (how many weeks pregnant you are)

• The estimated due date

Accurate dating helps guide all future care.

At your first visit, Dr. Dutywa performs a detailed assessment that includes:

• Medical history

• Previous pregnancy history

• Blood pressure check

• Weight and height measurement

• Physical examination

• Ultrasound assessment

Based on this information, the pregnancy is classified as:

• Low-risk pregnancy: No significant medical or obstetric concerns

• High-risk pregnancy: Presence of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, previous pregnancy complications, multiple pregnancy, or advanced maternal age

High-risk does not mean something is wrong; it simply means closer monitoring is required.

“Antenatal care” refers to medical care during pregnancy.

In a low-risk pregnancy, visits are usually:

• Every 4 weeks until 32 weeks
• Every 2 weeks from 32 weeks until delivery

High-risk pregnancies may require more frequent visits and scans.

Routine care typically includes:

Monitoring Maternal Health

• Blood pressure checks to screen for pregnancy-related hypertension or preeclampsia
• Urine testing for protein or infection
• Weight monitoring
• Screening for gestational diabetes
• Blood tests to check iron levels, blood group, and infections

Fetal Growth & Wellbeing Monitoring

• Ultrasound scans to monitor the baby’s growth
• Assessment of amniotic fluid (the fluid around the baby)
• Monitoring the baby’s movements
• Doppler studies if needed (special ultrasound to check blood flow)

Cardiotocography (CTG) is a test in later pregnancy, a test that monitors the baby’s heartbeat and contractions

Screening tests help assess the risk of certain chromosomal or structural conditions.

These may include:

• First trimester screening (blood tests and ultrasound before 14 weeks)

• Second trimester screening (between 15 and 21 weeks)

• An anomaly scan around 20 weeks to assess the baby’s organs and development

• Non-invasive prenatal testing (where appropriate)

These tests do not diagnose conditions but assess risk. If concerns are identified, further evaluation and counselling are provided.

As a Specialist Obstetrician, Dr. Dutywa manages conditions such as:

• Gestational diabetes

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension

• Preeclampsia

• Thyroid disorders in pregnancy

• Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)

• Previous miscarriage or stillbirth

• Previous Caesarean section

• Preterm labour risk

• Fetal growth restriction

Each care plan is individualised according to the mother’s health and pregnancy needs.

Dr. Dutywa supports vaginal delivery where it is clinically safe and appropriate.

Vaginal Birth

Vaginal birth is recommended when:

• The baby is head-down

• The baby’s size is appropriate

• There are no medical or obstetric contraindications

Vaginal delivery generally carries fewer surgical risks and allows for quicker recovery.

Caesarean Section

A Caesarean section (C-section) is a surgical delivery of the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

It is performed when medically indicated, including:

• Previous Caesarean delivery

• Fetal distress

• Breech presentation (baby not head-down)

• Placenta complications

• Failure to progress in labour

Dr. Dutywa does not offer VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) in her practice due to the associated risks, including uterine rupture.

All birth planning discussions are done openly, ensuring mothers understand their options and risks.

High-risk pregnancies may require:

• More frequent ultrasound scans

• Closer blood pressure monitoring

• Specialist referrals where necessary

• Coordinated care with physicians or paediatric specialists

Early identification allows for better preparation and improved outcomes.

Postnatal care continues after delivery, typically up to 6 weeks postpartum.

This includes:

• Monitoring recovery from vaginal or Caesarean birth

• Wound care (if applicable)

• Screening for postpartum depression

• Breastfeeding support guidance

• Contraception counselling

• Assessment of blood pressure and overall recovery

Postnatal care ensures both mother and baby are recovering well.