At Take Care Clinic in Fourways, Johannesburg, we believe that preparing for your baby is about more than just medical check-ups. It’s about supporting the whole family’s health and wellbeing. Screening tests, both before and after birth, are an important way to ensure that you and your baby receive the right care at the right time.
These screenings are not about creating fear or pressure, but about offering knowledge, reassurance, and guidance. During pregnancy, you will usually explore prenatal screenings with your obstetrician, while postnatal screening is something your baby’s paediatrician will guide you through.
Prenatal Screening Tests to Discuss With Your Obstetrician
During pregnancy, certain screenings can help monitor your health and your baby’s development. These may include:
- Blood tests to check iron levels, thyroid function, blood type, and screen for infections such as HIV or hepatitis B.
- Genetic screening like nuchal translucency scans or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which look for chromosomal differences.
- Ultrasound scans to follow your baby’s growth, check the placenta, and assess overall wellbeing.
- Glucose testing typically in the second trimester, to identify gestational diabetes early.
Each family’s needs are unique, and your obstetrician will help you understand which screenings are recommended for you, and what they mean for your pregnancy journey.
Postnatal Screening Tests With Your Baby’s Paediatrician
Once your baby arrives, screening continues, but the focus shifts to your little one’s growth and development. Common postnatal screenings include:
- Newborn blood spot test (heel prick): to check for rare but serious conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism or certain metabolic disorders (depending on national guidelines).
- Hearing test: usually done shortly after birth to detect early hearing concerns.
- Physical examinations: within the first seventy two hours and again at six to eight weeks, to check your baby’s heart, hips, eyes, and overall health.
- Growth and development checks: ongoing monitoring of weight, feeding, reflexes, and milestones.
Your paediatrician will guide you through these steps, helping you feel confident and supported as you learn more about your baby’s needs.
A Holistic Approach to Family Health
At Take Care Clinic, we see pregnancy and parenthood as part of a bigger picture of family wellness. Screening tests are just one part of caring for you and your baby, equally important are nutrition, emotional wellbeing, movement, rest, and the right support network.
By working closely with your obstetrician, paediatrician, and our holistic care team, you’ll be empowered with knowledge and supported every step of the way. The goal is always the same: healthy parents, thriving babies, and families who feel cared for in body, mind, and spirit.
Book a consultation with Take Care Clinic in Fourways to discuss your pregnancy and family health needs.
