The Importance of Antenatal Care and Midwives

Written by: Michelle Resco, Midwife at OT&P

What is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care is the care you receive during pregnancy. Antenatal care involves regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, including physical examinations, blood tests and ultrasounds. It is important to attend all of your appointments, so that any problems can be detected and treated early.

During your antenatal appointments, your healthcare professional will provide you with information and advice on how to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy. They can answer any questions you have and help to put your mind at ease. The following are some of the questions you might come across regarding antenatal care:

1. Why is Antenatal Care Important?
2. Who Delivers Antenatal Care? 
3. What is the Difference Between a Midwife and Obstetrician?
4. How Can I Benefit From Care Provided by a Midwife?
5. What Is the Antenatal Check-up Schedule at OT&P?
6. What Health Problems Can Be Solved and How?
7. How Do I Choose a Midwife?

Why is Antenatal Care Important?

It is important to receive antenatal care early and throughout your pregnancy to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Antenatal care is vital for the identification and management of any potential health risks. It can also help you to understand what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth.

Pregnancy is a time of great joy, but it can also be a time of great stress and worry. If you are experiencing any problems during pregnancy, or have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare professional. They are there to help you and want to ensure that you have a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Who Delivers Antenatal Care? 

Antenatal care is very important for the health of both the mother and the baby. For child health in Hong Kong, this care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals including obstetricians, gynaecologists, midwives, and nurses. These professionals work together to provide the best possible care for the mother and the baby. They will provide information and support throughout the pregnancy, and they will be there to answer any questions or concerns that the mother may have.

What is the Difference Between a Midwife and Obstetrician?

There are several key differences between midwives and obstetricians. Firstly, midwives are trained specifically in caring for low risk pregnant women, whereas obstetricians provide care for both low and high risk pregnancies. Obstetricians are also trained in a wider range of other medical specialties. Secondly, midwives provide care during pregnancy, labour, delivery, and for several weeks after birth, while obstetricians are mainly involved during pregnancy and delivery. Thirdly, midwives typically have a more holistic approach to care, with an increased focus on the emotional well-being of the mother, while obstetricians tend to have a more medicalized approach. Finally, midwives provide care in a clinical, home or birth centre setting, while obstetricians mainly provide care in a clinical setting.

How Can I Benefit From Care Provided by a Midwife?

A midwife is a highly trained medical professional who can provide you with expert care during your pregnancy, labour, and birth. A midwife will also support you and your partner during the early days and weeks after your baby is born.

The midwife will get to know you and your family during your pregnancy and will be there to offer you education, guidance and advice. She will also be on hand to answer any questions you have.

The care provided by the midwife is personalised and tailored to your individual needs. This means that you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care during this special time.

What Is the Antenatal Check-up Schedule at OT&P?

At OT&P there are typically 7-10 antenatal check-ups provided. The first appointment with a midwife is usually recommended at around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. Antenatal education classes on a range of topics are also available and start from around 28 weeks of pregnancy.

What Health Problems Can Be Solved and How?

A midwife is a healthcare professional who provides care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Midwives are trained to recognise and provide care for a wide range of health issues that may arise during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including:

• Pregnancy-related complications
• Labour and delivery complications
• Postpartum haemorrhage
• Postpartum infection
• Breastfeeding difficulties
• Postpartum depression

Midwives are trained to provide a variety of treatments for these health issues, including:

• Antenatal care and education
• Labour and delivery support
• Postpartum care
• Breastfeeding support
• Referrals to other health care professionals, as needed.

How Do I Choose a Midwife?

There are many things to consider when choosing a midwife. You will want to make sure that the midwife is experienced, certified or licensed, and has a good reputation. Additionally, you may want to make sure that the midwife is a good fit for you personally, that you feel comfortable with her and that she is someone you feel you can build a trusting relationship with. 

What Qualifications do Midwives Need in Hong Kong?

Both nurses and people without a nursing background can pursue programs and diplomas for midwifery. Registered nurses can pursue an 18-month Po-registration Diploma in Midwifery offered by the Hospital Authority  or other recognised programs.

For individuals who don’t hold a nursing background, there are midwifery training programs available which are also accredited by the Midwives Council of Hong Kong.

Once the required training is complete, candidates must pass the Midwives Council Exmaniation. All successful candidates are to register with the Midwives Council of Hong Kong, providing proof of training completion and good character.