Seeing a midwife or healthcare provider during your pregnancy

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    • Brief

    • If you are pregnant, you should make an appointment with a midwife or healthcare provider in your area. The midwife will confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound.

      The midwife or healthcare provider will monitor you and the unborn child (foetus) during your entire pregnancy.

    • Regular check-ups

    • At the first check-up

      The midwife or healthcare provider will:

      • Ask questions about you, your partner, your family, previous pregnancies and the date of your last menstrual period to find out more about your pregnancy.
      • Sometimes make an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
      • Check your weight and blood pressure.
      • Inform you about extra tests you can have to check whether the baby has chromosomal abnormality or other physical abnormalities. As parents you choose whether you want these tests or not.

      During later check-ups

      The midwife or healthcare provider will:

      • Ask how you are doing and answer questions about the pregnancy if you have any.
      • Check your weight and blood pressure.
      • Check the growth of the baby and listen to its heartbeat.
      • Provide information about the pregnancy and delivery.

      In the last months of pregnancy, the position of your child in the womb will be checked.

    • Situations where you need to contact your midwife or healthcare provider

    • There are situations in which you need to contact your midwife or healthcare provider (immediately), including if you:

      • Fall on your belly.
      • Feel a heavy pain in your stomach.
      • Have a persistent fever.
      • Are bleeding through your vagina.
      • Have lost a lot of weight (up to 20% of your weight).
      • Lose amniotic fluid, the clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (foetus).
      • Have a lot of vaginal discharge with a bad smell.
      • Cannot feel the baby moving after 26 weeks.
      • Have regular contractions.

    • Partner violence during pregnancy

    • Partner violence is any form of violence between 2 people in a relationship. Partner violence is forbidden by law.

      Partner violence during pregnancy can cause health problems to both mother and foetus. The problems can be physical or psychological. For instance: stress, bleeding, high blood pressure, premature birth, low birth weight or miscarriage.

      Ask your midwife or healthcare provider for help if you experience partner violence during pregnancy.

      In Lagos state, you can reach the domestic and sexual violence response team on 08000333333 or send "Help" to "6820" on any mobile network.