Pregnancy care in Marrakech

It confirms the pregnancy, dates its start, records your history and current treatments, and explains the follow-up programme.

Throughout the pregnancy, several consultations monitor your health and the baby's: blood pressure, weight, and blood tests as needed.

Obstetric ultrasound follows the baby's development at key stages. A 3D/4D scan can be offered when it is useful.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, past obstetric history or other situations call for closer follow-up, defined case by case.

Bleeding, leaking fluid, significant abdominal pain, fever, a clear drop in the baby's movements, severe headache with vision problems: call the clinic's emergency number or go to an emergency department.

First trimester (up to about 14 weeks of amenorrhoea): the pregnancy is confirmed and dated, we check that it is developing in the uterus, review your history and order the first set of tests. It is also the time to talk about diet, medicines and vaccines.

Second trimester: consultations become regular. The doctor checks blood pressure, weight, the height of the uterus and the baby's movements. A detailed scan examines the baby's growth and anatomy, and screening for gestational diabetes is offered depending on your situation.

Third trimester: follow-up gets closer. Growth and the baby's position are checked, the birth is prepared and the signs that labour is starting are explained.

This schedule is a guide: the exact rhythm is set with you according to your pregnancy.

A first set of tests is usually ordered, then completed during the pregnancy according to your file. It most often includes:

• blood group and rhesus;
• a blood count, to screen for anaemia;
• serology for infections that can affect pregnancy (rubella, toxoplasmosis, hepatitis, syphilis, HIV, according to current recommendations);
• blood sugar and screening for gestational diabetes;
• a urine test, to spot infection or protein.

The doctor explains each test, what its result changes and what to do if it is abnormal.

No strict diet: a varied, balanced diet is enough, with enough fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy. A few precautions reduce the risk of infection: cook meat well, wash fruit and vegetables, avoid raw milk and unpasteurised cheese, and wash your hands after handling raw meat or soil.

Alcohol and tobacco are to be avoided; caffeine should be limited. Gentle, regular physical activity such as walking is most often beneficial. Sleep, travel and returning to work are discussed according to your situation.

Do not take any medicine, even over the counter or herbal, without asking the doctor or pharmacist and saying that you are pregnant. Some treatments need to be adjusted or replaced.

Depending on your tests, the doctor may prescribe folic acid, iron or vitamin D. Some vaccinations are advised during pregnancy according to current recommendations; others are not allowed. Your vaccination record is therefore useful from the first consultation.

Nausea, heartburn, constipation, back pain, heavy legs, cramps and tiredness are common and usually harmless. Simple measures (smaller meals, drinking enough, moving regularly, raising your legs) help a lot.

Consult without delay for vomiting that stops you drinking, fever, significant abdominal pain, severe headaches, visual disturbances or sudden swelling of the face and hands.

CTG records the baby's heartbeat and, if needed, the uterine contractions for about twenty minutes, using two sensors placed on the belly. It checks the baby's wellbeing. It is offered mainly in late pregnancy, in high-risk pregnancy, when the baby moves less or when the pregnancy is overdue. It is done at the clinic, painlessly, and the result is explained to you straight away.

During the consultations, the doctor explains the different possible situations: vaginal birth, planned caesarean or caesarean decided in an emergency, pain relief options, what happens at the maternity unit and the first days with the baby.

This is the time to ask about breastfeeding, going home, contraception after birth and postnatal follow-up. The place of birth and its organisation are specified with you during follow-up.

A post-natal consultation checks your recovery, covers contraception and answers your questions.