Pregnancy

We answer important questions and give expert advice on the pregnancy process, from conception to birth.

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Babies (up to 1 year)

Expecting a baby? This free resource from medical professionals has all the info you need.

If you’re a first-time parent (or would-be parent) and feeling a little clueless, the Mediclinic Baby Programme will give you all the reliable information and support you’re looking for.

Pregnancy

Do I really need all those antenatal gynae check-ups? A doctor weighs in.

Ever wondered why you have to go for so many gynae check-ups when you’re pregnant? And whether they’re actually necessary? A doctor explains their vital importance.

Covid-19

Having a baby during lockdown

Having a baby should be a positive experience, even during a pandemic. Discover how Mediclinic ensures you ­– and your newborn – stay safe.   Cape Town mom Roxy Cullinan

Babies (up to 1 year)

A medical miracle: Cayden Pillay’s story

“From the moment we fell pregnant with Cayden, we felt he was special. We didn’t know he would become a medical miracle”

Magazine

Pregnant, with a meningioma brain tumour

Pregnant with her first child Masechaba had a meningioma brain tumour, but she didn’t know it yet.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Our expert breastfeeding advice is based on the principles of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic has the highest number of internationally accredited facilities in Southern Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • You get 20% of the water your body needs from eating fruit and vegetables.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Trauma patients with a critically low temperature will often be wrapped in a space blanket to reduce heat loss.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our radio-translucent theatre beds enable X-rays to be taken on the spot, without having to move the patient or disturb the procedure.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To prevent harmful bacteria being absorbed by mattresses we use protective under sheets made from polypropylene.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
    #MediclinicFacts
Pregnancy

In the womb: take a sneak peek [infographic]

Growing a baby is no small feat. When a mother becomes pregnant, it’s not only her focus that shifts to her baby: her body kicks into a high gear to redirect its energy into providing space and nourishment for the growing infant.

Healthy Life

The science behind your pregnancy food cravings [infographic]

Food cravings in general are caused by the regions of the brain that are responsible for memory, pleasure, and reward. An imbalance of hormones, such as leptin and serotonin, can also cause food cravings.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The only one in Africa and one of only 13 in the world, the P-I BrÅnemark Institute of Excellence at Mediclinic Morningside, specialises in facial reconstruction.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our 24-hour emergency centres feature state-of-the-art life-saving equipment.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We use a yacht-mast design for our cabling and keep it safely wound up in our trauma pedestals to avoid any accidents.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our world-class neonatal units feature high frequency oscillatory ventilators to minimise lung trauma in premature babies.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • An orange has over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, providing anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot-inhibiting effects.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Immunisations save lives and help stop diseases from spreading.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To make the most of every second, we strive to synchronise all our clocks in the hospital.
    #MediclinicFacts
Pregnancy

The pregnancy hormone

Progesterone – a steroid hormone – plays a vital role in your fertility. Progesterone helps your body build strong bones and healthy hair. It’s also said to help you sleep

Pregnancy

Am I at risk of premature birth? Know the risk factors

There are a number of reasons why you might be likely to give birth more than three weeks before your baby’s estimated due date. As Dr Ntlharhi Mathonsi, a gynaecologist

Healthy Life

Fertility treatments aren’t as invasive as you may think

Many people who can’t get pregnant immediately think of IVF. But in 80% of cases, the solution is a lot simpler, and easier, than you think. We take you through this progressive process that helps your body stimulate a natural, beautiful process.

Babies (up to 1 year)

Inside the NICU

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialised space designed to keep your preterm baby safe, warm and well fed under expert care.

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