Antenatal Care Planner
Your complete guide to antenatal care in South Africa. Compare public clinic and private healthcare schedules, including all recommended tests and scans.
Public Healthcare (Government Clinic)
Free antenatal care at your nearest government clinic or community health centre.
Booking Visit
Register at your nearest clinic. Bring your ID document and pregnancy test results. You will receive a clinic card (maternity case record).
Second Visit
The anomaly scan checks your baby's organs and development. This is when you may find out the sex of your baby.
Third Visit
The GTT checks for gestational diabetes. You'll need to fast overnight before this test. Anti-D injection if Rhesus negative.
Fourth Visit
Your healthcare provider will start monitoring your baby's growth more closely. Discuss your birth plan.
Fifth Visit
Apply for UIF maternity benefits. Notify your employer about maternity leave. Pack your hospital bag.
Sixth Visit
Weekly visits begin. Discuss signs of labour and when to go to the hospital or clinic.
Weekly Visits
If you go past 40 weeks, your healthcare provider will discuss induction options.
Private Healthcare (Gynaecologist/Obstetrician)
Antenatal care through your private gynaecologist or obstetrician, typically covered by medical aid.
First Consultation
First visit to your gynaecologist/obstetrician. Confirm your pregnancy and estimated due date. Discuss your medical history and any medications.
Nuchal Translucency Scan
Screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. Optional NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) available at additional cost (R5,000-R8,000).
Monthly Check
Quick check-up. Good time to ask questions about your pregnancy.
Anomaly Scan
Comprehensive scan of your baby's organs, spine, and limbs. Can confirm the sex. Some specialists offer 3D/4D scans.
Monthly Check
Monitor growth and well-being. Discuss gestational diabetes screening.
Glucose Tolerance Test
Fasting required. If GTT is positive, you will be referred for gestational diabetes management.
Fortnightly Visits Begin
Visits become more frequent. Discuss your birth plan and hospital preferences.
Check-up
Pre-admission forms for your chosen hospital. Finalise birth plan.
Weekly Visits Begin
If planning a caesarean, it will be scheduled around 38-39 weeks.
Weekly Monitoring
Weekly visits until delivery. Discuss induction if going past 40 weeks.
Emergency Numbers
If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention: heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, sudden swelling of face/hands, severe headache, vision changes, reduced baby movement, or waters breaking before 37 weeks.
Ambulance
10177
Netcare 911
082 911
ER Mediclinic
0860 02 24 11
Life Healthcare
0860 00 09 11
Poison Hotline
0861 555 777
Childline SA
0800 055 555
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, antenatal care is free at government clinics and hospitals. You can register at your nearest clinic as soon as you know you are pregnant. Private care through a gynaecologist is an additional cost, typically covered by medical aid.
Bring your South African ID document (or passport), a pregnancy test result, and any previous medical records. The clinic will give you a maternity case record (clinic card) that you should bring to every subsequent visit.
In the public sector, the WHO recommends at least 8 antenatal visits. In the private sector, visits are typically monthly until 28 weeks, fortnightly until 36 weeks, and weekly until delivery.
Private maternity care costs vary: gynaecologist fees (R20,000-R40,000 for the pregnancy), hospital costs for delivery (R20,000-R50,000+ for natural birth, R30,000-R70,000+ for caesarean). Most medical aids cover these as PMB conditions.
HIV testing is offered routinely at your first antenatal visit in South Africa and is strongly recommended. If positive, treatment (ART) is started immediately to protect your baby. South Africa has excellent PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) programmes.
About the Author
Due Date Calculator SA Editorial Team
Our content is reviewed by healthcare professionals familiar with South African maternal health practices. We combine evidence-based medical information with local knowledge to support South African mums throughout their pregnancy journey. Our team includes contributors with backgrounds in midwifery, obstetrics, and maternal health education.
Last reviewed: