Is antenatal care free in South Africa?

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.

What should I bring to my first clinic visit?

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.

How often do I need to visit the clinic?

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.

What is the cost of private antenatal care in South Africa?

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.

Do I need to do an HIV test during pregnancy?

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.

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.

8-12 weeks

Booking Visit

HIV testSyphilis (RPR)Blood group & Rhesus factorFull blood countUrine testBlood pressureWeight & heightDating ultrasound

Register at your nearest clinic. Bring your ID document and pregnancy test results. You will receive a clinic card (maternity case record).

20 weeks

Second Visit

Blood pressureUrine testFundal heightAnomaly ultrasound scanFetal heartbeat check

The anomaly scan checks your baby's organs and development. This is when you may find out the sex of your baby.

26-28 weeks

Third Visit

Blood pressureGlucose tolerance test (GTT)Full blood countUrine testFundal heightFetal heartbeat

The GTT checks for gestational diabetes. You'll need to fast overnight before this test. Anti-D injection if Rhesus negative.

32 weeks

Fourth Visit

Blood pressureUrine testFundal heightFetal heartbeatCheck baby's position

Your healthcare provider will start monitoring your baby's growth more closely. Discuss your birth plan.

36 weeks

Fifth Visit

Blood pressureUrine testGroup B Streptococcus swabFundal heightFetal heartbeatCheck baby's position

Apply for UIF maternity benefits. Notify your employer about maternity leave. Pack your hospital bag.

38 weeks

Sixth Visit

Blood pressureUrine testFundal heightFetal heartbeatCervix check (if indicated)

Weekly visits begin. Discuss signs of labour and when to go to the hospital or clinic.

39-40 weeks

Weekly Visits

Blood pressureUrine testFetal heartbeatMonitor for signs of labour

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.

6-8 weeks

First Consultation

Viability ultrasound (heartbeat confirmation)Full blood countHIV testSyphilisBlood group & Rhesus factorThyroid functionRubella immunityUrine culture

First visit to your gynaecologist/obstetrician. Confirm your pregnancy and estimated due date. Discuss your medical history and any medications.

11-13 weeks

Nuchal Translucency Scan

NT ultrasound scanCombined first trimester screening (blood test)Blood pressureWeight

Screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. Optional NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) available at additional cost (R5,000-R8,000).

16 weeks

Monthly Check

Blood pressureUrine testFundal heightFetal heartbeat (Doppler)

Quick check-up. Good time to ask questions about your pregnancy.

20-22 weeks

Anomaly Scan

Detailed anatomy ultrasoundBlood pressureUrine testFundal height

Comprehensive scan of your baby's organs, spine, and limbs. Can confirm the sex. Some specialists offer 3D/4D scans.

24 weeks

Monthly Check

Blood pressureUrine testFundal heightFetal heartbeat

Monitor growth and well-being. Discuss gestational diabetes screening.

26-28 weeks

Glucose Tolerance Test

Glucose tolerance test (GTT)Full blood countBlood pressureAnti-D injection if Rh negative

Fasting required. If GTT is positive, you will be referred for gestational diabetes management.

30-32 weeks

Fortnightly Visits Begin

Growth ultrasoundBlood pressureUrine testFundal height

Visits become more frequent. Discuss your birth plan and hospital preferences.

34 weeks

Check-up

Blood pressureUrine testFetal heartbeatCheck baby's position

Pre-admission forms for your chosen hospital. Finalise birth plan.

36 weeks

Weekly Visits Begin

Group B Streptococcus swabBlood pressureCTG (cardiotocography)Cervix check

If planning a caesarean, it will be scheduled around 38-39 weeks.

37-40 weeks

Weekly Monitoring

Blood pressureCTG monitoringUrine testCervix assessment

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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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: February 2026