Your First Antenatal Visit: What Happens and What to Bring
The first antenatal appointment sets the pattern for the whole pregnancy. Knowing what will happen — and what information to bring — makes it far more useful.
Read articleAbout the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department
The obstetrics and gynaecology department looks after women through pregnancy, delivery and the years beyond. Antenatal care follows a structured schedule of visits, scans and blood tests designed to detect anaemia, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and growth problems early enough to act on them.
Deliveries are supported by an obstetrician, an anaesthetist and a neonatologist, with an operation theatre and neonatal intensive care immediately available. Normal delivery is encouraged wherever it is safe; caesarean section is performed when there is a clear clinical indication, which is explained to the family.
On the gynaecology side, the department treats heavy or irregular periods, fibroids, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, prolapse and menopausal symptoms. Laparoscopic surgery is offered for suitable cases, avoiding a large abdominal incision and shortening recovery considerably.
Conditions we treat
The presentations seen most often in this department. If your symptom is not listed, book a consultation anyway — the clinic will redirect you if another speciality fits better.
- Antenatal care and high-risk pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Anaemia in pregnancy
- Heavy, painful or irregular periods
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
- Infertility evaluation
- Pelvic infection and white discharge
- Uterine prolapse
- Menopause and post-menopausal bleeding
Procedures and services
- Antenatal consultation, scanning and monitoring
- Normal delivery and painless labour support
- Caesarean section
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy and ovarian cystectomy
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy
- Dilatation and curettage
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear)
- Contraception counselling and procedures
- Management of menopause symptoms
Technology and support
Equipment matters only when it is available at the moment of need. These services sit on the same campus, with laboratory and imaging cover round the clock.
- Ultrasound with obstetric Doppler
- Labour room with foetal monitoring
- Modular operation theatre
- Neonatal intensive care unit on site
- Laparoscopic gynaecological surgery systems
When to seek urgent care
Do not wait for an outpatient appointment if any of the following applies. Call 9281862028 or come straight to the emergency department, which is open 24 hours and does not require an appointment.
- Bleeding at any stage of pregnancy
- Severe headache, blurred vision or upper abdominal pain in pregnancy
- Reduced or absent baby movements after 28 weeks
- Leaking fluid before the due date
- Any bleeding after menopause
Frequently asked questions
Who is the best gynaecologist in Anantapur?
The right gynaecologist is the one whose experience matches your problem. At SIMS Hospital, Anantapur, obstetrics and gynaecology care is provided by Dr. Padala Sunitha (Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Minimal Access & Laparoscopic Surgeon). Book with a consultant by name, or describe your symptoms and the appointment desk will match you to the right specialist.
How many antenatal visits are needed?
A standard pregnancy involves monthly visits until 28 weeks, fortnightly to 36 weeks, and weekly thereafter — around eight to twelve visits in total. High-risk pregnancies need more frequent review.
Is a caesarean always required after a previous caesarean?
Not always. A trial of vaginal birth after caesarean may be offered depending on the reason for the earlier operation, the type of uterine scar, the interval between pregnancies and the current pregnancy's progress. It requires delivery in a hospital with immediate theatre access.
Can PCOS be cured?
PCOS is managed rather than cured, and management works well. Weight reduction of even five to ten percent, regular exercise, and targeted medication restore regular cycles in most women and significantly improve fertility.
