Pregnancy Care and Delivery in Antalya, Turkey
In pregnancy care my aim is to protect your health, follow your baby’s development closely and plan a safe birth. I plan your care from the first visit to delivery and the postnatal period according to your week of pregnancy and personal risk factors, in English or German if you prefer.
- 13 years of experience
- Private clinic in Muratpaşa, Antalya
- English · Deutsch · Türkçe · Русский
Personal health data is protected in line with applicable legislation and professional confidentiality obligations.
What is pregnancy care?
Pregnancy care includes regular examinations, ultrasounds and laboratory tests throughout pregnancy. The aim is to monitor the health of mother and baby, detect possible problems early and plan the birth in the most suitable way. Ideally, it is supported by preparation that begins before pregnancy.
Monitoring the mother’s health
Blood pressure, weight, blood values and blood sugar are checked regularly, and pregnancy-specific problems are looked for early.
Following the baby’s development
The baby’s growth, organ development, heartbeat and position in the womb are monitored with ultrasound and other tests.
Preparing for birth
As pregnancy progresses, the mode and timing of delivery and the postnatal period are planned together with me.
What to know before your appointment
These are the practical tips I give my patients most often. I explain your personal instructions at the consultation.
First visit
Coming in the first weeks after a positive test lets us confirm the location and age of the pregnancy early.
What to bring
Bring the date of your last period, your medications and vitamins, and details of previous pregnancies and births.
Write down your questions
Note any questions between visits; we make time for them at every check-up.
Do not wait
If you have bleeding, severe pain or reduced baby movements, seek care without waiting for your next check-up.
Weeks: average length of pregnancy
Pregnancy is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period and lasts about 40 weeks on average. Early ultrasound findings are also used to set the due date.
What are the stages of pregnancy care?
Pregnancy is divided into three stages (trimesters) of about three months each. The examinations and tests in each stage have different purposes. The Turkish Ministry of Health guidelines recommend at least four antenatal visits for a healthy pregnancy; in practice, visits become more frequent as pregnancy progresses.
1st trimester (weeks 1–13)
The pregnancy is confirmed to be inside the uterus, gestational age is checked and the baby’s heartbeat is seen. Basic blood and urine tests are done, and first screening tests are assessed between weeks 11 and 14.
2nd trimester (weeks 14–27)
The baby’s organ development is examined with a detailed ultrasound. Gestational diabetes screening is done between weeks 24 and 28, and the mother’s blood pressure and weight gain are monitored.
3rd trimester (weeks 28–40)
The baby’s growth, position and amniotic fluid are assessed. When needed, the baby’s heart rate is monitored with an NST, and the birth plan is finalized.
High-risk pregnancies
For conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple pregnancy or previous pregnancy complications, check-ups are more frequent and may be managed together with perinatology.
Important: Check-up intervals are not the same for everyone. Depending on how your pregnancy progresses, I may recommend additional visits or tests, and it is important not to miss them.
Which tests are done during pregnancy?
Some pregnancy tests assess the mother’s health, while others screen for the risk of certain conditions in the baby. Which tests are done depends on gestational age and personal risk factors.
Blood and urine tests
Basic tests such as blood group, full blood count, fasting blood sugar, thyroid function, certain infection tests and a urine test are assessed at the start of pregnancy.
First-trimester screening
Screening between weeks 11 and 14, using a nuchal translucency measurement and a blood test, helps estimate the risk of certain chromosomal conditions.
Detailed ultrasound
A detailed ultrasound, usually between weeks 18 and 22, systematically examines the baby’s organ development.
Glucose tolerance test
Screening for gestational diabetes is done between weeks 24 and 28. Gestational diabetes often causes no symptoms.
Rh incompatibility
For mothers with an Rh-negative blood group, a preventive injection is considered during pregnancy and after birth to prevent antibodies developing against the baby.
Growth scans and NST
In late pregnancy, the baby’s growth is monitored with ultrasound; when needed, an NST (non-stress test) records the baby’s heart rate and uterine contractions.
Screening is not diagnosis: Screening tests such as first-trimester screening or cell-free DNA testing do not give a definitive diagnosis; they only give information about risk. After a high-risk result, further tests such as amniocentesis may be needed for a definitive diagnosis. I discuss the scope and limits of the tests with you in detail at check-ups.
How do pregnancy care and delivery work in Antalya?
I tailor your care and birth plan to you; the process usually follows these steps.
First visit
At the first visit I confirm the location and age of the pregnancy and review your health history and basic tests.
Regular check-ups
At each check-up I carry out the examinations, ultrasounds and screening tests suited to your week of pregnancy.
Birth plan
In the final weeks we finalize the mode and timing of delivery and the hospital process together.
Birth & postnatal
After the birth I monitor your health and your baby’s, and plan your postnatal check-up.
Nutrition and daily life during pregnancy
Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and avoiding certain habits are important parts of a healthy pregnancy. We plan vitamin and mineral supplements together according to your needs.
Recommended
- Take folic acid before and in the early weeks of pregnancy, as I advise.
- Eat a balanced diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and enough protein.
- Drink enough fluids throughout the day.
- If there is no medical reason against it, do moderate exercise such as walking and swimming.
- Take supplements such as iron and vitamin D as I recommend.
- Keep up with dental and oral health check-ups.
Best avoided
- Smoking, alcohol and second-hand smoke
- Medicines or herbal products used without consulting a doctor
- Raw or undercooked meat, raw eggs and unpasteurized dairy products
- Too much caffeine
- Sports with a risk of falling or abdominal impact
- Saunas, very hot baths and long periods in extreme heat
When should you seek care immediately during pregnancy?
Some symptoms during pregnancy may signal conditions that threaten the health of mother or baby. For the symptoms below, seek care at a healthcare facility without waiting for your next check-up.
Seek care without waiting if you have
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid leaking from the vagina (waters breaking)
- A marked decrease in, or absence of, the baby’s movements
- Regular, painful contractions before week 37
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling of the face and hands
Tell me about
- Fever, chills or burning when passing urine
- Persistent nausea and vomiting or being unable to keep fluids down
- Intense itching, especially on the palms and soles
- A painful swelling in one leg
- Shortness of breath or palpitations
- Intense anxiety, low mood or sleep problems
In an emergency: In situations such as heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain or not feeling the baby move, go to the nearest emergency department without waiting for an online answer.
Weeks: full-term birth
Births between week 37 and week 42 are considered full-term. Births before week 37 are considered preterm.
Vaginal birth and cesarean section
We decide on the mode of delivery together, considering your health and your baby’s, the baby’s position, the location of the placenta, previous births and operations, and how labor progresses. When there is no medical reason against it, my first choice is a vaginal birth.
Vaginal birth
The natural birth process under suitable conditions. Mother and baby are monitored throughout labor, and assisted delivery methods may be used when needed.
Cesarean section
The baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. It is planned for medical reasons such as a breech position, a placenta covering the cervix or certain situations that develop during labor.
Epidural analgesia
A method given in the lower back to reduce labor pain. Suitability is determined by the anesthesiologist’s assessment.
Vaginal birth after cesarean
In some people who have had a previous cesarean, a vaginal birth can be attempted if conditions and hospital facilities are suitable.
Your birth plan: The mode of delivery is a decision that may change during pregnancy. Sharing your expectations and questions with me at check-ups helps you feel better prepared for the birth.
The postnatal period
The approximately six weeks after birth are the postnatal period, when the body begins returning to its pre-pregnancy state. In addition to physical recovery, breastfeeding, sleep and mental health are important during this time.
Postnatal care
- Attend the recommended postnatal check-up.
- Keep your stitches or incision clean and watch how they heal.
- Do not hesitate to get support with breastfeeding problems.
- Keep eating a balanced diet and drinking enough fluids.
- Start pelvic floor exercises as I recommend.
- Plan your contraception with me.
Seek care without waiting if you have
- Heavy bleeding that soaks a pad within an hour, or large clots
- Fever, chills or foul-smelling discharge
- A painful swelling in one leg or shortness of breath
- Severe headache or vision problems
- Redness, hardness and fever in the breast
- Deep sadness, hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Mental health: Emotional ups and downs in the first days after birth are common and usually pass on their own. However, low mood, loss of interest or anxiety lasting more than two weeks may be a sign of postnatal depression, and support should be sought.
Myths and facts about pregnancy
Below are the misconceptions I hear most often in my consultations, and what the medical evidence actually says.
“You need to eat for two during pregnancy.”
Energy needs increase during pregnancy, but not by as much as is often thought. What matters is not quantity but a varied, balanced diet.
“Exercise during pregnancy harms the baby.”
When there is no medical reason against it, moderate exercise suited to pregnancy can benefit the mother’s health. We agree on suitable activities together.
“Once a cesarean, always a cesarean.”
Under suitable conditions, a vaginal birth can be attempted in some people who have had a previous cesarean. The decision depends on your history and the course of the current pregnancy.
“If the screening test is normal, the baby has no problems.”
Screening tests give information about risk; they do not give a definitive diagnosis. A normal result means the risk is low, but it does not rule out every possible condition.
English-speaking gynecologist in Antalya
Whether you live in Antalya or are here on holiday, you can see me at my clinic in Muratpaşa.
Appointments in English
I speak English, German, Russian and Turkish, so you can explain your symptoms in your own language.
Quick first contact
Send a short message via WhatsApp and we will arrange a suitable appointment time.
Central location
My clinic is in Fener, Muratpaşa, close to the Lara hotel area.
Clear next steps
After the examination I explain the findings and the next steps clearly, so you know exactly what happens next.
Related information pages
I cover related topics on the pages below.
Ovarian Cyst
Symptoms of ovarian cysts, the monitoring approach and treatment options.
Vaginal Infection
Symptoms, the assessment process and general health information on prevention.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment
Types of urinary incontinence, diagnosis and treatment options.
Frequently asked questions about pregnancy care and delivery in Antalya
These are the questions my patients ask me most often. We clarify the answer for your own situation together after an examination and the necessary tests.
When should I have my first pregnancy check-up?
After a positive pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to see an obstetrician and gynecologist within the first few weeks. The first visit checks whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus, the gestational age and your general health. If you have bleeding or pain, seek care without waiting.
How often should I have check-ups during pregnancy?
The Turkish Ministry of Health guidelines recommend at least four antenatal visits for a healthy pregnancy. In practice, check-ups are usually less frequent in the early months and more frequent in the last weeks. For pregnancies with risk factors, I set the intervals separately.
Is a vaginal birth or a cesarean section better?
When there is no medical reason against it, a vaginal birth is usually considered first. A cesarean section is planned for medical reasons such as the baby’s position, the location of the placenta, previous operations or situations that develop during labor. We decide the mode of delivery together as the health of mother and baby is monitored throughout pregnancy.
Can I have a vaginal birth after a cesarean?
Under suitable conditions, a vaginal birth can be attempted in some people who have had a previous cesarean. The decision considers the number and type of previous cesareans, the time between pregnancies, the course of the current pregnancy and the facilities of the hospital where the birth will take place.
Is the glucose tolerance test necessary?
Because gestational diabetes often causes no symptoms, screening with a glucose tolerance test is usually recommended between weeks 24 and 28. Without the test, gestational diabetes may be missed. You can ask me any questions about the test.
Can I exercise during pregnancy?
If there is no medical reason against it, moderate activities such as walking, swimming and pregnancy-appropriate exercises are generally recommended. Sports with a risk of falling or abdominal impact should be avoided. If you experience bleeding, pain or dizziness, stop exercising and contact me.
Can I fly during pregnancy?
Air travel is usually possible in an uncomplicated pregnancy. Airlines may ask for a doctor’s letter or restrict travel in the later weeks of pregnancy. Please discuss your travel plans with me, considering your gestational age and risk status.
When is the postnatal check-up?
In the weeks after birth, a check-up is planned to assess wound healing, bleeding, breastfeeding, mood and contraception. The timing depends on the type of delivery and your personal situation. If you notice any warning signs during this period, seek care without waiting for the check-up.
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Graduated from Afyon Kocatepe University Faculty of Medicine and completed specialist training at Antalya Training and Research Hospital. 13 years of experience; speaks English, German, Russian and Turkish. Last updated: 29 September 2026.
Get in touch for a personal assessment
Whether the procedure suits you, which technique to use and when can only be decided together after an examination. Send me your questions on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book your appointment.
The content on this page is for general information only and does not replace a diagnosis, personal medical advice or a care plan. Check-up frequency, tests and the mode of delivery can only be decided by the doctor following your pregnancy.
This content has been prepared solely for general health information purposes, in accordance with the Turkish Regulation on Promotion and Information Activities in Health Services published in Official Gazette No. 33075 on 12 November 2025. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and no outcome is guaranteed. It contains no prices, campaigns, discounts, patient reviews or before-and-after images. In an emergency, please contact the nearest healthcare facility.
