ABOUT
Dr Rene van As is a qualified obstetrician and gynaecologist who practises from Netcare Unitas Hospital in Centurion. She comes from a family who share the same passion for gynaecology and obstetrics. Her mother worked as a midwife while her father practised as a general practitioner and obstetrician—Dr Rene van As assisted her father in caesarean sections and other related surgeries at a young age.
Dr van As graduated with an MBChB from the University of Pretoria and completed her internship at Tembisa Tertiary Hospital. She has experience as a general practitioner in emergency medicine. Dr van As attained her fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology through the College of Medicine and her Master’s degree from the University of Pretoria. She has a passion for obstetrics, antenatal care, pregnancy and delivery.
Suite 313, Netcare Unitas Hospital in Centurion
Services includes :
- Antenatal care
Antenatal care is classified as specialised care before the delivery of the baby. At antenatal care consultations, the obstetrician regularly checks the health and wellbeing of the baby. Antenatal care is essential as it's at these consultations, the doctor can check for abnormalities that may increase the risk of a high-risk pregnancy. Antenatal care must commence at least three months before the delivery. At this time, mothers must stop smoking and drinking alcohol. - Delivery
Each birthing plan is different. Dr van As specialises in both Caesarean section and natural vaginal delivery. For caesarean section, the obstetrician makes incisions in the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. A caesarean section is only necessary in case of a high-risk pregnancy which is determined in advance. A baby is born through caesarean section when he or she is in distress. A complication can arise when a large fibroid blocks the birth canal or if the umbilical cord prolapses. - Contraception
The primary reason for contraception is to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Other contraceptives such as a condom or diaphragm reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. There are many contraceptives available on the market today. Dr van As will assist young women who are sexually active achieve their reproductive goals and practise safe sex. The doctor advises on suitable contraceptive options to suit her patient’s lifestyle and needs. - Well-woman care
Women must make well-woman care a priority. Women's health isn't just about preventing a severe illness but instead involves maintaining one's body. Regular well-woman care visits prevent severe illnesses and safeguard women’s health. At these consultations, Dr van As will carry out a pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities. She will ask her patients about their family and gynaecological history. Early detection for polyps, fibroids and endometriosis can prevent future fertility complications. - Abnormal uterine bleeding
One of the many complications of menstruation is heavy bleeding. Abnormal uterine bleeding happens when a woman bleeds longer than what she should or bleeds heavily. The presence of uterine polyps or fibroids contributes to heavy menstrual bleeding. Other reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding include ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or cervical cancer. A pelvic exam, cervical examination and pap smear will determine the reason for abnormal uterine bleeding. Treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding depends on the cause of the condition. Birth control pills and hormonal therapy form part of the treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding. - Fibroids
Fibroids are abnormal growths that form inside the uterus. Fibroids, also classified as tumours, can grow and cause pelvic pain and heavy periods. There are different types of fibroids-intramural, subserosal, pedunculated and submucosal fibroids. Intramural fibroids are types of growths inside the wall of the uterus-these kinds can grow large and expand the womb. Risk factors for fibroids include hormones, pregnancy and a family history of these growths. - Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Abnormally high levels of the male hormone contribute to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Women with PCOS develop headaches, excess body hair and acne. Pockets of fluid, also known as cysts, grow in the ovaries. Because of PCOS, the ovaries cannot release viable eggs for fertilisation. High levels of androgen lead to facial and body hair and, in some cases, male pattern baldness. A few of the polycystic ovarian syndrome complications include infertility, premature birth, diabetes, depression, and abnormal uterine bleeding. - Infertility assessment and referral
Couples will experience infertility when they fail to conceive after a year of trying. There are numerous reasons for infertility in women. Endometriosis, damage to the fallopian tubes, polycystic ovarian syndrome and cervical stenosis are some of the reasons for infertility in women. Dr van As conducts various fertility tests such as ovarian reserve testing, pelvic ultrasound and hysteroscopy to find the cause of infertility. Generally, Dr van As prescribes fertility drugs to prompt ovulation. In other cases, the doctor removes fibroids and polyps to restore the shape of the uterine cavity. - Endometriosis and pelvic pain
Endometriosis can lead to infertility if not treated early enough. Endometriosis happens when the tissue inside the uterus grows outside the cavity. Endometrial tissue can spread over the ovaries, bowels and engulf the pelvic area. As the tissue grows and thickens, it eventually breaks down but remains confined in the pelvic region. Tissue stuck in the pelvis is painful. Even though endometriosis is incurable, its symptoms can be controlled.
