Obstetrics
Pre-Pregnancy Planning
Pregnancy is an exciting time and I am here to guide you through this from the start.
For women planning a pregnancy, I recommended that you come in for a chat so that we can start planning to make sure that you are in the best health possible before you fall pregnant.
I will discuss any pre-existing health problems with you and how these can be addressed during the pregnancy including changes to medication if necessary. Blood tests will be ordered to make sure that your vaccination status is up to date, that you are not anaemic or iron deficient and that your liver, kidneys and thyroid are functioning well. We will discuss genetic carrier screening and whether or not this is something that you are interested in pursuing. I will also talk to you about any pregnancy complications that have happened to you or close family members so that we can formulate a plan to manage these issues should they arise.
There are also some general recommendations for pregnancy preparation that every Woman should consider. These include a healthy diet, cessation of smoking and alcohol and taking supplements such as iodine and folic acid. I will provide you with comprehensive information on this during the appointment. Overall, my aim for a pregnancy planning visit is to give you the tools you need to go into your pregnancy knowing that you are in the best health possible.
Pregnancy
Your first appointment will usually be between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. This appointment will be longer than usual so that I can get to know you and your family, take a comprehensive history, establish an accurate due date and plan routine investigations such as blood tests, ultrasounds and if overdue, a cervical screening test.
You will have an appointment every 4 weeks up until 28 weeks when the frequency will increase to every 2 weeks. From 36 weeks, you will have an appointment every week. At each appointment I will monitor your blood pressure, the baby's heart rate and growth and review any recent investigation results. Occasionally, issues arise and you may need to have additional appointments or investigations.
As one of my obstetric patients you will be covered for all pregnancy related issues that may arise 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Of course, I can’t be on call all of the time and provide a safe service. This is why I have a call arrangement with 4 other Obstetricians in Townsville. Each of us is responsible for our own patients between 8am Monday morning until 5pm Friday evening. Over the weekend and public holidays, one of us is responsible for all patients and will attend you if required.
When you come to deliver your baby I will work with you, the Midwives, Anaesthetists and Paediatricians at the Mater Hospital in Hyde Park to make your experience as memorable and special as possible.
Post-Pregnancy Care
After the birth of your baby I will see you every day while you are in hospital unless I am not available when one of my colleagues will see you. The midwives will primarily care for you during your stay and guide you in your first precious days of motherhood. You may also see other health care workers such as a lactation consultant, physiotherapist and paediatrician.
When you go home, generally speaking you will have an appointment with me 6 weeks following the birth of your baby. Of course, if issues arise, I will make arrangements to see you sooner than this.
At the 6 week appointment we will discuss your transition to motherhood, make sure that you have recovered fully and talk about contraception until you are ready for another baby.