First Obstetric Visit

Congratulations on your new pregnancy.

We are pleased to provide the following information, which may be of help during your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Care Plan

Appointments - How often do you need to see Perth Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialists?

• Between 8 - 10 weeks pregnant
• Every 4 weeks until you are 28 weeks pregnant, then
• Every 2 weeks: until you are 36 weeks pregnant, then
• Every week until delivery.

These appointments need to be kept regardless of when ultrasounds, blood tests or any other diagnostic investigations are carried out.

Appointments

As is the nature of obstetrics, We would like to advise our patients that occasionally we are called out to deliver and that sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled at the last minute and this is why it is important to provide ALL telephone numbers to staff.

Paediatrician

We will organise a Paediatrician to come and see your baby (or babies!) after delivery in hospital - so if you do not want to see one please advise us.

There is a charge for a Paediatrician to visit. It is advisable to have your baby checked while in hospital but this is your decision.

Hospitals

• St John of God Hospital in Subiaco
• King Edward Memorial Hospital Subiaco

These hospitals are all excellent in terms of the service they provide for patients having babies.

This can be further discussed at your first visit and our team will be only too pleased to arrange the necessary hospital booking for you.

Referrals

Do you need a Current Referral from a General Practitioner?

• Yes. Medicare requests that patients seeing a specialist of any type need a referral in order to claim their full a Medicare benefit

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOUR CURRENT REFERRAL FROM YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER MAY NOT COVER YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY.

IN ORDER TO MINIMISE YOUR OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE A REFERRAL TO COVER YOUR ENTIRE PREGNANCY INCLUDING YOUR SIX WEEK POSTNATAL CHECK.

Travel

How far into your pregnancy can you fly?

• interstate is not recommended after 36 weeks
• international is not recommended after 34 weeks
• we can provide the airline with a letter if required

Obstetric On-call Arrangements

Because of the nature of obstetrics, there will be times when I am unavailable.

Should this occur a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of equal standing will be appointed to act as a locum.

Minor Problems

Minor problems may occur during the pregnancy with which you may be concerned.

If any bleeding occurs, especially during the first three months, we should be notified immediately and it will be usual to arrange an ultrasound scan to ensure that all is well.

Coughs and colds, which can occur, can usually be treated with symptomatic measures such as Panadol, Panamax, Aspirin, Durotuss cough mixture and Sinutab. These medications are quite safe and can be obtained without necessarily contacting us. Headaches can similarly be treated with Panadol, up to six tablets per day.

Nausea is a common symptom in the first trimester of pregnancy and we would advise Vitamin B6 100mg to be taken twice daily. This can be purchased over the counter at the chemist.

Any problems that occur later in the pregnancy should be notified to us. We shall arrange the necessary treatment according to the symptoms.