During Pregnancy
Each obstetrician at Greenslopes Obstetrics & Gynaecology is an independent practitioner sharing the same philosophy of respecting your wishes during pregnancy and only intervening when necessary to ensure a safe outcome for you and your baby. They communicate daily and cover each other for on-call weekends.
At the first antenatal visit, your complete medical history will be taken, the dates of the pregnancy established, and various investigations will be discussed including ultrasounds. Ultrasounds may be performed at the rooms when indicated. Print outs or electronic copies of images can be provided. Depending on your dates, the first visit may involve a discussion on screening tests for Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities. Your doctors will outline the management plan for your pregnancy based on your initial history, examination, and investigation results.
Prior to 20 weeks, antenatal visits do not have to be particularly frequent. However, this typically increases after 20 weeks to approximately once per month. Fortnightly obstetric visits between 28 and 36 weeks are recommended and then weekly from 36 weeks onwards. Your obstetrician will recommend a postnatal visit at six weeks after your baby is born.
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The following investigations are recommended during your pregnancy:
| Consultation | Overview |
|---|---|
| Initial Tests (1 - 5 weeks) | Full blood count, blood group and antibodies, Syphilis, Rubella (German Measles) Hepatitis B and C, HIV and a urine culture. Testing for Varicella (Chickenpox), Toxoplasmosis, Parvovirus, Cytomegalovirus is optional – some GPs may do it up front anyway. |
| First Trimester Ultrasound (1 - 5 weeks) | First trimester ultrasound is recommended to determine the dates of the pregnancy, particularly if there is any question over the menstrual cycle dates. This can also be performed in the practice rooms during the initial visit. |
| Screening for Down Syndrome and Other Chromosomal Issues(11 - 14 weeks) | This is generally done with a blood test and nuchal translucency ultrasound between 11 and 14 weeks. The ultrasound has to be done in an accredited facility. The discussion about pros and cons of screening for these conditions will be discussed with you at the first visit. |
| Morphology Ultrasound (18 - 20 weeks) | This is a routine ultrasound to examine the baby’s anatomy and the placenta. It has to be done in an accredited facility. You can find out the sex of the baby at this ultrasound if you wish. |
| Gestational Diabetes (20 weeks +) | Diabetes in pregnancy is more common in women over the age of 35, who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes. Birth outcomes can be more serious in this group of women. A screen test is recommended after 20 weeks. |
Routine folate supplementation is also recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent spina bifida. There are a number of multivitamins available which provide adequate folate and other vitamins and minerals. Routine exercise during pregnancy and a healthy lifestyle, are also very beneficial for your pregnancy, labour and baby.
This dedicated obstetrics education section has further information regarding healthy pregnancies.