Obstetrics & pregnancy care
Caring for your family as it grows
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am honoured that you have chosen me to help support and guide you through this special time. Pregnancy is different for each individual and can be a time filled with excitement and joy but also anxiety and stress - I will be here to support and guide you through each step of your journey to parenthood.
As an obstetrician, I care for both low and high-risk pregnancies. I will provide information on recommended screening tests throughout your pregnancy and will manage any issues that arise.
My obstetric services include:
Preconception counselling
Early pregnancy care
Antenatal care
Care of high risk pregnancies:
Pre-existing conditions
Medical disorders of pregnancy (e.g. gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders, pre-eclampsia)
Twin pregnancies
Preterm labour complications
Care of breech presentation at term
Support for vaginal birth after caesarean section
Care for women with previous pregnancy or birth complications
Maternal request for caesarean
Throughout your pregnancy journey, we will discuss your birth preferences so you feel supported in achieving the birth experience you hope for.
Your pregnancy is unique, however there are common appointments that will need to be scheduled, along with the various tests you will be offered during the course of your pregnancy. I recommend you book these appointments and your hospital booking as soon as you know you are pregnant.
Pre-conception Care
You and your partner may be planning to start or grow your family soon. A pre-conception appointment allows us to discuss your health and optimise it to that we may achieve the best outcome of a pregnancy by laying the right foundation. At this appointment we will discuss your medical conditions and medications and we will identify any risk factors that may impact on your ability to conceive or to carry a healthy baby to term.
Early Pregnancy Care
The first trimester (first 14 weeks) of your pregnancy may be complicated by pain or bleeding. I understand that this can cause stress and anxiety and so I will organise to see you promptly to investigate and manage the cause of your symptoms. This may include blood tests and ultrasounds. I will be there to support you should any issues arise in this critical period of your pregnancy.
Antenatal Care
Your first antenatal visit will be at around 8-10 weeks. This appointment will take approximately one hour as we will be discussing your medical history and perform an examination including an ultrasound scan.
Additionally, I will discuss the routine screening tests including blood tests and ultrasounds recommended throughout your pregnancy.
I will take the time to discuss your birth preferences so that you are informed and feel supported throughout your pregnancy.
I will then see you every 4-6 weeks until 28 weeks gestation. These appointments generally take 20 minutes.
The frequency of visits then increases to every 2 weeks until 36 weeks and then weekly until birth.
At each of these visits I will address your questions, review any changes in your health and perform an examination including a blood pressure check, a measure of your abdomen and a bedside scan of your baby.
Should you develop any medical issues throughout the antenatal period such as blood pressure concerns or gestational diabetes, the frequency of your visits may increase.
On average, expect to have between 12-14 antenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy.
Labour & Birth
I provide care at St. George Private Hospital for your labour and birth. I will review you on the maternity ward after the birth of your baby.
Postpartum Care
You will have a visit with me 6 weeks postpartum in the rooms. This is a time to discuss your birth experience and your postpartum period. This can once again be both a joyful and challenging time so I will answer your questions and ensure you have the appropriate information and support to succeed as new parents.
