The journey begins...
There is a wealth of information about pregnancy available. It is very easy to get completely lost in it all. As mentioned earlier the most important thing is knowing what you need to do to look after yourself. Head to the smart start website using the link below. Select pregnancy and then look in the 0-14 weeks section for health and screening. You will also find other information there but before your appointment with me in clinic I want you to be familiar with the following:
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Your health - scroll down to "Your health while pregnant"
Learn about
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Screening and tests
You will be asked to complete initial blood tests before you see me. Your GP may have ordered them or we will arrange it during our initial phone contact. We will discuss results at your appointment. More information is available here. You will also need to decide if you want early screening. Read more here to find out about routine screening. There is another option available which is not subsidised call non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), there is a cost involved of several hundred dollars. Read more here. The paperwork needed for either of these tests will be provided when you come in to see me. |
Special mentions
Morning sickness - see here for self help ideas. If you can not keep any fluids down you should book with your GP who may be able to give you medicine and will sometimes refer you for intravenous fluids. There is also information on managing morning sickness on the smart start website under the health section.
Scans - you can expect to be offered 2-3 routine scans in pregnancy, 12 weeks (for early screening, the "NT scan"), 20 weeks (checking for abnormalities, the "anatomy scan" and 41 weeks (to plan for induction of labour, the "post-dates scan"). There are charges for these scans which are outside of my control. Contact the scanning companies directly for up to date pricing.
Contacting your midwife - you need to know WHEN to contact your midwife in pregnancy. See this page. You will be given a phone number once registered. It helps to understand what your midwife does so also read this about the role of your midwife before your booking appointment.
Special leave - you can take 10 days unpaid leave during pregnancy to attend appointments. More information is available here if you or your employer have questions about special leave or other paid parental leave.
Common discomforts in pregnancy - pregnancy creates lots of rapid change in your body. Often this is uncomfortable and can alter your normal body functions such as digestion and elimination for example. Read here for ways to help yourself if you experience discomforts.
Healthy weight gain in pregnancy - depends on your starting weight/BMI. See here to work out your BMI and check the healthiest weight gain for you (including weight gain if pregnant with twins).
Scans - you can expect to be offered 2-3 routine scans in pregnancy, 12 weeks (for early screening, the "NT scan"), 20 weeks (checking for abnormalities, the "anatomy scan" and 41 weeks (to plan for induction of labour, the "post-dates scan"). There are charges for these scans which are outside of my control. Contact the scanning companies directly for up to date pricing.
Contacting your midwife - you need to know WHEN to contact your midwife in pregnancy. See this page. You will be given a phone number once registered. It helps to understand what your midwife does so also read this about the role of your midwife before your booking appointment.
Special leave - you can take 10 days unpaid leave during pregnancy to attend appointments. More information is available here if you or your employer have questions about special leave or other paid parental leave.
Common discomforts in pregnancy - pregnancy creates lots of rapid change in your body. Often this is uncomfortable and can alter your normal body functions such as digestion and elimination for example. Read here for ways to help yourself if you experience discomforts.
Healthy weight gain in pregnancy - depends on your starting weight/BMI. See here to work out your BMI and check the healthiest weight gain for you (including weight gain if pregnant with twins).