Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth.
At Edgeworth Family Practice we ensure high quality, thorough and respectful care for women during their pregnancy and beyond.
Antenatal “shared care” is a program for pregnant women who are planning to have their pregnancy monitored and deliver their baby through the public hospital system, but who would like their GP involved in their pregnancy care as well.
PREGNANCY PLANNING
If you are planning to try to fall pregnant in the next 6 – 12 months it is important to make an appointment with Dr Gupta, Dr Jadhav, or Sexual & Reproductive health Nurse Amy. There are a number of things we can suggest to make your pregnancy as safe as possible:
- Take a pregnancy multivitamin prior to falling pregnant. It is important to have sufficient levels of folic acid and iodine, particularly when pregnancy is initiated and in the first trimester, to help to prevent complications
- Have pre-pregnancy check-up and blood tests. Assessing the prospective mother for any conditions that may affect her health or that of her baby before the pregnancy begins is very important. It is much easier to have a safe and healthy pregnancy if we have a good picture of the prospective mother’s health.
- Get vaccinated. If your blood tests show you are not immune to vaccine-preventable diseases such as Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, or Varicella, if it important to get vaccinated prior to pregnancy. Some vaccines cannot be given during pregnancy so it is important to plan ahead.
- Make sure your cervical screening test is up to date. Although cervical screening can be attended safely during pregnancy, many women prefer to have it done prior to the pregnancy.
PREGNANCY CARE
It is important to have regular check-ups with us during your pregnancy. During your antenatal appointments we will:
- Order blood tests, scans, and referrals as required
- Discuss your health and well-being during your pregnancy, including nutrition, physical activity, and medications
- Provide advice on common symptoms during pregnancy, such as reflux, haemorrhoids, and morning sickness
- Discuss and offer optional testing for chromosomal abnormalities
- Deliver recommended immunisations for pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza (if consent obtained).
- Discuss and manage any medical conditions if they arise during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, anaemia, high blood pressure, sexually transmitted infection, mental health conditions, or miscarriage.
POST-PARTUM CARE
At the end of a pregnancy, no matter the outcome, there are a lot of changes in a short period of time. We will still be here to support you with:
- 2 week baby check
- 6-week post-partum check for mother
- 6-week check and immunisation for baby
- Lactation advice and support, and referral to Lactation Consultant if required
- Post-partum contraceptive advice
- Grief and loss support for those who may have lost their baby through pregnancy or delivery complications
Useful links for expectant parents
