Pregnancy Care
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Pregnancy is an exciting time, and many women can’t wait to start learning more about what to expect in the coming months, during their labour, and beyond. Most women accessing private health care do so under the care of an obstetrician, a specialist doctor who specialises in the management of pregnancy, and pregnancy-related medical conditions.

Once you have seen your GP to confirm your pregnancy, he or she can organise referral to one of our doctors here at Townsville Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Usually we like to see patients for the first time around 6-8 weeks. If you have not had an early dating scan, one of our doctors can do this at your first appointment (Medicare rebates apply if this is requested in your GP’s referral letter).

Each pregnancy is different, and sometimes women have medical conditions that can complicate their care or require more regular appointments. However, most women can expect to see our doctors:

  • Every four weeks until 28 weeks; then

  • Fortnightly until 36 weeks; then

  • Weekly until they birth

During pregnancy there are some prenatal tests that are offered for couples to consider, and others that are considered routine. Some of these include:

  • Antenatal blood tests to confirm your current health and blood group, and to assess your immunity to conditions that can affect a pregnancy, such as rubella (often ordered by your GP prior to your first visit)

  • Dating scan to confirm you have a viable pregnancy and to help calculate an accurate due date (from 6 weeks after your last menstrual period)

  • Screening tests to calculate the risk of a fetal condition such as Down Syndrome (10-13 weeks)

  • Fetal morphology scan to look for abnormalities in the developing baby, such as cardiac problems, spina bifida or cleft palate (18-20 weeks)

  • Glucose tolerance test (GTT) to screen for gestational diabetes, a condition that can affect the health of both you and your developing baby (26-28 weeks)

While pregnancy itself is not a medical condition and most pregnancies are uncomplicated, some women enter pregnancy with a health problem that can put them or their babies at risk. These might include epilepsy, heart problems or a history of blood clots. Others develop medical issues such as abnormal thyroid function or high blood pressure for the first time. Obstetricians are highly trained in managing these problems, and one-on-one pregnancy care often makes them easier to identify.

Many women are worried about what to expect during labour and birthing. Normal vaginal birth is usually very safe, and most of our women can expect this outcome. However, about one in five women in their first pregnancy will need a caesarean section to safely birth their baby, whether due to the baby’s position, a medical problem, or because of a problem that arises in labour.

Occasionally our patients request an elective caesarean section due to their concerns about labour. When this occurs, our obstetricians ensure they understand the pros and cons of both vaginal and caesarean birth, then work with them to ensure their choice is honoured.

Our doctors are also experienced in supporting women who choose to have a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC), where appropriate. There is good evidence that more than 70 per cent of women who choose VBAC can succeed, and that overall it is safe for both mother and child, but there are important precautions that must be considered.

When you attend Townsville Obstetrics and Gynaecology for your pregnancy care, your obstetrician will assess your unique circumstances, and offer a wealth of knowledge and individualised advice about how your medical or family history, career or social choices might affect your pregnancy. We are honoured to accompany you and your partner on your amazing and powerful journey ahead.