Visit schedule for obstetric care

Pre-pregnancy

Pregnancy dating

The most accurate way of dating a pregnancy is with ultrasound. The earliest scan that can detect a baby with a heart-beat is usually the

best to determine your due date. It is highly advisable to have an ultrasound at 6–8 weeks gestation before your first visit.

Screening tests

There are a number of screening tests for genetic conditions, the most common concern being Down Syndrome. Many people find it

worthwhile to have a personal discussion with their obstetrician about these, however it is worthwhile thinking about them beforehand or

writing down any questions or concerns you might have. None need to be organised before your first visit at 10 weeks.

The best known are the first trimester combined screen (a blood test and an ultrasound) or the newer blood test that examines fragments

of fetal DNA in the maternal blood.

Important things to consider include:

• All are screening tests and give you a numerical risk of your baby having the particular condition. They do not give you a "yes or no"

answer. This requires an invasive test (a CVS or amniocentesis).

• All involve an out-of-pocket expense depending on the provider and the test. Generally the newer fetal DNA blood tests are the most

accurate but also the most expensive. Costs are constantly changing.

• It is important to consider what you would do if the test came back as high risk. Everyone feels differently about invasive tests (which

carry a small risk of miscarriage) and termination of pregnancy (if the invasive test comes back positive).

For further information about screening tests visit Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS) 

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

This usually is self-limiting and resolves by 20 weeks (often earlier) but can be distressing. Milder cases are often successfully treated with

dietary modification and a supplement which contains Vitamin B6 and Ginger (eg. Blackmores or Elevit "Morning Sickness" formulae which

are different from the standard pregnancy supplements). Medication is safe but may carry some unfounded concern because of very

questionable pregnancy safety classification systems. Nonetheless they should be discussed with an obstetrician or a GP with obstetric

experience before starting.

Gynaecological procedures & treatment options

Pregnancy and diet

There is a huge amount of information and misinformation circulated about what pregnant women must not eat. It can turn a time of joy

and excitement into a time of unnecessary worry and disappointment. There is no doubt that certain infections in food can present a risk to

the baby but these infections are rare in Australia.

For more information about pregnancy and diet visit Better Health Channel

Physical activity

Almost all forms of exercise are safe before booking your first visit at 10 weeks. Extreme exercise however can alter your nutritional state

and body temperature, both of which can have an effect on a developing baby. Clearly high-impact/contact sports are always best

avoided.

Patient forms

• Bladder Diary

• Patient Registration form with Dr Ilias

• The Northern Health Notice of Admission and Surgical Consent forms

• Northpark Private Hospital Admission and Surgical Consent forms

• Seymour Health Admission and Surgical Consent forms

• Kilmore & District Hospital Admission and Surgical Content forms