29.03.2024

During Pregnancy

At Greenslopes Obstetrics & Gynaecology, all of our obstetricians share a similar philosophy of respecting a woman’s wishes and only intervening when necessary to ensure a safe outcome for both mother and baby. We communicate daily and cover each other for on-call weekends.

At the first antenatal visit, your complete medical history will be taken, the dates of the pregnancy established, and various investigations will be discussed including ultrasounds. Ultrasounds may be performed at the rooms when indicated. Print outs of images can be provided, or if you have a USB flash drive, electronic images and video can be recorded for you.

Depending on your dates, the first visit may involve a discussion on screening tests for Down’s syndrome and other genetic abnormalities. Our doctors will outline the management plan for your pregnancy based on your initial history, examination, and investigation results..

Prior to 20 weeks antenatal visits do not have to be particularly frequent, however, this typically increases after 20 weeks to approximately once per month. We recommend fortnightly obstetric visits between 28 and 36 weeks and then weekly from 36 weeks onwards. We recommend a postnatal visit at six weeks after your baby is born.

The following investigations are recommended during your pregnancy :
Consultation Overview
Initial Tests
(1 – 5 weeks)
Full blood count, blood group and antibodies, Syphilis, Rubella (German Measles) Hepatitis B and C, HIV and a urine culture.
Testing for Varicella (Chickenpox), Toxoplasmosis, Parvovirus, Cytomegalovirus is optional – some GP’s may do it up front anyway.
First Trimester Ultrasound
(1 – 5 weeks)
First trimester ultrasound is recommended to determine the dates of the pregnancy, particularly if there is any question over the menstrual cycle dates. This can also be performed in the practice rooms during the initial visit.
Screening 
for Down’s Syndrome and Other Chromosomal Issues(11 – 14 weeks)
This is generally done with a blood test and nuchal translucency ultrasound between 11 and 14 weeks. The ultrasound has to be done in an accredited facility. I recommend either Dr. Frank Carmody, Sunnybank Women’s Diagnostic Centre or Queensland Ultrasound for Women for this scan. The discussion about pros and cons of screening for these conditions will be discussed with you at the first visit.
Morphology Ultrasound
(18 – 20 weeks)
This is a routine ultrasound to examine the baby’s anatomy and the placenta. It has to be done in an accredited facility as mentioned above. You can find out the sex of the baby at this ultrasound if you wish.
Gestational Diabetes
(20 weeks +)
Diabetes in pregnancy is more common in women over the age of 35, who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes. Birth outcomes can be more serious in this group of women. I recommend a screening test after 20 weeks.

We also recommend routine folate supplementation during the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent spina bifida. There are a number of multivitamins available which provide adequate folate and other vitamins and minerals. We strongly encourage routine exercise during pregnancy and a healthy lifestyle, all of which are beneficial for your pregnancy, labour and baby.

For more information regarding a healthy pregnancy, please view our dedicated obstetrics education section.

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