Preparing for pregnancy

If you’re planning to get pregnant it’s often beneficial for a couple to organise a pre-pregnancy appointment. In this appointment you will discuss your medical history and general health issues or concerns, with time to ask questions in preparation for being pregnant. We will also discuss the options for pre-pregnancy genetic testing, and organise any general blood tests. It’s also an opportunity to check your immunisations and cervical screening tests are up to date.

This consultation is about your health, too. During your appointment we can also cover your diet, the need for prenatal vitamin supplements, and exercise.

We recommend to call our office to book in for your pregnancy, soon after you find out you’re pregnant. During this call we’ll discuss options for your hospital bookings (Dr Nathan delivers at Cabrini and Waverley Private Hospitals), and book you in for your first appointment with us, which typically occurs at around 8-9 weeks pregnant.

You’ll need to see your GP prior to your first appointment to get a referral. You can book in an appointment with Dr Nathan prior to seeing your GP, however you must have the referral by the time of your first appointment.

At your first appointment we take a comprehensive personal and family history, and provide you with the opportunity to discuss all aspects of your health and pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, we’ll also perform an ultrasound, so you can meet your new baby for the very first time.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with Lisa, our midwife, at each pregnancy appointment.

There are a number of screening tests available that can tell you if your baby is at an increased risk of a serious health condition. Taken within your first and second trimesters, these tests typically combine results from a blood test and an ultrasound to assess the risk of your baby being born with either a genetic or chromosomal condition. They can also detect other abnormalities, and may also tell you if you’re having a multiple pregnancy.

To find out more, the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services provides a comprehensive list of the types of tests available to you. We will discuss all the options available at your first appointment, and determine which ones are relevant to your situation.

If there are no health or pregnancy reasons that are stopping you from exercising, most forms of exercise are safe during your pregnancy, up to a moderate level of intensity.

Along with the physical benefits typically associated with exercise, it can also work to provide some much-needed stress relief, and is good for your psychological wellbeing during this time.

Come in and see us before you start your exercise program, and we can help you ensure there are no issues that are stopping you from undertaking regular exercise during your pregnancy.

Many women will travel during their pregnancy. The second trimester is usually the safest time to travel as any nausea or vomiting is likely to have settled, there’s a reduced chance of miscarriage, and the physical changes of your pregnancy haven’t yet limited your movement.

For air travel, most domestic airlines won’t allow women who are more than 36 weeks pregnant to fly for any longer than 4 hours. Due to the distances involved, international flight can be restricted from 32 weeks.

It’s best to avoid any long, tiring car journeys too, as they can become quite uncomfortable and may also increase your risk of DVT. If you must take a long car trip, make a stop every two hours to get out, move around, and stretch your legs.

It’s recommended to take a general pregnancy multivitamin such as Elevit (R) or Blackmores (R) to help your body meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy. This also applies if you’re planning on getting pregnant, and will help your body build up the levels of nutrients it needs to support the initial growth of your baby.

Folic acid/folate 0.5mg should be started prior to conceiving, for at least 2-3 months, and can be continued until week 12 of your pregnancy.

Depending on the results of the blood tests we take during your consultations, further supplements may be required during your pregnancy. We can discuss these at your follow-up consultation and put you on the necessary supplement plan.

Our midwife, Lisa, will be in touch with you upon your discharge from hospital to provide extra support during the transition from hospital to home, to help you settle in.

While you’re still in hospital with your new baby, we will organise a postnatal appointment to see Dr Nathan at 6 weeks after the birth. This consultation is so you can discuss your birthing experience, talk through your emotional wellbeing, and answer any questions about breastfeeding, future contraception, and similar.

With the current COVID restrictions in place, we are running a weekly virtual new mothers group online. Ask Dr Nathan how you can join, and meet your new support network.

Please bring your referral, your medicare card and private health insurance details, and any results for pathology or ultrasound.

If you’re able to fax, email, or send in your referral and other information ahead of time, this will help us to get to know a bit about you first, and will make your initial consultation much more specific to your needs.

You can call us on 9527 9000 to book in for your pregnancy. We’ll ask you for the date of your last menstrual period and calculate your estimated due date. We’ll then send through your booking to either Cabrini or Waverley Private Hospitals, whichever is best for you.

If you haven't seen your GP yet, it’s a good idea to do so and confirm your pregnancy. This allows you to claim back your Medicare rebate.

Then, we can book your first antenatal appointment to see Dr Nathan at 8-10 weeks. We look forward to meeting you.

Our fees cover your entire pregnancy care, including all antenatal visits, Dr Nathan's on-call availability, midwife appointments, hospital visits, any extra appointments, delivery, and postnatal care up to 6 weeks after the birth.

Our pregnancy management fee is divided into two payments at 20 weeks and 28 weeks. Our reception team will discuss this with you over the phone when you book in for your appointment.

If you’re self funded, aren’t eligible for Medicare, or have an overseas health fund, give us a call or send us an email, and we can email the fee schedule to you.