Preparing for pregnancy

Care and support for women wishing to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

WHEN YOU’RE

PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY

Planning your pregnancy is an exciting time. Whether it’s your first child, or you’re looking to make a new addition to your family, you’re setting out on a whole new stage of your life.

So if you’re planning a pregnancy in the near future, book in an initial consultation with Dr Nathan prior to conceiving. Just let us know when you’re making your appointment, and we can be sure to go through any questions or concerns you might have about your pregnancy.

We want you to feel comfortable during this time, so you’re welcome to bring your partner or a family member to your appointment with you. Otherwise, you can attend by yourself and Dr Nathan will advise if your partner needs to attend a following consultation.

GET ALL
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

If you have any concerns about your fertility, or are aware of any medical conditions that may impact your pregnancy, your first consultation with us is your chance to have your questions answered.

Dr Nathan will talk with you to understand your specific situation, discuss your family’s medical history, and arrange for any testing, supplements, or counselling that may be needed.

We’ll talk through any existing medication to make sure it’s safe for pregnancy, and give you a referral to another specialist to manage any pre-existing medical conditions.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM

YOUR PRE-PREGNANCY CONSULTATION

LOOKING AFTER
YOUR HEALTH

As well as the health of your baby, you need to look after your own health, too.

So when you’re planning on becoming pregnant, Dr Nathan may discuss the option for supplements you can take to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

We will also request that you take a blood test to check your immunity levels, ensure you’re up to date with the necessary vaccinations, and perform a cervical screen test if you’re due for one.

At this point our focus is you. We help you ensure your health first, to give you the best chance of starting a family.

Learn More
Fertility
ASSESSMENT

Dr Nathan will provide you with a thorough assessment to understand your fertility levels. This can include:

  • Baseline blood testing
  • Ultrasound scan and/or hormone level check
  • AMH blood test
  • Your medical history, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or your age (if you’re over 35)
  • Discussion on your fertility window, to determine the best times for you to try to get pregnant.
Learn More
GENETIC
Carrier screening

In some cases, you may consider the option of genetic carrier screening. Genetic screening tests provide you with more information about your unborn child, by providing a safe, accessible way to identify whether there’s a possibility of your baby being affected by a potential genetic or chromosomal condition.

This testing uses a sample of your blood to the potential chance for your baby having a genetic or chromosomal condition. Please be aware that this testing can’t tell you for certain whether or not your baby may have any genetic conditions—only if there’s an increased chance.

Following your screening, Dr Nathan will help you understand your results, and if need be will refer you to a specialist genetic counsellor for further information.

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CHOOSING YOUR
Maternity hospital

After scheduling in your follow-up consultations, we can even help you choose the hospital in which you’ll give birth.

Dr Nathan is currently taking new pregnancy bookings for Cabrini and Waverley Private Hospitals. We recommend that you book a tour of these hospitals, so you can familiarise yourself with the one that best suits you.

Cabrini Malvern

Cabrini Mother and Baby Centre

Level 2/183 Wattletree Rd

MALVERN VIC 3144

Ph: (03) 9508 1724

Waverley Private Hospital

343-357 Blackburn Road

MOUNT WAVERLEY VIC 3149

Ph: (03) 9881 7700

We're on this journey with you.

Get in touch today to book your consultation.

How we help during

your pregnancy

Natural Birth

Dr Nathan will help you determine a birth plan that’s right for you, and works directly with midwives from your chosen hospital to ensure a calm and supported birth.

Caesarean

We want your birth to be a special moment and positive experience, and can discuss all the important aspects of a caesarean birth during your antenatal appointments.

High Risk Pregnancy

Dr Nathan is experienced in managing all manner of high risk pregnancy situations, and will be there with you to ensure the safety and health of your baby.

Twin Pregnancy

We provide specialist pregnancy care treatment—and peace of mind—for women with multiple pregnancies.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing provides you with more information about your baby, and allows you a safe, accessible way to work out the risk of any specific genetic conditions.

Your

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a pre-pregnancy consultation?

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.

How do I book my first antenatal appointment?

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.

What happens at my 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.

What screening tests are recommended once I’m pregnant?

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.

Can I exercise during my pregnancy?

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.

Can I travel whilst pregnant?

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.

Do I need to take pregnancy supplements?

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.

What happens once my baby and I leave the hospital?

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.

What should I bring to my appointment?

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.

How do I book in for my pregnancy?

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.

What are your fees for delivery?

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.

Book Your Appointment

Get in touch with us to book a consultation at a time and clinic that suits you. Either give us a call on the number below, or send us an email with your details and we’ll get back to you to confirm your appointment.

(03) 9527 9000
make A Booking
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