F.A.Q.

How do I arrange an appointment?

Contact reception on 03 9802 3497 to arrange an appointment.

What should I bring with me to my first appointment?
  • Your Medicare and any Private health insurance information
  • All relevant x-ray reports and test results from your primary care or referring physician
  • A list of all medications that you are currently taking
  • A list of any known drug allergies and the symptoms you may have from taking these medicines
  • If you have had surgery elsewhere, please bring relevant information about it if possible
Will my medical records be kept private and confidential?

We use Genie Software to keep your medical records secure and confidential and handle your personal information with the utmost of respect for your privacy. The contents of your medical file will not be released without your prior signed consent. We uphold strict confidentiality requirements regarding your medical records in accordance with privacy laws.

What is prenatal testing?

When you’re pregnant, prenatal tests give you information about your health and your baby’s. They help detect any problems that could affect him, like birth defects or genetic diseases. The results can help you make the best decisions before and after your child is born.

Prenatal tests are helpful, but it’s important to know how to interpret what they find. A positive test result doesn’t always mean your baby will be born with a disorder. You’ll want to talk with your doctor, about what the tests mean and what you should do once you have the results.

What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?

Some medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but others are not, or their effects on your baby may not be known.

When you meet with your doctor to confirm you're pregnant, ask what meds are OK to take and what meds you need to find alternatives for. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits to help you know what's safe.

Also, tell your doctor about any alternative medicines or supplements (such as multi-vitamins) that you take, even if the label says "natural." If you get any new prescriptions while you are pregnant make sure the people who prescribe them know that you're pregnant.

Prenatal vitamins are safe and important to take when you're pregnant. Ask your doctor about the safety of taking other vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Some herbal preparations and supplements have not been proven to be safe during pregnancy.

Generally, you should not take any over the counter medication while pregnant unless it is necessary.

When should I schedule my first pregnancy visit?

Your first prenatal visit with your obstetrician will generally be around 8 weeks after your LMP (last menstrual period).

Some patients will need to be seen sooner that 8 weeks, particularly if you have a medical condition, have had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain or severe nausea and vomiting.

Your first visit will probably be the around 30 minutes. At this visit you will need to bring any blood tests, scans etc. that may have been organised by your GP. At this and all future prenatal check-ups, don't be afraid to raise any issues you've been wondering about. In between visits it is advisable to contact your obstetrician if you have any urgent concerns.

Is exercise safe during pregnancy?

Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy help you stay healthy. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue.

If you have never exercised regularly before, you can safely begin an exercise program during pregnancy after consulting with your obstetrician provider, but do not try a new, strenuous activity. Walking is considered safe during pregnancy.

Is flu vaccine safe during pregnancy?

Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in healthy women who are not

pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women

(and women who have recently given birth) more prone to severe illness from flu, as well as to

hospitalizations. There is some evidence to suggest that getting the flu during pregnancy also raises

the risks of certain pregnancy complications, including premature labor and delivery, and that a flu vaccine can reduce that risk. In addition, studies have shown that vaccinating a pregnant woman also can protect a baby after birth from flu. (Mom passes antibodies on to her developing baby that will protect against flu for the first several months after birth.) For more information on the flu vaccine please contact your obstetrician.

When to contact your obstetrician?
  • Severe nausea and repeated vomiting
  • Pain or burning when you pass urine
  • Any pain that doesn’t go away
  • Baby moves less than usual
  • Bleeding from your vagina
  • Painful contractions
  • “Water breaks” (leaking of amniotic fluid)
  • Severe headache that does not go away
  • Sudden blurred vision
  • Sudden swelling of face, ankles and fingers
Can I have a pap smear test if I have my period?

It is not recommended to plan your pap smear appointment during your period. The preferred time to get a pap smear is 10 to 20 days after the start of your period. However, if the flow is light, some doctors will perform a pap smear. Newer, liquid-based Pap smears can separate cervical cells from mucus and blood, allowing a more accurate reading.

Contact your doctor's office to inform them that your Pap smear will coincide with your period. You may be asked to reschedule or be told to keep your appointment. In that case, the doctor will most likely check to see if the flow is light enough to proceed with the test.

Can I have a colposcopy if I have my period?

A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix with a special magnifying device known as a colposcope.

The colposcope shines a light into the vagina and onto the cervix so that the area can be seen with an enlarged view.

The colposcopy should not be done during a heavy period. If you are at the very end of your cycle or at the beginning of your regular period you should keep your appointment.

At what stage of my period can I have a Mirena inserted and can this be done on the day of my consults?

Mirena is best inserted within seven days of the first day of your period. That way it is not inserted when a woman might be pregnant and it is also easier at that time as the cervix is open a little more.

If the obstetrician is able to insert the Mirena at the time of consult then it will be done on the same day. There may be circumstances whereby the Mirena will need to be inserted under general anaesthesia in a hospital; this will be discussed at the time of consult if need be.