A first visit consultation takes place between 8 and 11 weeks pregnant and will usually last 30 to 45 minutes. During this appointment, a detailed personal and family history will be taken; a physical examination and pelvic ultrasound will be performed. Dating of the pregnancy will be confirmed and discussions will be made regarding Prenatal Diagnosisoptions such as Non Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis, Nuchal Translucency ultrasound assessments and Morphology ultrasounds.
Your next antenatal appointments usually last 15 minutes and are every four weeks until 28 weeks, every two weeks between 28 and 36 weeks and weekly until the baby is born. At each visit, your health and the well being of your baby are checked. These appointments are also a time to discuss any of your concerns regarding pregnancy, labour, feeding and parenting roles; to name a few. There is plenty of time for questions which are often best remembered if written down. Partners, family and support members are always welcome at some or all of these appointments. Extra appointments may be required if problems or concerns arise.
When labour begins, you should contact the Pregnancy Assessment Centre at the Mater Mothers Private Hospital on 3163 7000. Fiona or one of the 'on call' Obstetricians from the River City Obstetric Groupwill be informed of your arrival and oversee your labour. Caring for women during their pregnancy and birth is unpredictable, requiring 24 hour, 7 day a week availability. As this responsibility is too great for one person, Fiona works with five other like-minded, female Obstetricians, one of whom is available every 24 hours. So although Fiona may not be present at the birth, you will always have assistance.
Whilst in hospital, Fiona will see you every day of your stay at the Mater Mothers Private Hospital. The number of days you spend in hospital will differ for each family. Learning about your new baby and their needs is not rushed. You will go home when you and your baby ready.
When at home, you are welcome to phone Fiona at the office or after hours to answer questions or concerns. Fiona prefers to give advice in person but enquiries to reception@fionadalzell.com.au can be made for non urgent matters. A postnatal appointment is made to check your recovery, six weeks after the birth. Sometimes extra visits to the rooms are necessary. Both your physical and mental well being are reviewed. A separate appointment with a paediatrician is needed for the baby’s check up.
Obstetric services
- Pre-pregnancy counselling
- Antenatal care
- Bedside obstetric ultrasound
- Labour and birth management
- Operative Vaginal Birth
- Caesarean section
- Multiple birth management
- High risk obstetrics
- Medical conditions in pregnancy
- Labour after caesarean section
- Breech delivery
- Postnatal care
Links
- Pregnancy – Information for Women and Families
- Pregnancy – Morning Sickness
- Exercise - Before and After – A physiotherapy guide to staying comfortable & healthy before and after childbirth
- Vaccination Recommendations during Pregnancy
- Induction of Labour
- Labour and Birth – an Assisted Vaginal Birth
- Labour and Birth – cord clamping
- Labour and Birth – third stage
- Caesarean Birth
- Epidural
- Perineal Massage
- After Birth – Maternity Home Care Program
- Breast feeding and your new baby
- Australian Breastfeeding Association
Ph: 1800 686 286 (24 hours) - Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre
Level 7, Salmon Building
Ph: 3163 2229 - Lactation Consultants
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
Healthy eating
Perinatal mood changes
- Belmont Private Hospital
- Beyond Blue
- Beyond Blue – Healthy Families
- Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia
Safety
- SIDS & Kids
- Kidsafe
- Poisons Information Line
Ph: 13 11 26 (24 hours) - First aid for babies
- Baby - Pet Safety