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Need an Ultrasound for High Risk Pregnancy Care? Make an Appointment with a Melbourne Obstetrician

If you have a high risk pregnancy, you probably have a lot of questions. A high risk pregnancy can pose challenges before, during, or after you deliver. That’s why, during your high risk pregnancy, you and your baby should be receiving special attention and care from a high risk obstetrician in Melbourne. Understand what makes your pregnancy high risk and what you can do to protect yourself and your baby.

Risk Factors for High-Risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy may be the result of a medical condition that was present before you became pregnant. Other times, medical conditions may develop during pregnancy that complicate an otherwise normal pregnancy. Certain factors also come into play, such as advanced maternal age, lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking alcohol, medical history such as a history of pregnancy loss, underlying conditions such as diabetes, or multiple pregnancy.

Promoting a Healthy Pregnancy

There are some things that anyone can do to maximise their odds of having a healthy pregnancy, whether their pregnancy is considered high risk or not. Start by making an obstetrician appointment in Melbourne, even before you become pregnant, if possible. This is especially important if you have a known medical condition and need advice on how to prepare for pregnancy and the possibility of your child inheriting a genetic condition. Even if you are medically well, taking the time to discuss optimising your pregnancy is important. An additional benefit is that it gives you an opportunity to meet with your obstetrician and decide whether you feel comfortable with them.

You will receive prenatal care with regular antenatal check-ups throughout your pregnancy to ensure that your health and your baby’s health are being monitored.

Eating a healthy diet is another key way to care for your health and that of your baby. Speak with your obstetrician about taking a prenatal vitamin supplement as well as what changes you should make to your regular diet. And be careful with weight gain. Gaining enough weight – but not too much – can help give you the best chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your obstetrician can help you determine the right amount. Finally, avoid tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs, and make sure your obstetrician knows about any medications you take.

See Your Obstetrician for an Ultrasound in Melbourne and Other Tests

If you have a high risk pregnancy, your doctor may want you to consider certain tests in addition to routine screening tests. Depending on your individual circumstances, he or she may recommend more frequent ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), cervical length measurement, or certain specific blood tests. You should feel comfortable discussing with your obstetrician which tests are necessary and why.

Remember to consult your healthcare provider about what symptoms to watch out for, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, persistent headaches, decreased fetal activity, painful urination, or vision changes. And ask which symptoms should prompt you to call your doctor and which ones mean that you should seek emergency medical attention.

Dr. Stephen Cole is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist in East Melbourne, caring for women with normal, low risk pregnancies all the way through to the most complex pregnancies and deliveries. Give yourself and your baby the best possible odds and contact Dr. Cole on (03) 94162802 today for an appointment.