General and high risk obstetrics in Melbourne

Whether it’s your first pregnancy or last, no pregnancy is without risk. In fact, there is no such thing as a complete risk-free pregnancy, although thankfully risks are low for most pregnancies. Should you find yourself with a high-risk pregnancy, I can help you understand those risks, how to manage and minimise them, and how to help you enjoy your pregnancy experience, by encouraging you to focus on the normal and natural aspects of your pregnancy. 

Having a high risk pregnancy doesn’t have to be high stress. Often it is only one part or aspect of a pregnancy or birth that is high risk, and with attention to careful planning, along with detailed explanations even very high risk pregnancies can result in enjoyable experiences and excellent outcomes.  

What is a high risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy can be defined as having pre-existing conditions (factors that affect your health and your baby’s health during pregnancy) and problems that may have arisen during your pregnancy.

You may be placed in the high-risk category if:

• You are under age 17 or over age 35 
• You are pregnant with twins or triplets
• You have health conditions, which increase your chances of pregnancy complications
• You have a history of miscarriage, preterm labour, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia or ceasarian delivery
• You show signs in your current pregnancy of medical or obstetric conditions

Keep in mind that not all pre-existing conditions mean that your pregnancy will automatically be deemed high-risk. That’s why it’s imperative that you discuss your individual situation with an experienced and highly-regarded obstetrician.

What are some pre-existing conditions that are considered high-risk?

If you are considered in the high-risk pregnancy category, it may be due to one or some of these significant pre-existing conditions: 

• Diabetes
• Thyroid issues
• Blood disorders
• Autoimmune conditions
• Heart conditions
• Epilepsy
• Kidney disease
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption and/or drugs
• A past history of pre-eclampsia or growth restriction

This list is not exhaustive, which is why if you are concerned, please contact me for advice.

Melbourne’s leading specialist obstetrician

As a founding member of the Victorian Fetal Therapy Service (VFTS), I offer dedicated and exceptional care to women with high risk pregnancies from my private consulting rooms in East Melbourne. It is my aim to contribute to your experience of being pregnant as one that you will look back on fondly.

By creating a trusting and supportive relationship with you, and with a  commitment to providing accurate information and expert medical advice, I strive to empower you to make your own well informed choices in regards to your pregnancy experience.

Managing your high risk pregnancy

Along with my team of midwives and practice staff, we hope to support you throughout your journey, both prenatal and postnatal. We strive to provide a welcome, friendly atmosphere - from that first nervous phone call, as you walk through the door for the first time, and throughout your pregnancy and postnatal experience. Myself and my team take pride in providing holistic care, not just managing your pregnancy.  

Often there is more than one way to approach a pregnancy and birth, and while we are there to guide and advise you, if you have specific ideas and preferences, we aim to work with you to achieve your desired outcome.  Book an appointment with us today to address any of your fears, questions or concerns.

If you have any questions or enquiries please feel free to contact us on the following details provided below or alternatively you can complete our online enquiry form also located below and we will get back to you as soon as possible...

High Risk Pregnancy? Make an Appointment for an Ultrasound with Obstetrician Dr. Stephen Cole near Richmond and to Discuss Childbirth Choices

It may be your baby and your body, but somehow your childbirth choices seem to be everyone else’s concern. Try telling your friends and family how excited you are about your home birth – you’re bound to encounter plenty of opposition and uninvited opinion. Or, announce on a mums-to-be message board that you are scheduling an elective C-section and see what other users have to say. The truth is that there are numerous safe and valid childbirth choices, and our opinions and beliefs are largely dictated by a number of factors including our history with doctors, the influence of others, our trust or scepticism of technology, our need to have control, and more. But, in fact, you do have many options to choose from when it comes to how, where, and when to deliver your baby. Remember that whilst it doesn’t hurt to listen to others’ opinions, you should trust your own opinions, and always discuss your preferences with your obstetrician.

Home Birth

Women who choose home births prefer the low-tech method of giving birth in the comfort of their own homes. These women share a fundamental belief that childbirth is a normal, healthy process and want to experience it on their terms, in their own familiar surroundings, with whomever they want to be present. Home birth can be a safe option for some women, but most women, and in particular women with high risk pregnancies, preterm labour, multiple pregnancies, or other complications are generally safer in a hospital where help and a potentially life-saving operating room are close by. Remember also that risk and suitability for homebirth can change over the course of your pregnancy, and even in labour.

Hospital Birth Attended by a High Risk Obstetrician in Richmond

At the other end of the spectrum is the obstetrician-attended hospital birth. Women choosing this type of birth still have a number of options to choose from, including whether or not to use drugs for pain relief, how long to wait for labour to take its natural course before intervening, whether to move around during labour or rest in bed, and more. The key is to making a pre-pregnancy obstetrician appointment near Richmond is to find a doctor who will be supportive of your wishes while providing necessary medical advice, and continue seeing him or her throughout your pregnancy for regular prenatal care. Then, ask lots of questions about any concerns you have, such as induction or episiotomy rates. That way, you’ll both know what to expect when you go into labour.

Other Options

Between home birth and obstetrician-attended hospital birth with anaesthetics lie a number of other options. You may choose to deliver in a birthing centre, which many women consider the best of both worlds. You may get the more “natural,” personalised experience you want, but medical intervention is still close at hand should it be needed. Or, you may deliver via caesarean section, whether elective and scheduled or medically advised (whether scheduled or last-minute).

Sometimes, the choice is clear, such as when a caesarean section is medically advised. But most of the time, women have a range of options when it comes to childbirth. Your obstetrician will arrange ultrasounds and other tests during your pregnancy as part of your prenatal care, to help determine what options may be appropriate. Be sure to discuss your childbirth choices with your obstetrician to determine what’s right for you.