Preterm birth prevention
The Whole Nine Months
The Western Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative is a project that Dr Meharry has been actively involved in since November 2014. The initiative aims to safely lower the rate of preterm birth by 35% over a five year period. To learn more about the initiative and preterm birth follow the link below.
Resources: Pre-Conception & Antenatal
Pre-Conception
Steps taken prior to conception to optimise your health can have significant and long-lasting benefits for you and your baby.
Antenatal Care
Your health before and during pregnancy can impact the health of your baby. For this reason antenatal care should begin as early as possible. The purpose of antenatal care is to improve your health and the health of your baby.
Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy
It is widely thought that having a baby should be one of the happiest times of your life. However depression and anxiety are common for women during pregnancy and the first year of their child’s life, with as many as one in five women affected.
Prenatal Screening
Every baby has a small chance of being born with a chromosomal or genetic condition. Testing during pregnancy for some of these conditions is called prenatal screening. This testing is able to provide you with more information about your unborn baby.
Exercise and Pregnancy
There are many benefits to be gained from regular exercise during pregnancy. These include physical benefits and the prevention of excessive weight gain as well as benefits to your psychological well-being.
Travel and Pregnancy
Many women will travel during pregnancy for work, recreation and visiting friends and relatives. It is generally safest and most comfortable to travel in the second trimester.
Resources: Labour
Labour and Birth
Every labour and birth is unique and unpredictable, making it difficult to plan. There are a few things that you can do to ensure you have the best plan possible.
Induction of Labour
An induction of labour may be recommended when you or your baby may benefit from an early delivery.
Resources: Delivery & Postnatal
Breech Presentation
Breech position occurs when your baby is lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus rather than the usual head first position. In early pregnancy, a breech position is very common.
Assisted Birth
Most babies are born without any need for assistance, but there are times when assistance may be required for the safety of the mother or baby.
Caesarean Section
Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Section (VBAC)
The First Few Weeks Following Birth
The first few weeks after birth are times of great change for both you and your baby.
These articles are a general introduction to obstetric care. They should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. If you have any questions regarding your medical care contact your GP or specialist.