Pregnancy
Pregnancy and the birth of your baby is undoubtedly a time of wide-ranging and intense emotions and Dr Allanach’s genuine love of obstetrics and high level of patient care will make you feel relaxed and reassured throughout your pregnancy.
Dr Allanach’s aim is to provide her patients with a greater understanding of what their journey may involve. She and the team at Dr Flynn’s practice will be there every step of the way to monitor your and baby’s health, and ensure you are given all the information you need to enjoy this experience.
The First Visit
Pregnancy should be a normal, natural event. In your first visit, Dr Allanach will explore your past medical/family history and previous pregnancies to identify any risks in pregnancy. This visit is typically the first time you will see your baby via ultrasound scan and allows the confirmation of due dates.
Normally in pregnancy there are a number of routine blood tests that are performed. These include rubella immunity and blood group, which can be important for later in the pregnancy. If you have a partner, they are very welcome to attend this and any visit of the pregnancy.
You may wish to save time by completing the New Patient Registration form prior to your appointment.
Frequency of Visits
After your first visit, Dr Allanach will see you monthly until approximately 30 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until the birth of your baby.
Pregnancy Diagnosis of Abnormalities
In the back of every woman’s mind is the big question: Is everything normal? While no one can ever guarantee this, however, two tests go a long way to decreasing your anxiety.
NIPT testing is a blood test on the mother to isolate some fetal cells that can be tested for downs syndrome
18 – 20 Week Morphology Scan: This test is considered a routine test in Australia. At this time your baby has grown enough that excellent views of most body organs and parts can be seen and confirmed as normal. We are also able to view where the placenta is situated.
It is important to note that while these scans are very accurate, there is still no guarantee all is normal. Some specific conditions can be tested for in pregnancy if family histories are known (eg. Haemophilia or Cystic Fibrosis). However, there is no test to determine every possible outcome.
Pindara Maternity
Dr Allanach delivers exclusively at Pindara Maternity Hospital, a premium maternity service long recognised for the individualised, holistic care provided by a highly skilled health professionals and fully trained nursing staff.
Please book into Pindara Hospital online at approximately 14-16 weeks. Having this booking is important so that when you present to the hospital we are able to solely concentrate on the birthing process.
It is also important that you check with your private health fund to ensure you and your baby are covered for obstetric care.