PREGNANCY - HELPING YOU NAVIGATE FAQS
◉ When is the first appointment for pregnancy?
Your first visit with Dr Kylie Goh is between 8 - 10 weeks gestation. If you are already beyond this gestation, please contact rooms to enquire if we are still taking new patients.
◉ How often do I see my doctor during pregnancy?
From 8 - 28 weeks, your visits are every 4 weeks. From 28 weeks to 36 weeks, they are fortnightly and then you see your obstetrician every week till birth. This is the routine schedule. Every pregnancy is different and your visits may vary depending on your needs.
◉ Which hospital do you deliver from?
All patients are booked into Frances Perry House as private patients.
◉ Do I need a valid GP referral?
Yes, we do require a GP referral prior or at the time of appointment. This is to ensure we can make Medicare claim on your behalf and also have any relevant medical information related to your pregnancy or gynaecological issue.
◉ Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccine
This is the latest statement (June 2021) released by Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists regarding Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any further questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine during your pregnancy, please chat to Dr Kylie Goh.
Please see link to official statement
In summary:
RANZCOG and ATAGI recommend that pregnant women are routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Cominarty) at any stage of pregnancy.
This is because the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby. Global surveillance data from large numbers of pregnant women have not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given at any stage of pregnancy. Furthermore, there is also evidence of antibody in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with their health professional. Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
When is the best time to have COVID-19 vaccine?
It is recommended to have a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are offered one.
Should I continue to have whooping cough and flu vaccine during pregnancy?
Yes, pregnant women should continue to receive pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza vaccination during pregnancy, noting the advice to space vaccine injections by at least one week.
Pregnant women can become very ill with the flu and at an increased risk of complications. It is recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine preferably before the peak influenza season. It can be given safely at any stage of your pregnancy and available from your GP free of charge.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am trying to get pregnant?
Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination. Either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine is considered safe.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am breastfeeding?
Vaccination is recommended for breastfeeding women. You do not need to stop breastfeeding before or after vaccination. Either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine is considered safe.
◉ Other information for Pregnancy and COVID-19
Please see all related information on pregnancy and COVID-19 here
◉ When do I find out about my Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) result?
Screening generally takes place at 10 weeks of pregnancy and results are available within 3-5 business days. We will call you to inform you of the results. All reports include the sex of the baby. We will only review the sex of the baby if you inform us to.
◉ Can I have the flu vaccine during pregnancy?
Pregnant women can become very ill with the flu and at an increased risk of complications. It is recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine preferably before the peak influenza season. It can be given safely at any stage of your pregnancy and available from your GP free of charge.
◉ What kind of medication can I take for my cold?
For aches and pains, it is safe to take paracetamol such as Panadol or Panadeine. Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs such as Aspirin, Disprin, Nurofen and Voltaren or any cold and flu preparation containing pseudoephedrine. If after 5-7 days, your symptoms still persist, it is best to see your local GP for further treatment.
◉ Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
Regular exercise helps with your general well-being and can help build abdominal, back and pelvic floor strength to support your growing weight. Moderate exercise will not harm your developing baby as long as you exercise at a safe level. If unsure, always check with your instructor / trainer if suitable before you continue.
◉ How much weight should I put on during pregnancy?
As your baby grows, it is normal to put on weight during pregnancy. The amount of weight gained will vary. And it is not just the baby’s weight but also the extra body tissue such as larger breasts, uterus and fluid. Please chat to Dr Kylie Goh at your visits if you have any concerns related to your weight gain or loss.
◉ When should I have the whooping cough vaccine?
The pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is recommended from 20 weeks of each pregnancy and is also free through your GP. The optimal time for the pertussis vaccination is between between 20 and 32 weeks in each pregnancy as a single dose.
◉ When does morning sickness stop?
Morning sickness can happen any time of the day and not just limited to the morning as the name may suggest! It can start around 6 weeks of pregnancy and settle around 14 weeks. However, for some women it may continue throughout the pregnancy. Morning sickness generally does not harm the baby unless it prolonged and severe. Keep drinking your fluids in small sips to avoid dehydration. However, it is best to contact us if you are feeling very unwell and unable to keep any fluids down. Kylie may prescribe medication if required or may admit you to hospital for regular intravenous fluids.
◉ Can I travel during pregnancy?
Travelling during pregnancy is very common. The likelihood of miscarriage and complications are generally low but always check with Dr Kylie Goh before travel to ensure it is safe for you to do so. Please also check with your travel insurance what you are covered for and any airline restrictions.
◉ I haven’t felt the baby move as much as yesterday, what do I do?
Baby movements can start around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. They may feel like gentle flutters at the start but as your pregnancy progresses, the movements normally become more distinct and frequent. Babies will move more often at certain times of the day. Therefore it is important to learn your baby’s pattern so you can track if they become less frequent. When you are busy, you may not feel them as often if you are not paying attention. Therefore it is best to lie down and focus if you are not feeling frequent movements. For whatever reason, you have any doubts about your baby’s movements, it is best to contact us and speak to Dr Kylie Goh.
◉ Is it safe to have sex when I’m pregnant?
Most women who are having a normal pregnancy may continue to have sex right up until their water breaks or they go into labor. There are some circumstances, though, in which you may need to modify your activity or abstain from sex altogether for part or all of your pregnancy. If you're uncertain, please call our rooms.
◉ Is it safe to do dental work during pregnancy?
It is important and safe to see your dentist while you are pregnant. Your dental health has a big impact on your overall health which has a major influence on the health of your baby, so it’s important that you maintain a good dental health routine throughout your pregnancy.
Most dental treatment is generally safe during pregnancy. We recommend that you inform your dental service that you are pregnant, so that your dentist will provide the best care plan for you. If possible, dental x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy. However if your dental professional considers it essential for you to have an x-ray, special care and protection should be taken.
◉ Using hair dye when you’re pregnant
We recommend that you wait until after your pregnancy for any chemical hair treatment however, If you feel that it is necessary, we recommend waiting to dye your hair until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower.
If you're colouring your hair yourself, you can reduce the risk further by making sure you:
wear gloves
leave the dye on for the minimum time
work in a well-ventilated room
rinse your scalp once the dye is applied
Highlighting your hair, by putting the dye only on to strands of hair, also reduces any risk. The chemicals used are only absorbed by your hair, and not by your scalp or bloodstream.
Semi-permanent pure vegetable dyes, such as henna, are a safe alternative.
◉ What do I bring to hospital?
Click here to get more information from Frances Perry House
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Supporting your journey and taking the utmost care for your pregnancy and general women’s health.
GYNAECOLOGY - HELPING YOU NAVIGATE FAQS
◉ Why is the pap test changed from two years to five years?
The Cervical Screening Test is more effective than the previous Pap test. The Pap test used to look for cell changes in the cervix, whereas the new Cervical Screening Test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can lead to cell changes in the cervix. Because of this, it is now safe to be reviewed every 5 years.
◉ What is a colposcopy?
If you have had changes in your cervix and receive an abnormal test result from your cervical screen, your GP will recommend you to have a colposcopy. A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix so your specialist can see where the cell changes are located and the type of change that has occurred. A colposcope is a magnifying machine that is used to look at the cervix. It does not go into your vagina, it sits between your legs so your specialist can see your cervix. During the procedure, your specialist may also take a very small bit of tissue for testing. The biopsy is sent to the lab to test what type of cell changes has occurred. The process may be uncomfortable but not painful. You can always take some pain relief prior to help ease the discomfort.
◉ I would like to have Mirena inserted. Can this be done at the same appointment?
As a new patient, Dr Kylie Goh will generally have a discussion with you regarding contraception, options available, pros, cons and side effects. If it is possible, she may be able complete the procedure on the same day. However, this is not always possible depending on the circumstances. If this is the case, a follow up appointment will be scheduled.
◉ Which hospital does Dr Kylie Goh operate from?
Kylie has admitting rights at Frances Perry House and The Women’s - both located in Parkville for gynaecology procedures. She has a regular operating list for her private patients at Frances Perry House which allows her to book patients for elective surgery in a reasonable timeframe.
◉ I recently had surgery but feeling pain and still bleeding. Should I be concerned?
It is normal to expect some pelvic discomfort. For pain control you may use paracetamol (Panadol) and/or any other medication as instructed by Kylie. You may continue to bleed lightly for five to seven days after the procedure. If your pain is worsening despite XXX and/or your bleeding is heavy or has an offensive smell, please contact the rooms for further assistance.
◉ What to avoid after surgery and minor procedures like Mirena IUD insertion?
Avoid intercourse, taking a bath, using tampons and swim for 2-3 weeks. It is recommended to take shower and use pads instead. You may experience some discomfort and continue to bleed lightly for next 5-7 days. If you are concerned about your health, please contact the rooms for further assistance.
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All information listed on this website is a guide only. Everyone will have different experiences and symptoms for pregnancy and gynaecology issues. If you have any queries or concerns related specifically to you, please contact our rooms for further assistance.