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COMPREHENSIVE PRE AND POSTNATAL CARE IN FITZROY

At The Neighbourhood Clinic in Fitzroy North, we’re here to support you at every stage of your pregnancy journey. From prenatal care to postpartum recovery, our expert team of local GPs are dedicated to providing personalised care for expectant and new parents.

PRENATAL CARE FOR EVERY STAGE OF PREGNANCY

Prenatal care ensures both you and your baby are healthy and well prepared for the months ahead. Starting care early is essential, and ideally, it begins even before conception.

BEFORE YOU ARE PREGNANT

Prenatal care ideally starts at least three months before you begin trying to conceive. Preparing for a healthy pregnancy starts with some good habits:

DURING YOUR PREGNANCY

Congratulations on your pregnancy! As you prepare for this exciting new chapter, here are the key steps to take:

1. Regular Check-ups: Scheduled visits to a healthcare provider to monitor the health of the mother and the fetus. Start with an initial appointment with your regular GP to confirm the pregnancy - they will help guide you from there.

 

2. Screenings and Tests: Blood tests, ultrasounds, and other screenings to check for conditions like gestational diabetes, infections, and fetal development.

 

3. Nutritional Guidance: Advice on a balanced diet, including essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium.

 

4. Education: Information on what to expect during pregnancy, labour, delivery, and postpartum care.

 

5. Monitoring Health: Regular assessment of your vital signs, weight, and overall health to catch any potential issues early.

6. Emotional Support: Addressing mental health and emotional well-being, with resources for counselling if needed.

 

7. Lifestyle Advice: Recommendations on exercise, sleep, and avoiding substances like alcohol and tobacco.

 

8. Birth Plan Discussion: Conversations about preferences for labour and delivery, including pain management options and any specific wishes.

 

9. Postpartum Planning: Preparation for the postpartum period, including recovery and infant care.

 

10. Support Resources: Information about support groups, classes, and community resources for expectant parents. Our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout your pregnancy.

SCHEDULE YOUR PREGNANCY CARE APPOINTMENTS 

Once you become pregnant, you’ll need to schedule regular healthcare appointments throughout each stage of your pregnancy.  This will likely be a combination of GP appointments and hospital appointments. 


The Neighbourhood Clinic also offers Shared Care appointments with Dr Vinith Menezes.

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Our recommended schedule:

  • every month in the first six months you are pregnant

  • every two weeks in the seventh and eighth months you are pregnant

  • every week during your ninth month of pregnancy

 

During these visits, your GP will:

Later visits may also include checking the baby’s position and noting changes in your body as you prepare for birth.

 

For high-risk pregnancies, we’ll connect you with specialists to ensure you receive the best care possible.

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MATERNITY SHARED CARE IN FITZROY NORTH

The Neighbourhood Clinic offers maternity shared care appointments with Dr Vinith Menezes. 

 

Vinith can provide maternity shared care for patients who will deliver at the Royal Womens Hospital or the Mercy Hospital for Women.

 

Dr Vinith accepts new maternity shared care patients.

 

Shared care provides:

  • Continuity of quality care before, during, and after pregnancy.

  • Convenient local appointments at times that suit you.

  • Access to specialised hospital services at the Royal Women’s Hospital or the Mercy Hospital for Women.

POSTPARTUM CARE FOR NEW PARENTS

While pregnancy may be the focus, postpartum care is just as important. The postpartum period typically lasts six to eight weeks and is a time of significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments.

 

Your hospital and doctor will provide resources to support you and your family through this period, including:

  • Connection to a Maternal and Child Health Care Centre

  • Recommendations on wound care, including caesarean and vaginal stitches

  • Breastfeeding or bottlefeeding support and guidance

  • Nutritional support for the birthing parent

  • Mental health support for the parents

  • Immunisation recommendations

  • Specialist appointments for the birthing parent and/or the baby, if required

Newborn Baby

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

Ready to begin your journey with expert pre-and post-natal care? Contact The Neighbourhood Clinic in Fitzroy North to book your appointment.

Interested in Maternity Shared Care?

Already Pregnant?

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