If you have a young family, you’re in expert hands with GPs on Bayview. Our doctors have advanced special training in antenatal care, paediatrics and family medicine, allowing us to provide expert care throughout your pregnancy and from birth through to adulthood.
What can I expect from my first antenatal visit?
At your first antenatal visit to your GP will do a thorough check up and organise antenatal blood tests. We suggest, if not already doing so, that you commence folic acid and iodine supplements and we will also discuss delivery options.
During the first visit we will also discuss the first trimester screen so you can fully understand your options and make an informed decision as to whether you wish to pursue this. It is important that the right decision for you is reached and our doctors are trained to assist you in this.
What is the first trimester screen?
The first trimester screen is a combination of a blood test and ultrasound scan performed between 9 and 12 weeks which can estimate a mother’s risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. It is not a diagnostic test. If interested, women will have a blood test to measure amounts of certain hormones in the blood ideally at approximately 10 weeks. They will also have an ultrasound scan done at approximately 12 weeks which measures the thickness behind the baby’s neck.
to estimate the risk of having a baby with down syndrome and other rarer chromosomal abnormalities. The risk is worked out as a ratio e.g 1:1500 would be considered low risk, anything greater than 1:300 is considered high risk. If the first trimester screen comes back as high risk further testing is recommended for diagnosis. At GPs on Bayview our doctors can discuss these tests and their implications in more detail during your first antenatal visit.
What is Shared Care?
Women who choose to deliver their baby in the public hospital system can elect to have shared care with their GP. These women will see their GP for the majority of their antenatal care and would be seen in the Antenatal Clinic at the hospital at 20 – 22weeks and from 36 weeks onwards. For the remainder of their visits they can see their GP who can check blood pressure, fundal height and listen in to baby’s heartbeat, as well as organise further antenatal testing that is required.
An example of a visit schedule would be as follows:
> Initial antenatal appointment,
> Return at 14 weeks for results of first trimester screen and receive a referral for anatomy scan at 19 weeks,
> Hospital at 20 – 22 weeks,
> GP at 24/28/30/32/34 weeks and then be seen by the hospital from 36 weeks until delivery.
What happens after delivery?
At GPs on Bayview we will see mums and babies for their 6-week post-natal check. For mums this involves discussing the delivery experience and offering a debrief, checking that pap smear and immunisations are up to date and that there has been a complete physical recovery. This visit can also be an opportunity to screen for post natal depression and to check if there are any parenting issues that we can help with.
We also have a GP who has a special interest in unsettled babies and babies with sleep or feeding issues. GPs on Bayview has a wealth of experience in caring for your child from infancy right through to adolescence. We have experienced GPs in all areas of child health and a friendly and inviting waiting room.
Do you perform childhood immunisations?
Our full time practice nurses are very experienced in childhood immunisations, both routine and for the purpose of travel. We offer initial appointments with the GP and then immunisations are given in one of our
treatment rooms by the practice nurse. We aim to make this a safe and comfortable experience for babies and parents and as stress free as possible.
What about 6 week checks and neonatal care?
One of our GPs has a special interest in the management of unsettled babies, feeding and sleep difficulties and infant reflux. We offer a considered and empathic approach to those early weeks and are well equipped to deal with both mum and baby during this often stressful time.
Do you have same day appointments?
At GPs on Bayview we don’t believe worried parents should be waiting for appointments if they are concerned their child is unwell. We will always have available appointments and if parents are particularly concerned our practice nurses are well equipped to do an initial assessment and triage appointments as required.
What about care of chronic diseases and developmental disorders?
Our GPs are well connected with local specialists and allied health professionals and are comfortable with the management of chronic childhood illnesses and developmental disorders.
Does GPs on Bayview look after adolescent health?
Adolescence can be a stressful time for both parents and their teenagers! Two of our GPs are registered with the Youth Friendly Doctor Program and have undertaken further training in all aspects of adolescent health including eating disorders,
physical health and assessment and management of emerging mental health issues. We hope to offer an easily accessible and empathic point for your teenagers to either access on their own or with a parent if preferred.
