Have you had unprotected sex? What about pregnancy testing? What are the other signs of pregnancy? What are your options?
Pregnancy - getting on with it How will your body change? What about emotional changes? What healthcare will you need? How do you know if something is wrong? Staying healthy during pregnancy Antenatal classes Getting ready at home Going to hospital What happens during labour & birth?
What about the dad? Sex during & after pregnancy Keeping up with friends Better relationships through communication Feeling good about yourself Family violence
Money matters Housing & accommodation Legal matters
Continuing your education Working
After the birth Breast & bottle feeding Baby safety Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Getting help in the Yarra Ranges area Useful internet links What does this mean? Glossary References About this site
 

Getting on with it

Pregnancy - getting on with it

How will your body change?

What about emotional changes?

What healthcare will you need?

How do you know if something is wrong?

Staying healthy during pregnancy

Antenatal classes

Getting ready at home

Going to the hospital

What happens during labour and birth?


Home


Site map

Glossary

 

How do you know if something is wrong?

Few women go through pregnancy without some problem or concern.  In most cases these are minor and have no serious consequences. 

However, there are some conditions that are serious.  These can usually be managed if spotted early.  Therefore, it is important to recognise when you should seek prompt medical advice.  There may be nothing actually wrong but all doctors and midwives prefer you to be safe than sorry.


If you experience any of the following, seek medial advice immediately:

  • Bleeding: any vaginal bleeding or discharge other than a small amount of clear mucus. 

  • Headaches with or without blurred vision and any swelling of your hands or feet. This can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that can threaten you and your baby if left untreated. 

  • Pain and/or redness and/or swelling in your calf: this is a sign of a blood clot.

  • Persistent abdominal or lower back pain.

  • Concern about a lack of baby movement.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee: which could indicate urinary tract infection.

  • Severe vomiting: when you can’t keep even water down.

  • Depression: to the point that you feel you really cannot cope.

  • Intense skin itching.

  • Any sudden change in your body or general health that you do not feel comfortable with.

 

In the event of any sudden illness like diarrhoea, sickness or high temperature you should always contact your doctor immediately

 

Miscarriage 

For some women, their pregnancy will end in a miscarriage.  This occurs most often within the first 12 -13 weeks of the pregnancy.  Often there is no obvious reason for the miscarriage and usually there is nothing that you can do to prevent it from happening. 

You will experience heavy vaginal bleeding, back pain and lower tummy pains – much like the period pains.  You should see your doctor or attend the Accident and Emergency department of a major hospital.

Get Help

Your Pregnancy Care Provider

AFTER HOURS

Ambulance
000

Public Emergency Department

Eastern Ranges After Hours Medical Service 
408 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville 
1300 766 858
Doctor Clinics 
Mon-Fri 5-10pm - 
Sat/Sun/Public holidays 12-10 pm


PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Angliss Hospital
Albert St, Ferntree Gully
9764 6111

Birralee (Box Hill Hospital)
Nelson Road, Box Hill
9895 3333

Healesville Hospital 
377 Maroondah Hwy. Healesville
5962 4300 

Yarra Valley Community Health Antenatal Outreach Clinic
2475 Warburton Hwy
5969 9937
1300 130 381


PRIVATE HOSPITALS

Mitcham Private
27 Doncaster East Rd, Mitcham
9210 3111

Knox Private
262 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna
 9210 7260