Resources for women and families
Below is a suite of pregnancy-related resources and information that you may find helpful during your pregnancy.
EMERGENCY medical help during your pregnancy
If you are greater than 20 weeks pregnant:
Contact relevant hospital - RPA Women and Babies Labour Ward ph.9515 8420 or Canterbury Hospital ph.9787 0000 ask for Birthing Unit
If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant:
Non-urgent: Follow-up with your GP
Urgent: Contact relevant hospital - RPAH Emergency Dept ph.9515 6111 or Canterbury Hospital Emergency Dept ph.9787 0000
First Hospital "Booking In" appointment
Women planning to deliver at RPA Women and Babies or Canterbury Hospital should ensure they book their first hospital "Booking In" appointment ASAP. This visit should be scheduled for when you are ~ 12-14 weeks pregnant.
To arrange this appointment :
RPA Women and Babies - visit RPA Women and Babies website and complete on-line booking form
Canterbury Hospital- contact hospital ph.9787 0250 ph. 9787 0560
Women will also need to visit their GP for clinical assesment and to obtain hospital referral form/letter
This booking information is only for public patients. It does not apply to women electing to have care from a private obstetrician
This service aims to identify and manage ectopic pregnancies, and diagnose, treat and support lower abdominal pain/or vaginal bleeding in women < 20 weeks gestation who are haemodynamically stable. For urgent review- attend relevant hospital Emergency Department
Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) Patient Brochure: SLHD Bleeding and pain in early pregnancy: SLHD
NSW Health "Get Healthy in Pregnancy" - information and resources including free telephone counselling, information about healthy eating, physical activity and weight gain Healthy eating when you're pregnant or breastfeeding - National Health and Medical Research Council, Department of Health and Ageing Food safety during pregnancy - NSW Food Authority
Influenza vaccination
Vaccination remains the best protection pregnant women and their newborn babies have against influenza. Influenza infection during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery and even death in newborns and very young babies. Pregnant women can have the vaccine at any time during pregnancy and they benefit from it all through the year.
Three educational videos are available:
Flu vaccination and pregnancy – What pregnant women need to know (for pregnant women)
Flu vaccination and pregnancy – Vaccinate against flu Protect your baby too (for pregnant women)
For further information visit: Immunise Australia Pregnant Women Pregnancy and influenza - NSW Health
Pertussis "whooping cough" vaccination
Pertussis vaccination during pregnancy is the best way to protect newborns from day one with studies showing that it is more than 90 per cent effective in preventing whooping cough in infants. Antenatal pertussis vaccination is offered free to all pregnant women and is recommended to be administered in the third trimester (preferably at 28 weeks).
Pregnant women – Protect your newborn from whooping cough - NSW Health
Childhood Immunisation Schedule
National Immunisation Program Schedule
RPA: Your breech baby - Patient information
RPA: Women having an External Cephalic Version (ECV) - Patient information
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) Labour Care - Patient information SLHD Pelvic Pain in pregnancy - Patient Information
COPE - Centre for perinatal excellence - resources for women and partners regarding perinatal mental health
beyondblue - access a variety of information for new and expectant parents, covering everything from bonding with your baby to spotting the signs of anxiety and depression. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) - information and support regarding perinatal anxiety and depression
pdf
Looking after your perinatal mental health
(611 KB)
Having a Baby Book - NSW Health
pdf
Pregnancy Checklist
(366 KB)
- A checklist of topics to consider and discuss with your GP and/or health professional during your pregancy and following birth
pdf
RPA Women and Babies/Canterbury Hospital Antenatal Shared Care Program
(9.76 MB)
- Patient information RPA Midwifery Group Practice - An option of care When do I go home - RPA Women and Babies discharge information Canterbury Hospital - Options of Care Canterbury Hospital - Birth After Caesarean Clinic
Child and Family Health
All referrals/enquiries to local Early Childhood Centres is via the Central Intake Line: Ph. 9562 5400 SLHD Child and Family Health Nursing - Community Health Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)
Child and Family Service Directory
Marrickville, Leichhardt and Glebe local government areas
Ashfileld, Burwood, Strathfield and City of Canada Bay local government areas
Women want to know: Discussing pregnancy and alcohol - Department of Health project providing assessment tools and information for women
All women regardless of age should be counselled and offered the option for screening for chromosomal anomalies. Women should be given information about the purpose and implications of testing for chromosomal abnormalities to enable them to make informed choices about whether or not to have the tests.
Screening tests for your baby in early pregnancy : (Pamphlet) : NSW Centre for Genetics Education Prenatal testing booklet: NSW Centre for Genetics Education NSW Health : Centre for Genetic Education
Drug Health Services offer one-to-one counselling support clinics for individuals wishing to stop smoking.
Clinics are located at:
- RPA – Phone: 9515 7611 (Wed and Thurs 1.00 - 4.00pm)
- Croydon Community Health Centre – Phone: 9378 1306 (Mon 9.00am - 2.30pm)