You’ve Just Found Out You’re Pregnant

Frequently Asked Questions

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. In order to obtain a rebate from Medicare, you will need to have a referral. Your GP may give you a 12 month or an indefinite referral. A referral from another specialist will last for only 3 months from the date of your first consultation.

If you are seeking medical advice as a couple, it is a Medicare requirement that the names and dates of birth of both partners appear on referrals.

To access Michael's comprehensive pregnancy care or pre-pregnancy counselling services, please call the practice as soon as possible to schedule your first appointment. We strongly recommend calling as soon as you know you are pregnant or when you're planning to conceive, as Michael may have reached a limit on the number of patients he cares for each month, to ensure every patient receives the highest quality, personalised attention throughout their journey.

Your first visit with Dr Michael Silagy is usually between 6 - 8 weeks gestation. If you are already beyond this gestation, please contact rooms to enquire if we are still taking new patients. Please inform our reception staff about any risk factors or concerns when booking so we can prioritise your appointment timing appropriately.

Every pregnancy is different and your visits may vary depending on your needs. Dr Silagy’s routine schedule includes visits roughly every 4 weeks from 8 - 28 weeks, fortnightly from 28 weeks to 36 weeks, and then every week till birth.

Any noticeable decrease in your baby's usual movement pattern warrants immediate attention, as this can sometimes indicate your baby needs extra monitoring.

Trust your instincts - you know your baby's patterns better than anyone.

WHAT TO DO IF MOVEMENTS SEEM REDUCED:

• Contact Michael at his Consulting rooms during business hours

• Call the Labour Ward at your admitting Hospital directly after hours

• Don't wait or worry about calling "too often" - it's always better to check

We can arrange monitoring of your baby's heartbeat and may perform an ultrasound to assess growth and wellbeing. If you're near your due date and movements remain concerning, we may recommend proceeding with delivery as the safest option for your baby.

The reassuring news is that the vast majority of women who experience episodes of reduced movement go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. However, monitoring these changes closely is an important part of keeping you and your baby safe.