Some pregnancies and babies need to be closely monitored to either ensure all is healthy or to diagnose, follow or manage a condition that may impact on the health of the baby in the uterus or once born.
This specialist care is provided by the Fetal Medicine Unit (FMU) and Pre-Term Birth Prevention Clinic (PTB).
Some reasons you may be referred to the FMU department are:
- Previous baby with congenital anomaly
- You have an increased risk of genetic difference
- An abnormal screening test (eg NIPT or CFTS)
- Structural difference on an ultrasound scan
- Severe early-onset fetal growth restriction
- Mono-chorionic twin pregnancy
- Di- Chorionic twins WITH differing growths
- Type 1 diabetes
Some reasons you may be referred to the PTB clinic are:
- Have a history of a Pre-Term birth less between 16-34 weeks (unrelated to maternal conditions or fetal abnormality)
- Vaginal bleeding more than 12 weeks
- Body Mass index <18.5
- Had a previous caesarean section with a fully dilated cervix
- An ultrasound showed a short cervix length
The clinic is located in the Outpatient Annexe at 66 Bellarine St Geelong, opposite the main entrance of University Hospital Geelong.
The clinic is FREE to Medicare cardholders.
If you do not have a Medicare card you will need to visit the accounts department at the main entrance of the hospital prior to your appointment.
Each referral is triaged based on urgency but also based on when an ultrasound would be required. This can range from a day or a few weeks and you will be notified, usually by text.
You will be seen by an obstetrician and a midwife. As we are a teaching hospital there may also be a student doctor or midwife present.
A detailed ultrasound will be performed (this may also require an internal vaginal ultrasound especially if being seen in the PTB clinic).
You will be provided with an explanation of the finding at the time.
You may be referred to other specialists such as a geneticist, fetal cardiologist or paediatric specialist team in Melbourne for further discussions if required.
Routine investigations such as blood pressure monitoring, weight measurements, blood tests and carbon monoxide testing may also be performed.
It is recommended you bring a support person along with you to help remember the information at the appointment.
The main referral methods to the clinics are:
- Direct referral from General Practitioner. (Usually if there is a problem early in your pregnancy)
- Referral from your maternity care provider e.g. midwife, obstetrician, GP shared care.
If you are a clinician referring a patient please use the following referral forms:
Page last updated: November 15, 2024