1st April 2022

At Coastal IVF we have recommended that all patients undergo Covid-19 immunisation to protect against serious short-term and long-term complications (particularly for those patients contemplating pregnancy).

Over the past 6 months, there have been significant changes in immunisation rates in Queensland – plus we are now aware of the endemic frequency and exposure rates to Covid-19 in the general community. As a result, while we maintain a strong recommendation for immunisation, I have decided that as from April 1 2022, there will not be a mandatory requirement for Covid-19 immunisation to attend and undergo treatment at CIVF.

Patients should be mindful that attendance at some hospitals still requires positive immunisation status. If you are symptomatic, please do not attend the clinic until you undergo Covid-19 screening to minimise any risks to other patients.

We thank all patients for their understanding through the period of the pandemic.

Kind regards,

Dr Paul A Stokes

1 – Your health history

Do you have any chronic illnesses ­– such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, or diabetes – or previous complications that may require special care? If so, ask the obstetrician you’re considering what experience they have caring for patients like you, and consider whether you should be cared for by a perinatologist (a doctor who specializes in high-risk births). If you’ve previously had a c-section, would you like to try to have a vaginal birth this time? In that case, you’ll want to make sure that both the provider and the hospital are supportive of vaginal birth after cesarean.

2 – The obstetrician outlook

Find out the doctor’s attitude about issues that may be important to you, such as the routine use of interventions like IVs, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and episiotomy. You can’t predict what your individual situation will require, but you can get an idea of the general approach to care and practice patterns from the doctor’s responses to these questions.

3 – Is the obstetrician supportive of natural childbirth, if that’s what you’re interested in?

Your birth is your experience. Finding a doctor and team that supports and respects your wishes for birth is important to making the most of your pregnancy experience.

4 – Is breastfeeding encouraged?

5 – Compatibility

Pregnancy and childbirth are exciting, but they can also be stressful. So the best healthcare partner is one you feel comfortable with and can communicate with easily. It helps to ask yourself questions like these:

• How comfortable do you feel with the doctor?
• Do you find it easy to ask questions of the doctor?
• Does the doctor explain things clearly and completely?
• Does the doctor seem interested in you personally?
• Does the doctor seem like someone who will respect your wishes?

And most importantly you need to ensure that you are getting the best Sunshine Coast Obstetrician for you and your baby. An OB is not there as a friend but as a medical practitioner who looks after the best interests of you and your baby. The team at Sunshine Coast Coastal IVF believe that we fulfill these services as a highly reputable gynecologist, obstetrician and fertility specialist team which consists of Dr Paul Stokes, Obstetrician – Dr Rob North, and his specialist nurse, clinical director, fitness instructor and online private facebook group to support patients of all levels.

If you are looking for private obstetric services or for a specialist team for the best care, make an appointment to meet our team!

Different cultures have different expectations on the mother-to-be and whether they should continue to work. If you work in a culture that requires you to continue to work, knowing how to best manage symptoms and stay healthy while getting the job done will make your pregnancy that much more pleasant. In most cases women can work throughout their pregnancy. Being pregnant, can present challenges in your workplace therefore it is important to stay healthy so you can continue to be productive on the job. It is also necessary to know when enough is enough and that you can be risking your pregnancy.

Morning Sickness

It might be called “morning” sickness, but pregnancy nausea and sickness can hit at any time. To ease nausea try the following: Avoid nausea triggers. Snack often. Drink plenty of fluids.

Handling fatigue

During pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester you can feel overwhelmingly tired. It is important to rest when you can and don’t take on extra work as it leads to extra pressure and stress. Try the following: Eat foods rich in iron and protein. Try foods such as red meat, poultry, seafood, leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified whole-grain cereal and beans. Take short, frequent breaks. Getting up and moving around for a few minutes can reinvigorate you.

Cut back on activities

Scaling back can help you get more rest when your workday ends. Keep up your fitness routine. Although exercise might be the last thing on your mind, taking a brisk walk or a pregnancy fitness class can help boost your energy levels. It is important that your Doctor says it’s ok to exercise.

Go to bed early

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Sleep or rest on your side will improve blood flow to your baby and help prevent swelling. For added comfort try placing pillows between your legs and under your belly.

For private obstetric care on the Sunshine Coast contact the Coastal IVF team on 07 5443 4301