Obstetrics

• Antenatal care
• High risk pregnancy
• Management of Obstetric patients with medical conditions
• TOLAC (trial of labour after Caesarean section)
• Breech delivery
• Multiple pregnancy
• Labour and delivery
• Elective Caesarean Section
• Pre-pregnancy counselling
• Post partum care

Antenatal Care
We provide regular antenatal visits to ensure your pregnancy is progressing normally and to give you an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns.  In addition, we are available after hours by phone to answer any urgent questions or concerns you may have during your pregnancy. We provide continuity of care throughout your pregnancy with some antenatal visits being shared between Dr McLaren and Dr O’Connor in the rooms.  If you would like to meet the other members of the River City Obstetric Group for one of your antenatal visits this can be arranged. The doctor's in the River City Obstetric Group work as a team, covering after hours and weekends, to ensure you always have an Obstetrician available 24 hours a day.

High Risk Pregnancy
Some women experience complications during their pregnancy including preterm labour, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure (Hypertension). We are experienced in managing all possible obstetric complications and work closely with the dedicated Anaesthetic and Paediatric staff at the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital in Brisbane.  The Mater Mothers' Hospital is the largest collocated maternity facility in Australia. The neonatal nursery at the Mater Mother's Hospital is one of the biggest neonatal nurseries in the country, with highly experienced staff dedicated to ensuring the best outcome for your baby.

Management of Obstetric patients with medical conditions
We have many years experience managing a number of complex medical conditions in pregnancy and work closely with a number of specialists and subspecialists to achieve the best outcomes for your pregnancy and your baby. It is often worthwhile to have a pre-pregnancy appointment to ensure you are on the right dose of medication, and to give an opportunity to answer any questions you may have regarding the management of your pregnancy if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

TOLAC (trial of labour after Caesarean section) and VBAC (vaginal birth after Caesarean section)
If you would like to try for a vaginal birth after a caesarean section (VBAC) we are happy to manage your labour providing it is safe for you and your baby. All the members of the River City Obstetric Group, who Dr McLaren works closely with, are experienced in managing VBACs and are happy to support you to achieve this wherever possible.

Breech Delivery
There are a number of options if your baby is presenting by the Breech (bottom first). Sometimes it is safer to have a Caesarean section, particularly if your baby is presenting as a footling breech, where the feet and cord present over the cervix. It may be safe to have a vaginal breech delivery, providing your baby is not too big and in the optimum presentation. It is also safe to consider an ECV or external cephalic version. All these options can be discussed to determine which is the best for you and your baby.

Multiple pregnancy
Twins and triplets present their own challenges during pregnancy, labour and delivery and beyond. We work closely with your ultrasound sub specialists and Paediatrician in managing your pregnancy, to ensure your babies are delivered at the best possible time to give them the best outcome.

Labour and Delivery
We support spontaneous labour wherever possible. In some circumstances, or if there is a specific indication, it may be necessary to induce your labour if it is safer to deliver your baby before or after your due date.  We encourage you to attend antenatal classes to prepare for your birth and to be as physically active as you can during your pregnancy. Exercise and breathing techniques taught in pregnancy yoga, pilates and hypnobirthing classes provide excellent preparation for your birth. We encourage you to have a support person/partner with you during your labour and encourage your partner to attend for antenatal visits if they wish.

Elective Caesarean Section
There are specific situations where a caesarean section may be safer to deliver your baby, or you may choose to have your baby by caesarean section. Elective caesarean delivery is best performed as close as possible to 39 weeks unless there is an indication to deliver earlier.

Pre- Pregnancy Counselling Prior to Pregnancy
A number of questions may need to be addressed and it can be extremely valuable to discuss these issues before you fall pregnant.  The management of chronic medical conditions, choice and dose of medications to take during pregnancy, and a previous difficult obstetric history are some examples that your GP may wish to refer you for. Such appointments give an opportunity to meet with us and discuss your pregnancy care and delivery. If you would like to have pre-pregnancy appointment ask your GP for a referral and we would be a happy to arrange a time to see you to discuss any concerns you have before falling pregnant. 

Postpartum care
After having your baby a post-partum appointment is made. During this appointment, a physical examination is performed and there is an opportunity to discuss future gynaecological issues including pelvic floor exercises, prevention and management of prolapse and contraception.