Frequently Asked Questions

Most adult women have menstrual cycles that are anywhere from 21 to 35 days in length. Having a good understanding of your menstrual cycle helps you to make decisions about family planning. The first day of your period is calculated as the day you wake up with a normal period or if you get a period before midday.

Fertility treatments are simpler than they used to be, and there is less pain and discomfort because medications are injected with very fine needles into the fat layer below the skin (subcutaneously) rather than into muscle where more nerve endings are present.

Folate and folic acid are important for pregnancy since they can help prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. Folate is a B group vitamin needed for healthy growth and development. You can increase your folate intake by eating folate-rich foods in your daily diet or by taking a folic acid supplement. Good sources of folate include green leafy vegetables, fruit (citrus, berries and bananas), legumes and some cereals (many breakfast cereals now have added folate).

Keeping active is important for your health and that of your developing baby. Experts recommend about 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. If you have a medical condition or have experienced complicated pregnancies previously, you may need to modify your exercise. Dr Kretowicz will be happy to suggest a suitable level of activity for you and answer any questions you may have.

Some women may be anxious because of problems in a previous pregnancy (such as miscarriage) and wish to confirm the presence of a baby’s heartbeat early in their pregnancy. Using ultrasound, the baby’s heart can be detected from as early as 6-7 weeks of pregnancy.

Travel is generally safe during pregnancy. The best time for you to travel is during your second trimester, provided you are not experiencing any issues. Be aware of keeping a seat restraint below your waist and taking breaks if you are travelling long distances. Moving and staying hydrated is recommended for all travellers.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that can be excreted in animal faeces (commonly in cats) or found in raw meat and is potentially harmful during pregnancy. To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended to avoid handling kitty litter and eating uncooked meat – washing hands after preparing meats or gardening in potentially contaminated soil is also advised.

One in four women may experience some bleeding during pregnancy. It is important to note and report any bleeding to your obstetrician. If it persists or you are concerned, contact us right away.

Ultrasound is safe and painless, and uses sound waves to check on the development of your baby. It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and is the preferred method for monitoring pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Paracetamol is generally safe as are some antibiotics and over-the-counter pharmacy medicines. We recommend always check with your GP or Obstetrician. Our staff will happily advise you.

If you would like to claim the Medicare rebate for your appointment, you will need a referral letter from your GP – without a referral letter, you will need to pay the full out of pocket fee.