If you don't want to receive this information, please call (03) 8345 3272 or email patientexperience@thewomens.org.au
By now, you’ve probably had or be about to have your 28-week appointment.
From now until your baby is born, we’ll send you information every 4 weeks. This information will be presented in 3 parts:
- Reminders and recap of what we’ve discussed in previous weeks
- Things affecting your pregnancy now
- Important things to consider
Part 1: Reminders and recap
Now is the time to consider getting vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV can affect anyone, but babies and young children have the highest risk of serious illness. A single dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect your baby.
During pregnancy and after your baby is born, it’s important that you and the people around you don’t smoke.
Quitting smoking at any stage during the pregnancy reduces harm to your baby.
If you’re finding it hard to quit, look back at the information and links in Weeks 16 to 20 for motivation and support.
If you haven’t already discussed your pregnancy and parental leave with your employer, now is the time to do so. Look back at week 22 for information about your rights and entitlements.
Rest and exercise are so important, especially as your baby gets bigger. Taking care of your back, getting enough rest, and doing gentle exercise will improve your stamina in labour and support a good recovery after the birth.
Look back at Week 22 for more information.
Relaxation is best practised on a regular basis. If you haven’t found a relaxation method that suits you, now’s the time to explore some options and include them in your daily routine.
Week 22 explains the importance of relaxation and includes suggestions on things you could try.
During pregnancy, your pelvic floor muscles stretch and weaken from your baby’s weight and pregnancy hormones. It's important to exercise them to keep them strong.
For tips, check out our fact sheet on pelvic floor exercises or look back at Week 22.
We hope everything is going well for you and your baby.
However, if you have an urgent question that can’t wait until your next appointment with our Clinic or your GP, please follow these guidelines:
- If you need urgent medical help, call Triple zero (000).
- For general inquiries, call our switchboard on (03) 8345 2000. Please note, we can’t give medical advice over the phone.
- If you’re worried about yourself or your baby, or you think you may be in labour, go to the Women’s Emergency Care Department as soon as your symptoms start. Look out for:
- bleeding from your vagina
- fever, chills, or a temperature over 37.8 degrees Celsius
- severe nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and repeated vomiting
- constant headaches that won’t go away
- blurry vision or seeing spots before your eyes
- sharp pains in your belly, with or without bleeding
- pain or burning when you wee
- irregular contractions at any time
- sudden swelling of your face, hands, ankles, or fingers
- constant itchy skin
- contact with someone who has rubella (German measles) or chickenpox
- your waters break or you have a steady flow of clear, watery fluid coming from your vagina
- you’ve had an accident or trauma, like an assault, car accident, or serious fall
- your baby stops moving or you’re concerned your baby is moving much less than usual.
The Women’s Emergency Care department is located on the Lower Ground Floor, near our carpark entrance on Flemington Road.
It’s important for you to feel safe during your pregnancy. If you’re in a relationship, whether at home or at work, where you’re experiencing verbal, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, and/or physical violence, please talk to a health professional. Violence and abuse can have an enormous impact on you, your pregnancy, your baby’s health, and the wellbeing of any other children.
For support and information, talk to your midwife, doctor, or other health professionals, or ask to speak with a social worker.
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple zero (000).
Other services that can help include:
- The Royal Women’s Hospital
The Women's provides support to people who've experienced sexual assault. You can call any time, day or night.- Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA House)
(03) 9635 3610 - For after-hours support, including weekends and public holidays
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
1800 806 292
- Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
1800 015 188
You can call any time, day or night. - inTouch - Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
1800 755 988
You can call Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm - Safe and Equal
Specialist family violence services that provide support to victim-survivors in Victoria
Part 2: Things affecting your pregnancy now
Most people will be tested for gestational diabetes at 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, unless you already have diabetes.
If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, our diabetes educators will help you. They’ll arrange group education sessions, give you equipment to monitor your diabetes, and support you in keeping your glucose levels under control. You’ll also see a dietitian for nutrition advice.
This is a great time to review your diet, nutrition, and weight gain to stay healthy during pregnancy.
For more information, refer to Weeks 16 to 20 or visit our webpages on food and nutrition in pregnancy, and weight and pregnancy.
You had a blood test in early pregnancy to check your blood group and whether you are Rh positive or negative. Most people are Rh positive.
If you’re Rh negative, your healthcare provider will recommend another blood test around 28 weeks and may suggest an Anti-D injection. You need to give your permission for this injection, as explained in last week’s information. You’ll have another blood test and possibly an Anti-D injection at 34 weeks.
Part 3: Things to consider
When getting ready for your hospital stay, think about what you, your baby, and possibly your partner or support person will need.
Our fact sheet, things to bring to hospital provides a list and is available in many languages.
Having someone with you during labour and birth can make a big difference. Research shows that people who have continuous support are more likely to have a vaginal birth, need less medical pain relief, and have a more positive experience.
- Choose your birth support team carefully. This can be your partner, family member, or a friend. Some people choose to have a birth attendant or doula* for their support. Check with your hospital about any limits on the number of support people allowed in the birthing room.
- Look after your health and wellbeing during your pregnancy and as you prepare for the labour.
- Consider practising relaxation techniques, like mindfulness or breathing exercises.
- Learn about the process of birth and what you can do to support your body during labour
* A doula is someone you choose/pay to give you physical and emotional support during labour and birth. They may not be a health professional and are not hospital staff.
- Create and maintain a positive birth space – make it private, safe, and comfortable.
- Understand the birthing person’s birth wishes.
- Recognise that labour and birth are natural, healthy processes.
- Watch their facial expressions and body language and help them to release tension.
- Encourage them to eat and drink. Be aware that their needs may change during labour.
- Provide massages if asked.
- Encourage gentle movement and changes in position.
- Encourage deep, smooth breathing.
- Have heat packs ready.
- Look after yourself - take breaks when needed and eat and drink regularly.
- Take care of practical arrangements, like knowing where the hospital bags are, where to go in the hospital, and making sure the car has enough petrol, or you have transport arranged.
For more information and advice, read our fact sheet, tips for the labour and birth support person.
During your labour and birth, your healthcare team may include several people, depending on you and your baby’s needs.
A midwife is a health professional who supports you throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the first 6 weeks after birth.
You may meet several midwives during your clinic visits. During labour and birth, one or more midwives will assist you, supporting your birth plan and suggesting different ways to manage labour. They also monitor for any potential issues that might occur during your labour.
You may meet a medical doctor during your pregnancy. They may be asked to assess you during labour if any concerns develop. Doctors perform procedures like vacuum births, forceps births, or caesarean sections.
An anaesthetist is a doctor who gives pain relief, such as epidurals, or spinal or general anaesthetics when needed during labour or for a caesarean section.
A paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in the health of babies. They may attend the birth of twins, babies with medical issues, or those who have developed problems during labour.
The Women’s is a teaching hospital where student midwives and medical students come for their practical training. They’re here to learn and improve their skills under the supervision of a qualified midwife or doctor. We’ll always ask for your permission before involving a student in your care.
Having a baby can be a fun time for shopping and preparing. But it can also be challenging to find the right things.
Your baby needs just a few basics: something to wear, a safe place to sleep, and a safe way to travel. Before buying anything, ask yourself - Do you or your baby really need it? And is it safe?
- something to wear - includes nappies, clothing, sheets, blankets, and muslin wraps.
- a safe place to sleep - includes a bassinet or cot.
- a safe way to travel - includes a pram, car seat, or baby carrier.
We all want the best and safest equipment and furniture for our baby, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Whether you’re buying or borrowing, make sure they meet Australian Standards. The Better Health Channel provides a safety guide for baby furniture.
Here are some important things to check when buying or receiving second-hand items:
- make sure the item is complete, not broken or torn, and preferably includes instructions
- ensure it’s clean and free from mould
- check that any paint used is not lead-based
- for a car restraint, confirm it hasn’t been in any accidents
- always buy a new mattress for a second-hand cot. using a mattress from another family increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- ensure baby clothes are barely worn or still have their original tags
- check that zips, fasteners, or buttons on baby clothes are secure and there are no loose seams avoid items with cords or drawstrings around the neck that could be a choking hazard
- avoid items labelled with keep away from fire (printed in red) or low flammability, as they can be a fire risk
- confirm that pre-used toys meet safety standards
- ensure toys are appropriate for your child’s age, especially for babies and toddlers under 3 years. If the box or instructions with this information is missing, look on the manufacturer's website
- ensure any toys with small, detachable parts are securely attached and aren’t a choking hazard
- wash any stuffed toys in hot water to remove germs before giving them to children.
For more information, read the Raising Children Network checklist for new baby equipment.
Now is a great time to look for any safety concerns or issues around your home.
Important things to consider are your baby’s health, safe sleeping, selecting child car restraints and other baby furniture, pets, and general issues around the home. The links below provide more information on these topics.
- The Women’s fact sheets:
- A parent’s guide to the first week of life – explains how to identify if your baby is unwell
- Hot weather and babies
- The Cancer Council provides information on sun protection for babies and toddlers.
- Red Nose has fact sheets on safe sleeping, co-sleeping with your baby, safe wrapping techniques, and tummy time. These fact sheets and more can be downloaded from their website.
- VicRoads provides information on child restraints and car seats.
- Many people carry their baby using a sling, sarong, or baby carrier. For the best advice and recommendations, see Raising Children Network safety guide to baby carriers, slings, and backpacks.
- The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) website provides information on a range of safety topics. A good place to start is Safety: Around the home.
- We Are Family offers advice about baby and pet safety, including preparing your pet for a new baby, safe handling of pets during pregnancy, and managing pets around babies and children. Their key messages are:
- make sure you train your pet well before bringing your baby home
- always supervise or separate your child and pet - never leave them alone together.
Welcoming a new baby into the family can be a big change for everyone, especially for other children. The age of those children can affect how they adjust and express their feelings about the new family member.
Waiting 7 to 8 months for a new sibling can feel like forever to a child. When you tell them about the baby depends on their age.
Here are some ways to help them adjust:
- Talk about their own birth and what you did for them as a baby. Look through baby photos or make a photo book. Let them know you’ll do the same things for the new baby. Let other family members share stories too.
- Read books about becoming an older sibling. Your local library will have many books about new babies and big brothers or sisters.
- Introduce your child to other babies or point them out when you’re out together. Many parents are happy to let kids see their baby.
- Let your child help you get ready for the new baby, like shopping for baby items, setting up the baby’s room, or suggesting names. You’ll make the final decisions, but including them can help make them feel important.
- If possible, arrange fun activities with family or friends before the baby arrives, like a special outing or sleepover. These moment will also be valuable after the baby is born.
For more advice, talk to your Maternal and Child Health nurse, especially about preparing your pre-schooler.
Once your baby arrives, everyone will need time to adjust to the change, including other children. How they react may depend on their age and position in the family.
Here’s how you can help them:
- Before the baby arrived, your child may have been focused on you. Now, they might ignore you or want more attention. Give them time to adjust to the new situation.
- Spend some alone time with your child to reassure them they’re still important.
- Praise your child when they do helpful things, and remind them how lucky the baby is to have a big brother or sister like them.
- Acknowledge their feelings. If they feel frustrated or left out, encourage them to talk about their emotions. This can reduce misbehaviour.
- Keep routines as normal as possible. Sticking to familiar routines and habits can provide comfort and stability.
- Don’t force your child to love the new baby right away. It may take time for them to adjust.
- Whenever possible, if your child is upset, encourage them to talk about their feelings to you or someone they trust.
For more information, read the Raising Children Network resource: New baby: preparing your other children.
At the Women’s, we recognise and value the diversity of all people, regardless of their gender identity. Everyone deserves a safe, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Pregnancy can be a great time to discuss and challenge traditional ideas about gender roles in parenting. This open communication can reduce stress, prevent relationship strain, and limit the risk of violence.
It’s important to understand that the workload in your new family may not always be evenly shared. There may be times when one person has more responsibilities, such as caring for the new baby, dealing with illness, or increased work demands. What matters most is how you support each other during these times.
Identify who else can provide support when needed. Talk with your partner or support network about the kind of help that may be useful.
For more information, visit the Better Health Channel: Pregnancy support - fathers, partners, and carers.
The perineum is the area between the opening of your vagina and your anus. This area stretches during childbirth as your baby’s head is being born. About 8 in 10 people who have a vaginal birth will have some kind of tear in this area. Most tears need stitches but heal well without any problems.
Massaging the perineum regularly in the later stages of your pregnancy (from 34 weeks) can increase blood flow to the area. This helps the skin and tissues get ready for the stretching and widening of the vaginal opening during birth. It also lowers the risk of a serious tear or needing a surgical cut (an episiotomy) during childbirth. Combining perineal massage and pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of significant tearing.
For more information on when and how to perform perineal massage, read the following:
- The Women’s fact sheets
- The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care booklet, perineal tears: how to reduce the risk.
We hope you have found this information helpful.
If you have any health concerns, please talk to one of your health care professionals – midwife, General Practitioner (GP), hospital doctor, etc.
There will be more to read and learn in four weeks. Stay safe and well.