Pregnancy Education Companion: welcome

The Royal Women’s Hospital acknowledge that the Women’s lies on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation and pay our respects to Elders past and present.   

If you need urgent medical help, call Triple zero (000) 

For general inquiries, you can contact us: 

• By calling (03) 8345 2000. Please note, we can’t give medical advice over the phone. 

• Or visiting the Contact us page on our website. 

If you’re worried about yourself or your baby or think you may be in labour, go to the Women’s Emergency Care Department, located on the lower Ground Floor, 20 Flemington Road Parkville. 

Go to the Women’s Emergency Department if you have: 

• bleeding from your vagina 

• fever, chills or a high temperature (more than 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 less or differently than usual. For more information on baby movements, visit the Safer Baby website. 

We’re here to support you, so feel free to ask questions. We want you to have the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.   

As a patient in hospital, you have the right to receive high-quality and safe care. You and your support person should expect clear and easy-to-understand information about medical issues and treatment options. 
 
Your rights are protected by the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, and it’s important that you understand your options before agreeing to any treatment.   

• You have the right to be involved in your care and make informed decisions about your healthcare. 

• You have the right to seek a second opinion from another doctor. 

• Your doctor must fully explain your medical issue, tests, and treatment options and discuss any concerns you have. 

• You should be given the time to consider your options before giving your permission. This is called ‘informed consent’. 

• You have the right to refuse any treatment or tests offered to you or your baby 

• You can ask for support and help from your support person, family member, or friend. 

If you have any concerns, please raise them with your midwife, healthcare provider, or contact the Women’s Consumer Liaison.   

You can find more information about patient and carer rights in hospital on the Better Health Channel website. 

Please treat our staff with respect. We will not tolerate abusive behaviour, violence, or threats of violence, whether over the phone or in person. 

If someone is aggressive, our staff have the right to end the phone call or report the incident to security services and, if necessary, the police.

Culturally sensitive care 

You have the right to expect culturally sensitive care. The Women’s is committed to providing healthcare that respects cultural differences and is sensitive to diverse backgrounds. 

Do you need an interpreter?  

Let your midwife or health professional know if you need an interpreter. They can usually arrange for a qualified interpreter to help, either in person or by phone.  

Language services 

We provide experienced and qualified interpreters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 80 languages. This includes Amharic, Arabic, Assyrian, Cantonese, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Our interpreters are available in person from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm. For all other times, we provide telephone interpreting. If you need an AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) interpreter, we can arrange face-to-face sessions whenever they’re available. 

Ask your local doctor (GP) to let us know you’ll need an interpreter for your first visit. Or you or your support person can contact us directly. 

Visit the Interpreters page on our website for more information. 

Translated information and fact sheets are available in a number of languages. 

We’ll tailor your care to fit your needs, and make sure you always see the most appropriate health professional. 

If you develop problems during your pregnancy, you might need to see one of our specialist doctors more often. You may also need to have more of your visits in hospital.  

If you need extra care from other health professionals such as a physiotherapist, dietitian, or psychologist, we’ll arrange this for you. 

Options of care

During your first visit to the hospital, the midwife explained the different care options and placed you in one of the following teams. We recommend these teams based on your personal circumstances. Not all models of care will be suitable for every patient. 

Your experience of pregnancy, labour, and birth will depend on many factors and your stage in life. At the Women’s, we aim to provide relevant information and support beyond medical care to everyone birthing with us.  

Visit our Support Services page for see the supports available to you. 

Our services include: 

Women with Individual Needs program (WIN) 

If you have a physical or intellectual disability and would like extra support during pregnancy, our WIN program can help. 

Our specialist team offers personalised care plans, childbirth education, pregnancy care and, if needed, home support for up to 6 weeks after your baby is born. We can also connect you to local community services. 

More information can be found on our website - Women with Individual Needs Clinic or call (03) 8345 2000 and ask to speak with our WIN Clinic Coordinator. 

Baggarrook and Badjurr-Bulok Wilam 

We offer culturally sensitive services and support to you and your family through our Baggarrook and Badjurr-Bulok Wilam teams, if you, your partner, or your baby identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. 

Our Baggarrook team can provide your maternity care. A dedicated midwife, supported by backup Baggarrook midwives, will take care of you during your pregnancy, labour, birth, hospital stay after the birth, and home visit. Our Baggarrook midwives are ‘on call’ and you can contact them with any questions or concerns. 

Our Baggarrook midwives work closely with our Aboriginal Health team from Badjurr-Bulok Wilam to ensure you get the care and support you need. 

Badjurr-Bulok Wilam means home of many women in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri Peoples. This centre provides culturally appropriate support and advocacy services to address your social, emotional, and cultural needs. 

Located on the Ground Floor of the hospital, Badjurr-Bulok Wilam offers a resting place for you and your family. It’s a place to sit and yarn with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officers. 

More information can be found on our website about Baggarrook midwifery care and Badjurr-Bulok Wilam. 

The Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service (WADS) 

Our WADS team provides care and support throughout your pregnancy if you’re dependant on alcohol and drugs. 

They can provide medical care, assessments, counselling, and support to improve the health and wellbeing of you and your baby. 

More information can be found on our website - Women’s Alcohol & Drug Service (WADS). 

Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) 

FARREP provides services for people of all ages who have experienced female genital cutting.  

Our staff are experienced and specially trained female health workers. Each speaks one or more of the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Somali, Tigre and Tigrinya. 

If you’re pregnant and have been affected by genital cutting, it’s important for you to visit the clinic to talk about any possible issues. They can help you access appropriate health information and care. 

Find out more about our Family & Reproductive Rights Education Program on our website.  

The Cornelia Program 

The Cornelia Program provides safety and support if you’re pregnant and experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. It helps you find safe housing, social services, and other health and psychosocial programs. The program guides and supports people in accessing stable, long-term housing. 

To find out more, talk with your social worker, health professional, or call the Cornelia Program team on 03 8345 2000. 

More information can be found on our website - The Cornelia Program 

You’re welcome to bring a support person with you to your pregnancy appointments, during labour, and while giving birth. We encourage their involvement so they can understand the changes you’re experiencing and the care you’re receiving, and so they can provide support during labour and birth. 

Support can come from a partner, family member, friend, disability support worker, or paid birth worker. 

Read our fact sheet on tips for the labour and birth support person. 

If you don’t have a support person and you have a Health Care Card, speak with your midwife about a referral to Birth for Humankind. They may provide someone to support you for the latter part of your pregnancy and birth. You might also consider having a student midwife support your during your pregnancy. Ask your midwife for more information. 

The Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) works to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. It focuses on improving healthcare for babies, their parents, and families and ensures all parents, regardless of their feeding choices or circumstances, gets clear, unbiased information, support, and advice before and after childbirth.  

The Women’s is an accredited BFHI hospital.  

BFHI is part of a global partnership developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1991. In Australia, BFHI is managed by the Australian College of Midwives (ACM). 

For more information visit the BFHI Australia website. 

More information about breastfeeding will be available in the coming weeks. 

Our community changes all the time, and in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic has frequently affected the services we can offer. To keep up-to-date about any changes at the hospital due to COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 Information Hub. 

We aim to give our patients the best possible care at all times. Your feedback helps us improve our services and ensure safe, high-quality care at the Women’s. 

If you have positive feedback, we would love to share it with our dedicated hospital staff so they know their work is appreciated. 

If you have a concern, please tell our hospital staff. Most problems can be resolved immediately. If not, you or your support person can visit our Consumer Liaison on the Ground Floor in the social work office (ask for us at the information desk near the front door). 

You can also contact the Consumer Liaison by phone, email or mail to discuss the complaint process. 

Consumer Liaison         

• Call: (03) 8345 2290 or (03) 8345 2291 

• Email: consumer.liaison@thewomens.org.au 

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm 

You can contact the Consumer Liaison while you’re in hospital or when you go home. If you need an interpreter, please let us know so we can organise one for you.   

Healthy eating for you and your baby 

Eating well during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. You’ll need more nutrients, but not necessarily more calories. Focus on the quality and variety of foods you eat rather than increasing the amount you eat. 

Eating regular, balanced meals with a range of healthy foods helps you and your baby get the nutrients needed to stay healthy and grow well.  

But sometimes it can be hard to get all the nutrients you need from your diet alone. In this case, you might need to take supplements. You can discuss this with your doctor, dietitian, or pharmacist. 

A vegetarian diet can be very healthy if you make sure to replace animal products properly. If you don’t eat any animal products and follow a vegan diet, you’ll need a vitamin B12 supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 is important for your baby’s brain development.  

Read our fact sheets for more information on healthy eating: 

1. healthy eating in pregnancy 

2. healthy eating in pregnancy for vegetarians and vegans 

3. healthy eating when you’re pregnant with twins 

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy 

People gain different amounts of weight during pregnancy. But it averages from 11.5 to 16 kilograms. How much you gain may depend on your pre-pregnant weight. If you were underweight at the start of your pregnancy, you might gain a little more than average. If you were overweight, you may aim to gain less. 

However, going on a strict diet is not recommended when you’re pregnant. 

You can discuss food, diet, nutrition, supplements, and weight with your health professional. You can also ask to speak with a dietitian. Dietitians are nutrition experts and can give you advice about your diet. You can ask to see a dietitian at any time during your pregnancy. 

Read our fact sheet on weight gain during pregnancy.  

Food safety and hygiene 

Some germs (bacteria and parasites) can cause food poisoning and cause problems during pregnancy.  

These infections are extremely rare but can harm your developing baby. You can reduce this risk by keeping things clean, handling food safely, and avoiding high-risk foods. 

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a tiny parasite found in raw meat and in cat poo (faeces). Anyone can get infected, but it’s most serious during pregnancy because the parasite can be passed on to your baby.  

To reduce the chance of infection: 

• wash your hands well after handling pets or gardening 

• wash fruit and vegetables carefully 

• cook meat thoroughly 

• avoid contact with cat poo and wear gloves to dispose of cat litter. 

For more information about toxoplasmosis visit the Better Health Channel website.   

Listeria bacteria can contaminate food and cause infection. Although rare, a listeria infection is very dangerous for you and your baby, as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. 

Newborn babies infected with listeria can become very ill with meningitis, blood poisoning, or other infections. 

To prevent listeria infection: 

• wash your hands, cooking utensils, and chopping boards thoroughly 

• wash raw vegetables and fruit thoroughly 

• avoid high-risk foods like:  

• soft cheeses - ricotta, camembert, brie, blue cheese, and feta 

• cold, cooked chicken 

• cold, sliced meats 

• pate 

• uncooked or smoked seafood 

• pre-prepared salads 

• soft-serve ice-cream 

• refrigerate leftover food as soon as it’s stopped steaming. When reheating food, make sure it’s steaming hot, as heat kills listeria. 

Read our fact sheet food safety during pregnancy for more information.  

Caffeine 

Too much caffeine may increase the chance of miscarriage, or your baby being born with a low birth weight. You should limit caffeine to 200mg per day. That's about: 

4. 1 to 2 cups of espresso coffee 

5. 2 to 3 cups of instant coffee 

6. 3 to 5 cups of tea (depending on strength), hot chocolate, or cola drinks. 

Energy drinks like Red Bull and V contain high levels of caffeine or guarana (another source of caffeine). It's best to avoid these drinks when you're pregnant. 

Smoking and vaping 

A smoke-free environment is best for both you and your baby during and after pregnancy.   

To protect your baby’s health, you and your partner (if you have one) should quit smoking or vaping or at least cut back significantly during pregnancy. Also make sure no one, including family or friends, smokes around you, in your home, or in your car.  

It’s never too late to quit smoking or vaping in pregnancy. You and your baby will immediately feel the benefits.   

Smoking while pregnant increases the risk of: 

• stillbirths and miscarriages 

• your baby being born too early (before 37 weeks), with a low birthweight, and breathing problems 

• infections and long-term health problems. 

Smoking during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome or cot death).  

When you take your baby home, it’s important to avoid smoking anywhere near them, including in the house or car.  

As soon as you think you might be pregnant, ask for advice and support for you and/or your partner to stop smoking. You can get free information, advice, and support from trained Quitline counsellors, or talk to your midwife and doctor.  

For more information, check out these resources:     

7. Quit smoking and vaping - Quit  
   Tel: 137 848 

8. Quitting smoking can help your baby  - Red Nose Australia 

9. Red Nose six safe sleep recommendations - Red Nose Australia 

10. Quit smoking for baby - Safer Baby  

Medicines, drugs, and alcohol 

Some medicines aren’t safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This includes prescription medicines, herbal medicines or supplements, and over-the-counter medicines from the pharmacy or supermarket. 

Remember to: 

• tell your doctor, nurse or midwife about all the medicines you’re taking, including those from your pharmacy, supermarket, or health food store 

• let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding before they prescribe medicines   

• tell the pharmacist if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding before buying any medicines. 

For more information, you can call the Women’s Medicines Information Service on (03) 8345 3190, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm (except public holidays), or email drug.information@thewomens.org.au. 

You can also read our facts sheets: 

11. herbal medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding 

12. medicines and breastfeeding 

13. medicines in pregnancy  

Complementary and alternative medicines 

Complementary and alternative medicines include a variety of treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathy, herbal medicines, homeopathic remedies, and nutritional supplements.    

Some of these treatments may not be safe during pregnancy, and some can harm your baby. If you’re thinking about using any of these treatments, please talk to your doctor, nurse, midwife, or pharmacist for more information.  

You can also call the Women’s Medicines Information Service on (03) 8345 3190, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm, (except public holidays), or email drug.information@thewomens.org.au. 

And read our facts sheets: 

14. herbal medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding 

15. medicines and breastfeeding 

16. medicines in pregnancy  

Alcohol in pregnancy 

We don’t know how much alcohol is safe in pregnancy or when you’re breastfeeding. The safest approach is to not drink alcohol. 

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy raises the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, and baby’s being born too early (before 37 weeks). It can also cause babies to have low birth weights, be sicker at birth, be unsettled, irritable, and have sleep problems.  

Read our fact sheet to learn more about alcohol in pregnancy.  

Tell us about your drug and alcohol use 

If you’re pregnant and using alcohol or other drugs, getting early pregnancy care is important for your baby’s health. 

Your midwife or doctor can help you safely reduce and stop your substance use. The Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service gives confidential information, support, advice, pregnancy care, and counselling to people with alcohol and drug issues. 

Learn more about drug and alcohol use in pregnancy. 

Help and support for an unexpected pregnancy 

Unplanned pregnancies are common. 

Everyone’s situation is different when they find out they’re pregnant. It’s normal to feel both scared and excited about the news. Good support and information can help you make decisions about your unexpected pregnancy. 

There are many services available to offer support and accurate information. 

• The Women’s Abortion and Contraception Service 
  Provides medical and surgical abortion, pregnancy options counselling, and contraception counselling and services to eligible people. You need a referral from your doctor to use this service. 

• 1800 My Options     
  Provides information about pregnancy options, contraception, and sexual health. 
  1800 696 784  
  You can call Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (except public holidays)  

• Pregnancy Help Australia 
  Provides free, confidential support 
  1300 139 313 
  You can call any day of the week between 8am and 10pm 

• Women's Life Centre  
  Provides free, confidential support in Melbourne. 
  Call 0435 306 355 for an appointment. 

The Women’s fact sheets 

We have many fact sheets on health topics such as pregnancy, labour, and birth. 

You can find them in the fact sheet section of our website. Many are available in different languages.