FAQs

You will receive three accounts during your pregnancy care with Dr John Negri:

• one after your first visit and scan
• one after your 20 week visit
• one after your 30 week visit
• one after your 6 week post-birth appointment

Medicare will rebate some costs, but there is an out-of-pocket component.

All other antenatal visits (outpatient and inpatient), ultrasound scans performed by Dr Negri at EMOG, and the delivery fee are billed directly to Medicare and your private health fund.

Please note, there is an additional out-of-pocket gap fee for patients who deliver as private patients in public at the Royal Women’s Hospital.

You can get information about our service costs by calling us on 9416 1205.

Yes, Dr Negri is allowed to book his patients to deliver at the Royal Women’s Hospital under his private care if you live within the zone that normally delivers at the Royal Women’s.

You will have the same care for the same costs as private patients (see above).

We (usually) schedule antenatal visits as follows:

• first visit between 8–10 weeks gestation
• every 4 weeks until 28 weeks gestation
• every 2 weeks until 36 weeks gestation
• every week until delivery
• postnatal visit at 6-8 weeks after delivery.

You are welcome to make additional appointments if you have any concerns. You are able to contact us during business hours for any questions that cannot wait until your next appointment. We also have a call service in place for out-of-hours emergencies where your obstetrician or their covering doctor will be able to attend.

We conduct the following tests during your first visit:

• Antenatal screening blood tests (full blood count (FBC), blood group and antibodies, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, rubella and HIV) as currently recommended
• Thyroid function testing, ferritin (blood iron level), vitamin D, varicella immunity (chicken pox), parvo virus (slapped cheek)
• Urine test (to check for infection)
• Pap smear (if not performed within last 2 years)
• Dating ultrasound scan
• Fetal genetic screening is arranged (Down syndrome and Carrier screening).

We conduct the following tests at 20–22 weeks:

• An ultrasound scan of the baby to check its growth, to look for any abnormalities of its development and to identify the placental position.
• Fetal anatomy ultrasound (20 week scan).

We conduct the following tests at 26–28 weeks:

• Gestational diabetes screening
• FBC and blood group /antibodies.
• Iron and Vitamin D levels

We conduct the following tests at 36 weeks:

• FBC and blood group /antibodies
• Screening for group B strep by vaginal swab.

We conduct the following investigations and interventions as necessary:

• Down syndrome screening – you can find more information about Down syndrome here (link)
• Anti D immunoglobulin at 26 weeks and 34 weeks for women with a negative blood group
• Other tests, based on your circumstances.

• A dating scan is performed at your first visit with Dr Negri
• A first trimester scan at 12-14 weeks
• A second trimester scan at 20-22 weeks.

Dr Negri will perform all additional scans during your pregnancy at appropriate times for growth and fetal welfare assessment.

The current recommendations are that all women who are planning to become pregnant should take 0.5mg of folate daily for at least a month before falling pregnant and continue this for at least the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.

If you were not already taking folic acid before you became pregnant, you should start as soon as possible.

Foods such as unpasteurised cheeses, unwashed vegetables, processed meats (unless cooked) and raw or smoked seafood may rarely contain the bacteria listeria.

Reheated food should be reheated to boiling point.

Coffee and tea can be taken in small amounts during pregnancy.

It appears one cup of coffee a day poses no significant risk to pregnancy. Click Here for more information.

Exercise during pregnancy is beneficial and encouraged. Most women can safely maintain their pre-pregnancy level of exercise, although they may tire more easily.

Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day during pregnancy.

Women with complicated pregnancies or a serious medical condition, or those who exercise at the elite athlete level, may need to modify their program.

As a general rule, contact sports are best avoided. Click Here for more information.

There are a range of pregnancy-specific exercise programs available – e.g. Preggi Bellies, Aquamums, and Pilates and Yoga classes. Click Here for more information.

Travel and flying in pregnancy are generally safe and not restricted for medical reasons at any gestation.

However, when planning holidays we suggest you check with your airline for any restrictions they impose on flying before you book.

There may be additional precautions according to your circumstances that you should discuss with your obstetrician. Click Here for more information.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that can be excreted in cat faeces and is potentially harmful in pregnancy.

To reduce the risks of infection, avoid handling cat litter during pregnancy or use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

You should also use gloves while gardening and wash your hands thoroughly when you’re finished. Raw meat can also contain the toxoplasmosis parasite and should be avoided.