High Risk Clinic @ Women's & Children's Hospital

[Tiffany R]

I was wondering if anyone has been through the high risk clinic at the Women's & Children's Hospital?

My first pregnancy ended very badly with my twins both dying and myself nearly dying when I suffered a ruptured liver caused by HELLP syndrome. I have since been told that in any subsequent pregnancies I would need to be cared for at the high risk clinic at the Women's & Children's Hospital.

I am lead to believe that as a public patient even though you are considered high risk you still don't see the same obstetrician for each appointment. Is this the case? In my first pregnancy I was booked into Mt Barker Hospital which is public but was seen by a private obstetrician who's only charge was a very small gap for each visit which was great. I have also heard that when seen in the high risk clinic you are looked after by a team of doctors. ???

I would love to hear from anyone who has had experience with this.

Tiffany.

[JenNT]

Hi Tiffany, Sorry to hear about the bad experience and trauma you have experienced, i wish you all the best in future pregnancies.

I have been a high risk patient in each of my 3 pregnancies. I attend fortnightly appointments instead of monthly,and weekly instead of fortnightly, heaps of blood tests and scans,and yes that is correct about being a public patient- you see whichever specialist is on for the day. This might sound daunting but there is not one doctor at our hospital that doesn't know my history. They also have to seek opinions from 3 other doctors before a decision can be made regarding treatment. I hope this relaxes you a bit in the knowledge that you will be well cared for.
All the best, cheers Jen

[TeeJay]

Hi Tiffany, this is also my understanding. I'm currently 15 weeks pregnant and had my second antenatal appointment with a doctor at the WCH yesterday. I had originally opted to go through their midwives clinic however had to see a doctor yesterday due to a blood clotting disorder (factor 5 gene) and history of miscarriages that i've had.

The doctor I saw recommended that while I might not necessarily be deemed as high risk, i'm not low risk either and therefore would be better looked after by the doctors clinic. I too was reluctant about the idea of seeing different doctors each time however I guess given my past history I can't help but trust his recommendation.

I'm a bit concerned about the whole thing but just need the reassurance that my baby is in the best possible care. I guess there was something really comforting to me about seeing the same midwife each visit but it wasn't meant to be.

I hope all goes well with your future pregnancies.

[Tiffany R]

Thanks for your responses.

I have just been to see my GP this morning who has confirmed I am pregnant again. She seems to think the OB that delivered my twins may even ask to care for me during this pregnancy and is going to contact him and ask for me to be seen in his clinic as a public patient or at least for him to be a part of the High Risk Clinic team. He was lovely at the time the twins were born, visiting me in hospital and keeping in contact with my liver specialist about my care.

Fingers crossed!

[jaicobaby07]

[
TeeJay and Tiffany: I couldn't help but notice ur postings and I just wanted to say that there is always a way of having the best of both worlds, peace of mind that you are receiving the best care for you and your baby and also continuity of care throughout your pregnancy.

Are either of you familiar with student midwives? We are able to offer constant support throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. The university offers a follow-through program that allows us to learn how to be successful midwives, while giving extra support and encouragement to women. Regardless of risk, all women should be entitled to continuity of care and a familiar face to be reassured by.

If either of you would like to know more about this process. please do not hesitate to PM me, I am happy to email you a brochure or answer any questions.

Take care

Kim


QUOTE=TeeJay;31011]Hi Tiffany, this is also my understanding. I'm currently 15 weeks pregnant and had my second antenatal appointment with a doctor at the WCH yesterday. I had originally opted to go through their midwives clinic however had to see a doctor yesterday due to a blood clotting disorder (factor 5 gene) and history of miscarriages that i've had.

The doctor I saw recommended that while I might not necessarily be deemed as high risk, i'm not low risk either and therefore would be better looked after by the doctors clinic. I too was reluctant about the idea of seeing different doctors each time however I guess given my past history I can't help but trust his recommendation.

I'm a bit concerned about the whole thing but just need the reassurance that my baby is in the best possible care. I guess there was something really comforting to me about seeing the same midwife each visit but it wasn't meant to be.

I hope all goes well with your future pregnancies.[/QUOTE]

[KerriO]

HI I went through the high risk clinic at the wch for my second preg, as I developed hellps and pre eclamsia and delivered at 27.6wks with my first bub.
I went in f/n and had scans and blood test each time I was also on a research program.
I saw 3 different doctors for all of my visits and thought that that wasn't too bad odds it could have been worse. i however was admitted by a doctor I was not happy with and went along with what he said even though I did not like his treatment I now know that I should have stood up for myself and asked for a second opinion. But really in the end I was able to deliver at 37.5wks and have a happy healthy bub with me as soon as I could and I was healthy this time my self so it was a good experience in the end.