Maternal medicine clinic

Introduction

Maternal medical disease is one of the most important challenges in modern obstetrics. The frequency of women entering pregnancy with significant medical problems has been increasing steadily due to the better reproductive outcomes for women with chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, cancer and transplant recipients. In addition, many women are deferring their child-bearing until the later years, increasing the frequency of age-related health conditions during pregnancy, such as diabetes and hypertension. Increasing rates of obesity are also contributing to the health risks of many pregnant women.

"Specialist care for pregnant women with major health problems is only going to become more important in the future," says Professor Sue Walker. "Our success in saving the lives of children and young women with childhood diseases has now translated into a new challenge of ensuring that these women can achieve their dreams of safe motherhood."

"Older mothers are more likely to have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or even a history of cancer,” adds Dr Kathy Paizis. “Pregnancy for these women can pose significant challenges for both mother and baby which are best met with a comprehensive multidisciplinary team." 

Our service

We see women with a wide range of medical conditions, including renal disease, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, organ transplant recipients and mental health conditions.  We provide an integrated ultrasound and fetal assessment service within the clinic.  We also have an obstetric anaesthetist to provide individualised advice on pain relief and anaesthesia during childbirth.

We also welcome referrals of women with chronic medical conditions who are planning pregnancy, so that we can help them start pregnancy in the best possible health on the safest medication regime.

For clinicians - who can be referred?

We accept referrals of pregnant women or women planning pregnancy with significant medical conditions including: chronic renal insufficiency, autoimmune/connective tissue disorder, chronic hypertension, solid organ transplantation, major neurological, liver and respiratory disease, long term treatment on known teratogenic medication (eg warfarin, ACE-inhibitors, cytotoxics). Women with cardiac disease can be referred to the Maternal Cardiology clinic, which runs on alternate Monday mornings.