What is an Obstetric Medicine Physician?
An Obstetric Medicine Physician is an internal medicine specialist who is trained in caring for women who have pre-existing medical disorders, or develop new ones during pregnancy. They specialise in preventing, managing complex maternal health problems that increase the risks of pregnancy.
A/Prof Helen Barrett can give advice when you are planning a pregnancy in a preconception counselling session, or care for you as part of your team when you are pregnant.
What conditions does an Obstetric Medicine Physician treat?
Ask your doctor for a referral if you are pregnant, or would like to fall pregnant and have:
- A history of preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome or other complications in your previous pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Hyperemesis/excessive vomiting
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease or other endocrine disorders, e.g. PCOS, pituitary or adrenal conditions
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis
- Cardiac – such as heart valve or rhythm problems, previous heart surgery
- Lung conditions such as asthma, sleep apnoea
- A history of thrombosis such as pulmonary embolus or deep vein thrombosis
- Bowl and liver problems including previous bariatric surgery, liver conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis
- Kidney conditions such as a previous transplant, glomerulonephritis, recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney stones or other chronic kidney disease
This list of conditions does not cover every condition we can help you manage, so please contact us to enquire.