Pregnancy is one of the most significant and transformative experiences in a person's life, and no two pregnancies are exactly the same. Having an obstetrician who knows you, listens carefully, and guides you through each stage with expertise and warmth can make all the difference. Dr Mandana Master provides comprehensive obstetric care from your earliest appointments through to birth and beyond, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and well cared for at every step.
The first trimester is a time of rapid change and, for many women, a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Early pregnancy care focuses on confirming and dating your pregnancy, completing recommended screening tests, and giving you the practical guidance you need to support a healthy pregnancy from the outset.
Screening tests are offered at key stages of pregnancy to assess your baby’s development and identify any conditions that benefit from early detection. They carry no risk to you or your baby. Key tests include:
(week 8-12) – confirms your due date and checks early development
(from week 10) – a blood test to more conclusively determine the risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome
(weeks 13 and 20) – a detailed scan of your baby’s growth, organ development, and placental position
What you eat and how you look after yourself during pregnancy can meaningfully support your baby’s development and your own wellbeing. Folate and iodine supplements are recommended throughout pregnancy, iron levels are monitored regularly, and certain foods including raw meats, unpasteurised dairy, deli meats, and high-mercury fish should be avoided. There is no established safe level of alcohol in pregnancy.
Many pregnancies proceed without significant problems, but being informed about common complications means you’re better placed to seek help quickly if something doesn’t feel right.
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. This devastating event occurs in approximately one in five known pregnancies, most often in the first trimester, and in most cases has no identifiable preventable cause. Symptoms include bleeding, cramping, and lower abdominal pain. Dr Mandana provides compassionate support through pregnancy loss, including investigation of recurrent miscarriage where this is a concern.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. It requires prompt treatment as it can cause serious complications if the affected tube ruptures. Warning signs include one-sided pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder tip pain.
Gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise above normal during pregnancy and is one of the most common pregnancy complications. It is managed with dietary changes, blood glucose monitoring, and sometimes medication or insulin. When well managed, most women go on to have a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Preeclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and signs of organ involvement developing from 20 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms include severe headache, visual disturbances, upper abdominal pain, and sudden swelling of the face, feet, or hands. Regular blood pressure monitoring throughout pregnancy is key to early detection.
Labour before 37 weeks is considered preterm. Signs include regular contractions, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or a change in vaginal discharge. Prompt specialist attention is important, as treatment may help slow contractions and allow additional time to support your baby’s development before birth.
As your due date approaches, the focus shifts toward planning for birth and feeling prepared for what lies ahead.
A birth plan helps you think through and communicate your preferences for labour, including pain relief, who you’d like present in the birthing room, and your expectations for the time immediately after birth. Dr Mandana will discuss your preferences in the weeks before your due date, helping you feel ready while remaining flexible, since labour doesn’t always follow a predictable course.
Choosing the right specialist to look after you during pregnancy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your growing baby. Get in touch with Dr Mandana Master at Embrace Fertility today to arrange a consultation.
