The Social Work Unit is staffed by social workers, a welfare worker and an Aboriginal and Islander liaison officer who work as part of the team providing support services to Women's and Children's Institute patients and their families.
Social Work staff provides information, counselling and referrals and can be seen for one-off appointments or throughout pregnancy and following childbirth. Appointments can be made either by telephoning direct or asking Clinic or Ward Staff to arrange contact. General Practitioners may also refer you to the service.
The Aboriginal and Islander liaison officer is available to provide cultural support to all indigenous families. The officer works closely with other social work staff regarding cultural needs and to ensure appropriate responses from hospital staff.
Reasons for accessing the Social Work Department could include:
• problems in pregnancy
• depression/postnatal depression
• to obtain information or access to community agencies
• adoption
• domestic violence
• drug and alcohol use
• disabilities
• loss of a baby
• emergency presentations to hospital
• premature birth
• multiple births
• being away from family and friendship supports for medical treatment.
• Assistance with family problems, accessing other agencies within and outside the hospital.
• Referral to agencies for issues such as housing, income support or emergency child care.
Telephone Contact Details: 4796 2152 or 4796 2170
Your baby’s blood type is jointly inherited from you and your baby’s father. For this reason, you and your baby may have different blood types. This is normal and usually not a problem. In some cases however, these differences can be very important. The midwife will give you detailed information if you have a negative blood group.
During pregnancy and labour, a small amount of your baby’s blood can be transferred to your blood stream. If your baby’s blood type is Rh positive, your immune system will produce antibodies.
Because of the potential for serious complications, prevention of the problem is the key. Anti D is an injection that is given before the mother’s immune system has a chance to establish its own antibodies. (sensitising).
To prevent sensitising and protect your baby, you will be offered an Anti-D injection during your pregnancy at 28 weeks and 34 weeks. You may also need Anti-D after the birth if your baby’s blood type is Rh positive.
If you have any vaginal bleeding or uterine pain during your pregnancy please contact your doctor promptly.
Your doctor and/or midwife will give you more information and answer questions at your hospital visits.
Medical Tests
The following ROUTINE tests are performed during your pregnancy, with your consent.
| Test | Why |
|---|---|
| Blood Group | To ascertain blood group and Rhesus type |
| Antibody Screen | To Check for substances in your blood which may cause complications in your pregnancy - e.g. Rh antibodies |
| Full Blood Count | To exclude any anaemia |
| Rubella | To check your immunity to rubella (German measles) |
| Syphilis | To exclude infection |
| Hepatitis B | To exclude Infection |
| Urea, creatinine, Uric Acid | A check on your kidney function |
| Mid-stream urine | To exclude urinary infection |
| Pap Smear | To detect changes in the cells of the cervix |
| Chlamydia Swab | To exclude infection (if necessary) |
| Cervical Swab | To exclude infection (if necessary) |
| HIV Test | Screen for HIV infection |
| Random Blood Glucose | To check for blood glucose level |
| Ultrasound | To check size of baby and (ideally at 18 weeks) confirm dates, position of placenta and to exclude any abnormalities |
| Test | Why |
|---|---|
| Full Blood Count | To exclude any anaemia |
| Antibody Screen (If Rh negative) | To Check for substances in your blood which may cause complications in your pregnancy - e.g. Rh antibodies |
| Syphilis (if previously positive result) | To exclude infection |
| Glucose challenge Test | To exclude diabetes. this test takes 1 hour to complete. |
| Test | Why |
|---|---|
| Full blood count | To exclude any anaemia |
| Antibody Screen (if Rh negative) | To Check for substances in your blood which may cause complications in your pregnancy - e.g. Rh antibodies |
| Syphilis | To exclude infection |
If you wish to discuss these tests please speak with the doctor/ midwife at your next visit. These tests are recommended routine pregnancy screening tests by both the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College or Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
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