The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) department at the Royal Melbourne Hospital introduces the ‘IBD Pregnancy clinic’.
This multidisciplinary clinic includes an IBDologist (Dr Britt Christensen Head of RMH IBD Unit), Foetal and Maternal Health Obstetrician (Dr Iniyaval Thevathasan from the Royal Women’s hospital), IBD pharmacist, IBD nurse, dietetics and psychology services.
The clinic provides expert care to women and men with IBD through all stages of pregnancy. Patients can continue care with their primary GP, gastroenterologist and obstetrician and all communication will be sent.
IBD patients require expert care to ensure optimal health for mother and baby. Considerations when managing IBD patients during this time including medication safety, preventing and managing flares, counselling and planning regarding delivery mode, managing the nutrition of pregnant women with IBD and vaccination.
The clinic is Thursdays 5:00pm – 7:00pm. It provides pre-conception counselling, education, pregnancy and post-partum monitoring, intestinal and foetal ultrasound examination.
If you have any IBD patients who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, please consider referring.
Referral information:
Fax referral letter to RMH outpatients:
IBD-PREGNANCY CLINIC,
Attention: Dr Britt Christensen
Fax: (03) 9342 4234
Referral criteria:
Female and male patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are (or partners are) pregnant or considering pregnancy. Statewide catchment.
Enquiries: IBD Enquiries Sofia Azim and Kate McKay (IBD nurses)
Email: IBDAdviceLine@mh.org.au
Phone: (03) 93427584
General enquiries:
Gastroenterology unit
Phone: (03) 9342 7470
Email: gastro@mh.org.au
The Royal Melbourne Hospital – Gastroenterology
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Melbourne Health. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
