A-Z fact sheets

Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis) happens when the long muscles in your abdomen stretch and move apart during pregnancy.

This Easy English guide explains what to expect when you come to the Women’s for day surgery.

Active birth means staying upright, moving and trying different positions during labour and birth. It can help you manage contractions, support your baby’s position and help labour progress.

Advance care planning helps make sure your treatment preferences are known and followed if you become too unwell to speak for yourself.

After a miscarriage you may have a number of questions. This information answers some commonly asked questions and provides contact details for some support services

Moving after surgery can lower your risk of chest infections and blood clots. Learn simple steps to support your recovery.

No amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy. Learn about alcohol use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and ways to reduce harm.

Using amphetamines (ice, speed, ecstasy) during pregnancy can affect your health and your baby’s growth and development. Learn about the risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Antenatal expressing is when you express milk while you’re pregnant. Learn how and why to express breastmilk during pregnancy and whether antenatal expressing may be right for you.

This fact sheet is for patients who are receiving antibiotics during their hospital stay.

Learn about apnoea and bradycardia, a common pattern of breathing seen in very premature infants.

Learn ways to support your baby’s development and respond to their changing needs as they grow and become more alert.

Learn how to prevent constipation and avoid straining while recovering from vaginal repair surgery.

This fact sheet provides basic information about Awake Day Procedures at the Women’s. It explains what same‑day procedures are, how to get ready, what to expect on the day, and the support we provide throughout your care.

This brochure provides basic information about Awake Day Procedures at the Women’s. It explains how to get ready, what conditions we can treat, and what will happen during the procedure and afterwards.

Massage for premature babies can support weight gain, improve circulation, and help relaxation and sleep. It also helps your baby respond positively to touch and supports bonding with you.

Baggarrook means ‘woman’ in the Aboriginal Woiwurrung language. Our Baggarrook midwives provide maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

A balloon catheter gently helps prepare your cervix for induction of labour. Learn what to expect, how to manage it at home, and when to get help.

Benzos, bennies or benzodiazepines are minor tranquillisers that slow brain activity and affect mood, thinking, and physical response. Common types include diazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, and clonazepam.

This booklet supports the Women’s online childbirth education program. It expands on the videos and links you to extra resources.

Bladder training helps restore normal bladder function and can reduce bladder problems.

Breast and nipple thrush can be painful. You can get help so you can keep breastfeeding.

Your specialist at the Breast Clinic has arranged tests to check changes in your breast. This fact sheet explains breast biopsy tests for lumps or other changes.

Your breasts change a lot. This information explains why your breasts change and what changes are common.

This fact sheet explains open biopsy procedures used to investigate breast changes and why they are needed.

Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous breast lumps that can vary in size. This fact sheet explains how they are diagnosed and treated.

You have been referred to the Royal Women’s Hospital Breast Clinic for assessment. This fact sheet explains what to expect at your visit.

A breast cyst is a fluid-filled lump. This explains how cysts are diagnosed and treated.

You might be able to breastfeed even if you have had breast surgery, treatment or a procedure involving your breast. We explain how surgery may affect feeding and what steps you can take to support your milk supply.

This fact sheet is for people who are breastfeeding and using a supply line to give their baby extra milk. It will also help people considering using a supply line.

Find all our English fact sheets on breastfeeding here.

Find all our translated fact sheets on breastfeeding here.

This fact sheet gives you tips on how to establish good breastfeeding practices in the days after your baby is born and beyond.

Nipple shields are thin silicone covers that can be placed over the nipple to assist with breastfeeding.

This fact sheet explains nipple vasospasm and how to manage pain and symptoms. Support services are listed if needed.

This booklet helps new parents start breastfeeding and how to avoid common problems when breastfeeding your baby.

Your specialist at the Breast Clinic has arranged breast imaging tests such as ultrasound or mammogram to check breast changes. This fact sheet explains these tests.

Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma or BIA-ALCL is a rare form of cancer linked to some breast implants. This fact sheet answers common questions.

A breastmilk fortifier adds extra nutrients to breastmilk for babies born very early or underweight. These nutrients can be added to your breastmilk in a powder form called human milk fortifier (HMF).

This fact sheet explains recovery in the first days after breast plastic surgery. It's for people who have had breast surgery to rebuild or improve the balance between their breasts.

This fact sheet explains how to care for yourself after your breast implant has been exchanged.

This fact sheet explains liposuction or fat grafting after breast reconstruction and what to expect.

This fact sheet explains nipple and areola reconstruction after breast reconstruction.

This fact sheet outlines surgical options that can improve breast symmetry after breast reconstruction.

This fact sheet explains what to expect after a total mastectomy and insertion of a tissue expander (plastics) as well as after surgery care.

This fact sheet explains breast reconstruction using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and what to expect before and after surgery.

This fact sheet explains breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and what to expect before and after surgery.

This fact sheet explains breast reconstruction using a transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap and what to expect before and after surgery.

Breast soreness is very common and affects many people at some stage of life.

This fact sheet explains early recovery after breast surgery.

This fact sheet has general instructions for recovery after a total mastectomy

Buprenorphine is used to treat addiction to heroin, morphine, pethidine, codeine or oxycodone. During pregnancy, a stable daily dose supports your health and your baby’s health.

Find all our English fact sheets on caesarean births here.

This fact sheet explains what to expect before, during and after a caesarean birth.

Cannabis (marijuana, weed, dope) is a depressant and slows the messages between your brain and body. Using it in pregnancy can harm your baby. The more you use, the greater the risk.

If you go home from the Women’s with a catheter, this fact sheet provides information to help you avoid getting an infection.

Most babies turn head-down before birth. But if your baby is bottom-down (breech), our doctors and midwives can help turn them.

Chlorhexidine Pre-Op wash is an antiseptic body wash used to clean and disinfect your skin before surgery.

Smoking in pregnancy increases risks like miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight. It can also affect your child’s long-term health.

This fact sheet is for patients of the Royal Women’s Hospital who have been advised to use clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) to help empty their bladder.

A colposcopy closely examines your cervix after an abnormal screening result. It helps your doctor decide if you need treatment.

Condoms and diaphragms are contraceptive options that help prevent unplanned pregnancy. This fact sheet explains how each works and their pros and cons.

A cone biopsy is a minor operation that removes a small, cone-shaped piece of tissue from your cervix for testing.

This information is for people at high risk of ovarian cancer. It explains the surgery called Risk-Reducing Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO).

If you do not want to conceive again soon after a pregnancy, or your doctor has advised you to delay your next pregnancy for medical reasons, it’s important to choose an effective method of contraception.

Drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to make decisions about contraception. If you don’t want to get pregnant, you need to use contraception.

Find all our English fact sheets on contraception here.

Find all our translated fact sheets on contraception here.

If you don’t want to become pregnant, you need contraception. Learn about the different options available.

The contraceptive pill helps prevent pregnancy. Learn about the two main types and how they work.

Pregnancy can cause common discomforts. Learn simple ways to manage symptoms and when to seek advice.

Learn the difference between donating cord blood and private storage, and what happens if you choose to donate.

A birth plan outlines your preferences for labour and birth. It guides your care team but can change if needed for safety.

If you had a curette after a miscarriage at the Women's, this information gives you advice for recovering at home.

If you had a cystoscopy at the Women's, this fact sheet explains what to expect after your procedure and gives advice on how to care for yourself at home.

A cystoscopy uses a small camera to look inside your bladder through the urethra to check for problems.

This information answers general questions about day surgery.

Recovering from your vulvar surgery will take some time. This fact sheets explains how to care for yourself at home while you recover.

This information is for people who have been told they may have been exposed to DES (di-ethyl-stilboestrol or stilboestrol). It explains why specialist care and regular health checks are important.

This fact sheet explains possible gynaecological changes in people whose mothers took DES (di-ethyl-stilboestrol or stilboestrol) during pregnancy.

This fact sheet explains the health effects of DES (di-ethyl-stilboestrol or stilboestrol) exposure and the regular checks needed to monitor your health.

This fact sheet explains some of the health issues that DES (di-ethyl-stilboestrol or stilboestrol) exposed people over forty or approaching menopause need to consider.

This drink helps keep you nourished and hydrated before surgery.

We explain how diabetes can affect surgery and how we support you to reduce risks and stay safe.

This fact sheet explains how domperidone may help increase breast milk supply and how it is used.

This heading groups together all fact sheets covering the use of recreational drugs and alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Here you will find all of our fact sheets on topics related to early infant development

Listed here are all early infant development fact sheets in languages other than English.

Learn how to support your baby’s early development at home after you leave hospital.

We explain what to arrange and what to expect before your first antenatal appointment at the Women's.

Learn how to support your health before you get pregnant, and in the early weeks, to encourage a healthy pregnancy.

Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraception failure, like missed pills or a broken condom.

You can get emergency contraception from a pharmacy at any age. The pharmacist will ask a few questions to check it’s right for you. This fact sheet explains what they can and can't ask you.

After birth, you may have trouble emptying your bladder. If urine builds up, it’s called urinary retention. This fact sheet explains how to prevent it and keep your bladder healthy.

This fact sheet explains what endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) is, its symptoms, and treatment options.

This fact sheet explains how a hormone intrauterine device (IUD) may be used to treat endometrial atypical hyperplasia.

This fact sheet is for anyone diagnosed with or concerned about endometrial cancer. It explains what it is, common symptoms and ways to treat it.

This fact sheet explains how healthy eating and physical activity support recovery and long-term health after endometrial cancer.

This fact sheet explains how a hormone intrauterine device (IUD) may be used as a treatment option for early endometrial cancer.

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects about 1 in 10 girls, women, and gender diverse people.

This fact sheet explains the treatment options for endometriosis.

Laparoscopy is keyhole surgery that uses small incisions to look inside your abdomen or pelvis. This fact sheet explains how it’s used to diagnose and treat endometriosis.

This fact sheet will give you important information about the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program.

An epidural is a type of pain relief that makes labour less painful.

This fact sheet outlines the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, with examples of safe activities and tips to help you stay safe.

Preeclampsia is an illness that occurs during or immediately after pregnancy. It can affect both you and your baby.

Expressing breastmilk means using your hands or a breast pump to get milk from your breasts. This fact sheet explains why you might express milk and how to do it for full-term, sick, or premature babies.

This fact sheet is for anyone diagnosed with or concerned about fallopian tube cancer. It explains what it is, common symptoms, and ways to treat it

This information explains how family violence can affect your health. It also tells you how to get help - where to go, who to talk to, and what to expect when you talk to a health worker about your situation.

The African Women’s Clinic is run by nurses/midwives experienced in caring for people who have had female circumcision or traditional cutting. This fact sheet explains what to expect if you're attending this clinic.

This information is for people coming to the African Women's Clinic to have a procedure to open the vagina after traditional cutting (also called female circumcision). It explains how to use the anaesthetic (numbing) cream before the procedure.

This fact sheet is for people who have had traditional cutting and their vagina closed. If you want to have it opened (this is called deinfibulation), we can help. We explain what will happen on the day of the procedure and how to take care of yourself afterward.

Female circumcision, or ’traditional female cutting’ is against the law in Australia. This fact sheet explains the laws in Australia.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths within the muscle wall of the uterus (womb). This fact sheet explains how they are diagnosed, and the treatment options available.

This fact sheet is for those who have undergone a fine needle testicular biopsy as part of fertility treatment at the Women's. It provides post operative care instructions after discharge from hospital.

This fact sheet explains follow-up care after cervical cancer treatment, including managing side effects and getting support for physical and emotional wellbeing.

When you’re pregnant it’s important to choose your food carefully. Find out which foods are safe to eat and which should be avoided.

Around the third or fourth day after birth, your breasts start to produce lots of milk. This is known as the milk ‘coming in’. You may have full breasts, initially producing more milk than your baby needs.

This fact sheet explains how to get your bowel ready for abdominal surgery at The Women’s.

This fact sheet explains how to get your bowel ready for vaginal prolapse surgery at The Women’s.

Healing after a caesarean birth is different for everyone. This fact sheet has some tips to help you.

This fact sheet explains what to expect after an epidural or spinal anaesthetic, including common side effects and when to contact the hospital.

This fact sheet explains what to expect in the early days at home with your baby and offers tips for adjusting to life after birth.

This fact sheet explains what to look out for after your waters break and when to seek help.

The Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening test is recommended at 36 weeks of pregnancy. This fact sheet will help you decide whether to have the test. It also provides information on what to expect if the test is positive.

Early medical abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. This fact sheet explains what to expect when having an early medical abortion.

This booklet guides you through pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. It explains your care options and what to expect week by week.

This fact sheet explains headaches that can happen after having an epidural or spinal anaesthetic.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights apply to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia. The Charter describes what you, or someone you care for, can expect when receiving health care.

This fact sheet explains how to eat well while breastfeeding to support your health and your baby’s growth.

This fact sheet explains how healthy eating during pregnancy supports you and your baby’s growth and development.

This fact sheet explains how to meet your nutrition needs during pregnancy if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

This fact sheet explains what to eat during a twin pregnancy, including nutrition needs and healthy weight gain.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, heavy periods or menorrhagia is a common health complaint. This booklet provides information about the causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, how it can be investigated and what treatments are available.

Holding your baby against your skin helps your baby to feel secure and stimulates your milk supply. It's a great start to helping your baby to breastfeed in the NICU.

This fact sheet explains why babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth and how it protects their health.

This fact sheet explains the use and safety of herbal and traditional medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you use heroin and other opiates when you are pregnant it can harm your unborn baby. It can also harm your baby to withdraw from heroin during pregnancy without the support of a health professional.

This information sheet is for parents of babies currently in Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that are to be discharged from hospital with Home Oxygen Therapy. It explains why baby need oxygen therapy, how to use the equipment and who to contact for help and advice.

Some babies need to use a feeding tube while they are transitioning to breast or bottle feeding. The Home Tube Feeding Program at the Women's aims to support parents to care for their baby(s) at home while they are transitioning to a home tube feeding program managed by The Royal Children’s Hospital or Monash Children’s Hospital.

Some babies need to use a feeding tube while they are transitioning to breast or bottle feeding. The Home Tube Feeding Program at the Women's aims to help parents care for their baby at home.

Babies should be watched carefully during hot weather; they are particularly at risk of heat-related illness. This information sheet explains how to tell if you baby is affected by hot weather and ways keep them safe.

This fact sheet explains how exercise helps manage gestational diabetes and supports healthy blood glucose levels in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding will benefit you as well as your baby. This fact sheet will give you tips on how to breastfeed successfully and explain how to know if your baby is feeding well.

This fact sheet provides step-by-step instructions for using an enema to prepare for your surgery.

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus. An abdominal hysterectomy means the operation is performed through a surgical incision or cut to the abdomen. This fact sheet explains the procedure, why it is recommended, what you need to do after your surgery to take care of yourself.

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is an operation to remove the uterus with the aid of an operating telescope called a laparoscope. This fact sheet gives you information about the procedure and what to expect after the operation.

This information is for patients coming to hospital for an inpatient hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic (while asleep).

This information is for patients coming to hospital for an outpatient hysteroscopy. During the procedure, you will stay awake.

This fact sheet explains what to expect during your recovery after an awake outpatient hysteroscopy.

The information in this fact sheet aims to explain why immunisation for babies in intensive and special care is important.

This fact sheet provides helpful information for the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy. It explains how your GP can support you, the tests you may need, how to manage your emotions, tips for taking care of yourself, and how to plan your childbirth education.

Research at the Women's has helped thousands of babies survive and thrive, both in Australia and around the world. Every family in our Newborn Intensive Care and Special Care nurseries can take part in this work and help improve care for future babies.

After you have given birth we recommend that you follow some simple steps which will improve your postnatal recovery.

This information is to help you and your family make a choice about induction of labour and to answer some of the questions you may have.

An inguinal hernia occurs when a small piece of the bowel slides through a little hole in the abdominal wall and into the scrotum or a pouch in the groin. Inguinal hernias usually present as a bulge in the groin when your baby strains or cries.

Inhalants, or volatile solvents, are household, industrial or medical products. Inhaling the vapours from these products can make you feel intoxicated or ‘high’. Inhalants are depressants which slow down the activity of the brain and its connections (often called the ‘central nervous system’). Inhalants contain many toxic substances which are harmful to both you and your baby. It is believed that nearly all inhalants cross the placenta and enter the baby’s blood stream. For this reason, it is important you stop using inhalants during pregnancy.

Babies have a range of arousal states, both in sleep and when awake. For premature babies, their 'states of arousal' will vary depending on their gestational age and the stage of development. Understanding your baby’s arousal state will assist you to support their current stage of development and understand what interactions they may be ready for.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition that causes pain and a frequent, urgent need to wee.

This fact sheet is to help your doctor explain a condition that your baby has. If there is anything you don’t understand about Intraventricular Haemorrhages please ask more questions.

Most healthy premature babies will be ready to start eating solid food between five and eight months. The timeframe will vary from one baby to another.

This factsheet provides answers to some common questions about iron infusions. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor, nurse or midwife about your care.

Iron is essential for the manufacture of red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. During pregnancy iron is needed in larger amounts because the mother’s blood volume increases and the baby’s blood is also developing.

Some preterm babies are at risk of developing anaemia. This means they have low levels of haemoglobin in their blood. Giving iron supplements restores iron levels and helps increase haemoglobin.

Many babies admitted to Newborn Intensive and Special Care (NISC) will have an IV or drip (intravenous vascular catheter). In this fact sheet we explain what an IV is and why your baby needs to have one inserted.

Newborn babies often appear to have a yellowish tinge to their skin. This is called jaundice. It happens when a chemical called bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood and tissues. In most babies jaundice is a normal event and not serious. It will nearly always disappear gradually within days without the need for any special treatment.

Find all our English fact sheets on labour and birth here.

Find all our translated fact sheets on labour and birth here.

Laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage, or laparoscopic TAC, is keyhole surgery to put a stitch around your cervix. You might need this if you have a history of late miscarriage, preterm labour or cervix surgery.

Laparoscopy is another term for keyhole surgery. It is an exploratory operation performed under general anaesthetic that allows the gynaecologist to inspect your pelvic organs - the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

This information explains what to expect when you go home after having a laser procedure for dysplasia under a general anaesthetic.

This information explains what to expect when you go home after having a laser procedure for dysplasia under a local anaesthetic.

This information is for those who have had a LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision), LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) or a cone biopsy procedure under a general anaesthetic.

This information is for those who have had a LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision), LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) or a cone biopsy procedure under a local anaesthetic.

The term LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. It is a minor operation where a small piece of abnormal tissue (biopsy) is removed from the cervix for examination.

If you’re having sex and you don’t want to get pregnant, you need to use contraception. Long acting reversible contraception, such as intra uterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants and contraceptive injections, may be the choice for you.

Low breastmilk supply is when your body is not making enough breastmilk for your baby’s needs.

A lumbar puncture is a test done by a doctor to get a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, from your baby’s back. CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Lumbar puncture is also called a spinal tap or LP.

When babies develop a need for oxygen or breathing support over the first few weeks of life, the doctors will say that the baby has 'Chronic Lung Disease', also known as 'Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia' or 'BPD'. BPD in newborn babies mostly affects babies who are born prematurely.

Lymphoedema is a condition characterised by a chronic swelling (oedema) which occurs when there is a build up of lymphatic fluid in the body’s tissues. The condition usually affects the legs and or the arms but can also occur in other areas of the body.

This fact sheet explains how to care for yourself and recover after a major operation.

Mastitis is when your breast gets inflamed because of nipple damage or changes in your milk ducts. Mastitis is quite common.

If you need to start, stop or change any medicine when you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about how to keep you and your baby safe.

Learn how medicines may affect breastfeeding and how to use them safely.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a prescription medicine that effectively reduces hot flushes and night sweats and may improve vaginal dryness.

For most people, menopause is a natural stage of life. Learning what to expect can help you make choices that suit your health and preferences.

Find all our English fact sheets on menopause here.

Metformin is a medicine that was developed for the treatment of diabetes. This fact sheet explains how it can be used to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Methadone is a prescribed substitute for heroin and other opiates such as morphine, pethidine or codeine. Learn how methadone treatment supports pregnancy and reduces harm from opioid use.

This information is for patients who have been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and need to have treatment with methotrexate medication.

As part of our Maternity Hospital in the Home Postnatal (MHITH) Program, a midwife can visit you at home after your planned caesarean.

This fact sheet explains how to care for yourself after a minor operation and support your recovery.

Find answers to common questions after miscarriage and access support services to help you during this time.

Find all our English fact sheets on miscarriage here.

This information is for people who have been diagnosed with a molar pregnancy. This condition may also be called a hydatidiform mole or gestational trophoblastic tumour.

This fact sheet is based on common questions that parents have asked about MRI and their baby. If you have further questions please ask.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of Staph bacteria that can cause serious infections. It is harder to kill with antibiotics because it has developed resistance and doesn’t respond as well to these medicines.

If you have already has a caesarean birth and are now pregnant or planning a future pregnancy, this booklet is designed to help you consider your future birth options and discuss them with your doctor and/or midwife.

A myomectomy is an operation to remove fibroids from the uterus while keeping the uterus intact, making it suitable for people who plan to have children.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy or ‘morning sickness’ can occur at any time of the day. The cause is unknown. This fact sheet will assist you in coping with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is inflammation of the bowel. Premature infants have immature and fragile intestines. They are sensitive to changes in blood flow and to infection. We usually do not know why an individual baby develops NEC.

Infant withdrawal or Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) happens when a baby has been exposed to opiates (including heroin, methadone and buprenorphine), stimulants, inhalants, sedatives, alcohol and some antidepressant medication during pregnancy. It is not possible to predict before birth which babies may develop NAS.

Neonatal Hospital in the Home (NHITH) allows eligible babies to continue hospital care at home with their parents or carers. Our neonatal nurses will make regular visits and phone calls to support you and your baby.

Find all our English fact sheets on newborn intensive care here.

It is important for your baby's health that any problems with your baby's thyroid gland are detected early. Newborn thyroid function tests assist with detecting if any problems exist.

Anyone can have a fall - even new parents and babies. Here are some things to look out for and simple steps you can take to prevent falls.

NICU Volunteers aim to provide extra support to you and your baby while you are in the care of the Women's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This information sheet explains more about our NICU Volunteer Program and how to sign up for support.

Nipple tattooing is a semi-permanent way of replacing colour to the nipple areola region post breast reconstruction.

The pelvic floor is made up of a network of muscles and nerves which control both bladder and bowel function. Good bowel habits help to protect these muscles and minimise the risk of both bladder and bowel incontinence. This fact sheet is now called Preventing constipation.

Find all our English fact sheets on good nutrition and pregnancy here.

Occupational therapy at the Women’s supports pregnant people and new parents who have trouble doing daily tasks. This includes caring for yourself, your baby, or staying safe at home.

This fact sheet is for anyone diagnosed with or concerned about ovarian cancer. It explains what it is, common symptoms, and ways to treat it.

This fact sheet explains the risks of having a multiple pregnancy when using ovulation induction medicine. It will help you decide whether to continue with your treatment cycle if more than one follicle is likely to release an egg.

Ovulation induction (OI) is when you take tablets or injections to help your body grow a mature egg. This fact sheet explains Ovulation Induction Program at the Women's.

Pain and bleeding are common in early pregnancy and do not always mean you are having a miscarriage.

It’s common to feel pain after surgery. This fact sheet explains how pain medicine can help and provides tips to manage any side effects like itching, nausea, and constipation.

This guide helps new parents understand what is normal for their newborn baby and what signs to watch for that might mean their baby is sick.

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that support your bladder, uterus (womb), and bowel. Exercising these muscles every day helps keep them strong and prevents weakness.

Sometimes during a vaginal birth, the area between the vagina and the anus may tear. In more severe cases, the tear can extend into the muscle and skin of the anus. This fact sheet explains the steps you can take to help you recover from a third or fourth degree tear.

A PICC is used for the long term delivery of intravenous medication, chemotherapy and fluids. It is often recommended when suitable veins for injections are difficult to access. A PICC may be in place for up to 12 months.

Periventricular leukomalacia is an area where small cysts have developed in the white matter in the brain, next to one of the ventricles. PVL is not usually seen until the baby is about a month old. The precise cause is usually unclear.

Your doctor has recommended you avoid lifting for medical reasons. This can be difficult if you have small children to look after, but it is possible. The key to managing your lifting restrictions is to plan ahead. You need to re-think all of the types of lifting you do, even those that seem normal or routine.

We know there’s a lot to think about before surgery. This information answers common questions about surgery – how it’s booked, what to bring, what to expect on the day, and what to do if your plans change.

Positional talipes is a common condition which can affect one or both of your baby’s feet. The cause is largely unknown; it is thought to be due to the position of the baby in the womb.

Babies all develop at a different pace and many factors can influence their development. Babies who are born early may find some motor and movement skills more difficult at first. This guide will help you understand some early developmental milestones and ways in which you can help your baby with positions and activities to support their development.

This information is for people whose baby has died at the Royal Women’s Hospital.

This information explains the events leading up to and during a postpartum haemorrhage. It includes important information to consider after the birth of your baby.

This fact sheet explains the risk of heavy bleeding after the birth of a baby. This is called postpartum haemorrhage or PPH. It explains why PPH happens and what it means for you if it occurs during the birth of your baby.

There are benefits in practising perineal massage towards the end of your pregnancy. Regular massage to your perineal area can help to prepare for the stretching and widening of the vaginal opening that occurs during the birth of your baby.

This decision-making tool is designed to assist people who are undecided about whether to continue with their pregnancy. It is designed to explain your options and help you to make the decision that is right for you.

Pregnancy increases the risk of complications from flu. This fact sheet explains how to protect yourself and your baby.

Find all our English fact sheets on pregnancy here.

Find all our translated fact sheets on pregnancy here.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands. This fact sheet helps you manage your symptoms and provides tips for breastfeeding.

Pelvic girdle pain is pain in the pelvic joints that may develop during or after pregnancy.

This information explains what to expect if your baby is born a few weeks premature.

Before birth, babies are in a fluid-filled sac inside your uterus. This the amniotic sac or 'membranes'. It usually breaks before or during labour, around your due date. But sometimes it breaks earlier. This is called premature rupture of membranes.

Thinking about getting pregnant? Read this fact sheet for some hints on important things you should know before you get pregnant.

You may have some questions in preparing for your procedure with misoprostol. This fact sheet will answer several commonly asked questions about the process.

Prescription opioids are prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain but are also taken recreationally because they induce feelings of relaxation, pleasure and contentment. If you use prescription opioids when you are pregnant and while breastfeeding, your baby will also be exposed to these medicines and may be at risk of harm.

Cancer treatment can affect fertility. However, there are some techniques and interventions that can help preserve fertility. Ovarian tissue freezing is one such technique.

This booklet is for young women who are about to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery that may affect their fertility. It aims to help you make decisions now that may increase your chance of having children in the future.

Some medical treatments like radiation, chemotherapy and some surgery can affect your fertility. If you are to have any of these treatments, you may wish to consider the option of fertility preservation.

The pelvic floor is made up of a network of muscles and nerves which control both bladder and bowel function. Good bowel habits help to protect these muscles and minimise the risk of both bladder and bowel incontinence.

Cancer treatment can affect fertility. This information sheet is about how radiotherapy affects the uterus, what can be done to protect it and the implications for fertility.

All babies, even those who are born early have ways to show us how they are feeling. By watching your baby’s body language, you will learn to recognise when they feel happy and content, when they are tired or when they may need some help and support from you. In this information sheet, we discuss some common behavioural cues and suggestions for how you may respond to them.

A regional anaesthetic allows you to stay awake for the birth of your baby without feeling pain. This is different from a general anaesthetic, which makes you sleep during surgery.

If your baby isn't breathing, this fact sheet will show you how to help, using DRSABC.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye problem that affects some premature babies. When ROP develops, it is usually mild and goes away on its own without causing any vision problems.

Your doctor has referred you for one or both of these tests. This fact sheet explains saline infusion sonography and hystero-salpingo contrast sonography, including why they’ve been recommended and what to expect before, during, and after the procedures.

This information will help you recover after your same-day total laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery. Your surgical recovery will take time, so it is important to take care of yourself.

This fact sheet will give you important information about the Same-Day Surgery (SDS) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program.

There are some factors we can identify during pregnancy, which make Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) more common. If your baby is at risk of developing DDH this fact sheet will give you information about the condition and explain how and when babies are screened for DDH.

A baby's skin is thinner, more fragile and more sensitive than an adult's. Caring for and protecting your baby's skin will help avoid problems in the future. This fact sheet discusses how to care for your baby's skin.

Skin-to-skin care involves holding your baby close against your skin on your chest. It is good for both you and your baby. It is sometimes called kangaroo care.

This factsheet is for people who want or need to stop their breastmilk supply.

Giving newborn babies sucrose by mouth, together with sucking and being held or contained, has been found to be a safe way to reduce or minimise discomfort from brief painful events such as a heel prick. The effect lasts only a few minutes.

Every baby is individual and has their own particular needs. By providing sensitive support to your baby while they are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), you can help them adjust to the NICU environment. Your baby is growing and developing and there are many things that you as parents can do to support your baby’s development.

Here you will find all our English language fact sheets about having surgery at the Women's.

This fact sheet is for patients who go home from hospital with a surgical breast drain.

In most cases it is fine to take your placenta home for burial or consumption as long as you can follow the basic health and safety precautions which are explained in this fact sheet.

This fact sheet is for those who have undergone a testicular biopsy as part of fertility treatment at the Women's. It provides post operative care instructions after discharge from hospital.

If you are having your baby at the Women's, this fact sheet outlines what things to bring into hospital.

This information will help you care for and support someone while they’re in labour, whether they’re giving birth vaginally or by caesarean section.

Tongue-tie can make it hard for your baby to move their tongue easily and can sometimes make it hard for your baby to breastfeed properly.

If we are transferring your baby to another hospital you may have a number of questions. This fact sheet answers some common questions parents ask.

This fact sheet provides general information about non-hormonal prescription medicines for hot flushes.

This fact sheet explains how the mid-urethral sling operation treats stress urinary incontinence when physiotherapy or medicines have not worked.

Treatment for miscarriage is aimed at avoiding heavy bleeding and infection. It is also aimed at looking after you, physically and emotionally.

Trial of void is a test to check bladder function. This is an instructional fact sheet is for patients of the Women's explaining the procedure.

This fact sheet is for people who have had a TVT (trans-vaginal tape) cystoscopy at the Women's. It explains what to expect after your surgery and gives advice on how to look after yourself when you go home.

As your baby’s head is still soft it can mould or change shape if they lie in one position for long periods of time. By following the guidelines in this information sheet, you may help your baby to develop a rounded head shape.

People respond differently to an unplanned pregnancy after sexual assault. This fact sheet explains your options and support services.

When deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy, it is important to remember that you are the best person to make this decision. This information sheet discusses your options and where to get advice and support.

Abusive relationships can affect pregnancy decisions. This fact sheet explains your options and support.

Counselling provides the opportunity to talk to a trained health professional in a safe and confidential environment. 'Pregnancy options counselling’ is usually a short-term service that acknowledges the urgency of the situation and focuses on your unplanned pregnancy and supports you to make your own decision.

Your partner or friend has decided to have an abortion. This information sheet outline the things you can do to support them at this time.

This fact sheet is for patients at the Royal Women’s Hospital who are having a urodynamics bladder test to investigate their bladder problems.

Once your milk has “come in” you may find it easier to express breast milk with a breast pump, either manual or electric. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding use, cleaning and sterilisation.

Labour usually starts on its own between 37 and 42 weeks, but you may need help to start it. This fact sheet explains how a stretch and sweep can help start labour near or past your due date.

Vaginal prolapse is a common condition where the bladder, bowel or womb descend into the vagina. This fact sheet discusses using vaginal pessaries to treat prolapse.

Vaginal prolapse is a common condition where the bladder, uterus, or bowel can bulge into the vagina. You only need treatment if you have symptoms, and surgery improves symptoms for most people.

This guide explains how to care for yourself after vaginal surgery to treat prolapse.

As e-cigarettes are tobacco free many believe they pose less of a risk; they are, however, not harmless. There is some evidence that e-cigarettes smoked during pregnancy may affect the developing baby in a similar way to tobacco.

Pregnancy and birth increase the risk of you developing a venous thromboembolism, or blood clot. This fact sheets explains what a blood clot is, who is at risk, and what you can do to prevent one developing.

This fact sheet is for patients who are at risk of developing a venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clot. We explain what a blood clot is and what you can do to prevent one forming.

This fact sheet is for patients who have been prescribed a medicine called enoxaparin sodium. This is a type of low-molecular-weight heparin used to help prevent blood clots.

Vitamin D helps to maintain your muscle and bone strength and helps your body to absorb calcium from food. In pregnancy, vitamin D also helps to develop your baby's bones.

When you are pregnant, your baby receives their vitamin D from you. After birth, your baby's vitamin D levels reduce, and they can become low. This fact sheet explains how to give vitamin D supplements to your baby.

In Australia, recommendations are that all babies get vitamin K at birth. If you decide not to give vitamin K to your baby, they can develop bleeding problems. This fact sheet explains what signs to look out for and what to do if your baby becomes unwell.

This fact sheet is for people who have had vulvar laser surgery at the Women’s. It explains how to care for yourself when you go home.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the vulva or a precancerous condition you may need surgery. This fact sheet is about the surgery and includes advice for going home.

Without good nutrition, wounds may take longer to heal. This fact sheet provides tips on how to eat well before and after your vulvar surgery.

At the Royal Women’s Hospital, you can choose to labour and/or give birth in water if it’s safe for you and your baby. This information will help you discuss your options with your doctor or midwife.

The amount of weight you gain during pregnancy can affect your own health as well as your baby’s health and development. Understanding your weight gain is the first step towards a healthy pregnancy. As well as our information sheet we have a number of graphs for you to download so that you can plot your weight during your pregnancy.

We are so sorry your has baby died, or is expected to die, during pregnancy, labour, or shortly after birth. This booklet provides support and practical guidance for the days and weeks ahead.

We are sorry your baby died. Your loss may have occurred for many reasons – including termination for medical reasons (TFMR), miscarriage, or reasons we can’t explain. This booklet provides support and practical guidance for the days and weeks ahead.

As your pregnancy nears its end, your body will start getting ready for birth. You can talk about these changes at your next clinic appointment, but some should be discussed with a midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

You may prefer a female doctor or health carer for some types of care, such as pregnancy, sexual health, or vaginal examinations. This fact sheet explains why this is not always possible.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, we strongly recommend being vaccinated against whooping cough. This fact sheet explains why it is important for you and your baby.

A factsheet to help support Aboriginal populations with their colposcopy experience.

During your pregnancy we’ll talk with you about how you plan to feed your baby. Your feeding plans and past experiences matter. Whether this is your first baby or not, you may have questions. We’re here to support you.

This fact sheet helps you keep track of your medicines and breathing exercises when you leave hospital after having surgery.

We recognise the importance of involving our patients in their own care and providing clear communication. This booklet aims to provide information about the care and services available at the Royal Women's Hospital.

This information is for people who are having surgery at the Women's and will stay in the hospital for care after their surgery.

This guide explains what to do while waiting for surgery, in the week before surgery and after surgery to support a safe recovery. It provides general information and does not replace advice from your care team.