When are my appointments?

All appointments for your pregnancy journey are booked at your first visit. We schedule these appointments based on the timeline from when you start seeing Dr. Cilly. We can email you a copy of all appointments, though some appointment times may change due to births and other commitments. Please check SMS and emails for any changes in the schedule.

What if my results don’t line up with my appointment?

That is fine. If there are any issues with your results when they come in, we will contact you and follow up. If you don’t hear from us about your results, Latika or Erin will go through them with you at your next appointment.

What if I need to reschedule an appointment?

Please let our team know if you need to change any of your appointments. When rescheduling, new locations and times will depend on availability, which may result in traveling or undesired appointment times. Please try to accommodate these changes.

How often are my appointments?

When visiting Dr. Cilly, appointments will be every 4 weeks until 28 weeks. After 28 weeks, they will be fortnightly until 36 weeks. From 36 weeks, appointments will be weekly until birth.

How long does my referral last?

If your referral is from a GP, your referral has a 12 month use period.

If your referral is from a Specialist, your referral has a 3 month use period.

Can I use my pathology/ultrasound slip anywhere?

Yes, you can use the pathology and ultrasound referrals at any clinic.

Can I have a copy of my results?

You can request a copy of your results via email, but you will only have access to the results that Latika/Erin have reviewed with you.

Can I let you know where I go for my testing so the results are ready for my appointment?

Please let us know when and where you have done your testing, and we will ensure the results are ready for your appointment. Keep in mind that it can take 3-5 days for the reports to be written and sent to us

Why do I have to travel for my appointments?

During your pregnancy, you are required to travel to all locations (Melton, Sunbury, Point Cook, Werribee). We do our best to schedule you at the location closest to you, but Latika travels to different clinics, and we are only there on certain days.

Can I request Medical Certificates for work and/or Visa letters?

Yes, you can email us to request fit-to-work letters, confinement letters, visa letters, and medical certificates. We need to check with Dr. Cilly to ensure they are happy to sign off on these certificates, which can take up to 5-7 working days. Please be patient when requesting these letters.

Can I have insurance forms filled out by Dr Cilly?

Yes, you can email the insurance forms to us, and we will ask Dr. Cilly to complete her section. Please ensure you fill out all your details on the forms before sending them for Dr. Cilly to sign.

What if I’m running late to my appointment?

We kindly ask that you arrive on time for your appointment, as we schedule back-to-back appointments. If you are running late, please call our office at 03 8686 9172 to inform us.

What are the offices opening hours?

If you need to contact our staff, we are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. To speak with Dr. Cilly during these hours, please call the office at 03 8686 9172. For emergencies outside of these hours, Dr. Cilly will provide you with her personal number.

Who can I speak to if Dr Cilly is away?

You can call the office to speak with staff, and we can communicate with the covering obstetrician on your behalf. Alternatively, you can visit your GP or the Emergency Department if needed.

If Dr Cilly refers me to another specialist, how long does the referral last for?

If Dr. Cilly refers you to another specialist for treatment, the referral is valid for 3 months. After 3 months, you will need a new referral. If you need to see the specialist after your appointments with Dr. Cilly have ended, you must obtain the referral from your GP.

What pain kills can I take during my pregnancy?

It is safe to take Panadol. Please avoid taking any Nurofen or Voltaren.

Is it safe to have sex while I’m pregnant?

Yes, it is completely safe to have intercourse with your partner during pregnancy as long as you are in a comfortable position that does not put pressure on your tummy, your baby is well-protected within the amniotic sac.

Can I fly on an airplane?

You can safely fly and travel on an airplane until 32 weeks. After that, air travel is not permitted.

Is it safe to use a seat belt during pregnancy?

When traveling by car, always wear a seat belt. Your sitting position is crucial in minimizing injury during an accident. The seat belt should be a three-point restraint, with a lap strap and a shoulder strap. Ensure the lap sash is worn around your hips and under your pregnant belly, while the shoulder strap should be fitted above your belly and between your breasts. Never wear the belt across or above your belly.

Is it normal for me to have random aches and pains?

Yes, it is quite normal for you to experience aches and pains during your pregnancy.

Is back pain normal?

Back pain is normal due to changes in your body and weight gain. Additionally, caring for a newborn baby can strain your back and neck muscles from lifting, bending, and carrying your baby.

Is it normal to be tired?

Yes, fatigue is very common, especially in the first trimester, due to hormonal changes and the body working to support the pregnancy. 

Can I drive after I give birth?

After a normal birth, it is safe to drive a car when you feel comfortable and not overly tired. Following a Caesarean section, you can usually drive after three weeks. Avoid driving if you are too tired, in pain, or taking strong analgesics.

Why do I get morning sickness?

Morning Sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy and is due to the rapidly rising level of pregnancy hormones.

Why can’t I sleep on my back?

After 24 weeks, it is advisable to avoid sleeping flat on your back due to supine hypotension, which can cause your blood pressure to drop and reduce blood flow to the placenta. This can make you feel faint and decrease blood flow to your baby. Sleeping on either side is fine, and you may find a body pillow more comfortable as your baby grows.

When will I start showing?

Most women start showing around the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy, but it can vary. 

Can I have an iron infusion while pregnant?

Yes, during your regular blood tests while pregnant, if any results come back with low iron, you may need an iron infusion. Our team will help you organize an appointment for this.

What is the difference between Public and Private?

Through the public system, you will see an obstetrician 2-3 times, and it will be with whichever doctor is working that day. This is the same for the birth; you don't choose your doctor. You will mainly be managed by midwives and do not have direct access to an obstetrician. If you have Medicare, there are usually no out-of-pocket fees. With Latika, you see her for all consults, have direct access to her and her team, and she will give you her personal mobile number. She will do a bedside scan at each appointment and, in almost all cases, will be the doctor that delivers your baby unless there is an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance.

What foods should I avoid?

- Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, blue cheese, ricotta, and feta.

- Soft-serve ice cream; hard-frozen ice cream and gelato are okay.

- Raw or undercooked eggs, including homemade mayonnaise, aioli, Caesar dressing, mousses, and raw cake or pancake batter.

- Raw or ready-to-eat fish or seafood, including raw oysters, sashimi, sushi, smoked salmon, and pre-cooked prawns.

- Raw or rare meat; cold cured meats such as salami, ham, chorizo, and pepperoni. Liver, liver products, and pate.

- Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, radish, mung beans, and soybeans.

- Rockmelon, prepackaged salads, and prepackaged fruits.

- Alcohol, unpasteurised milk, unpasteurised juice, energy drinks, and some herbal teas.