Donors deliver for local mums

This vital piece of equipment, purchased with funds raised during the 2021 Wish Upon A Star Christmas Appeal, helps the one in 10 women with high-risk pregnancies get the extra scans and expertise they need closer to home.

In light of this exciting one year anniversary, we caught up with Dr Emily Olive, from Barwon Health’s Fetal Medicine Unit, to chat about the impact this donation has had on staff and patients.

“Having a quality ultrasound machine enables women to have pregnancy ultrasound studies that would have otherwise required travel to Melbourne,” she shares.

“We have already helped many women who were at risk of preterm birth.”

Dr Olive said by being able to offer weekly ultrasound reviews, the unit has been able to improve predictions about which patients are likely to deliver their baby early and prescribe appropriate medicines to optimise outcomes for both mother and baby.

“Perhaps just as important though, is the reassurance we can provide to those not at risk of early delivery, which then allows some women to stay at home in a regional setting,” she adds.

The fetal medicine unit also carefully monitors the growth of babies small in the womb.

“By being able to track the growth and health of the smallest babies, we can plan for the birth when the pregnancy has advanced as far as possible but without taking unnecessary risks,” Dr Olive said.

“Getting the balance right requires careful monitoring and discussion with paediatricians who will care for the new baby.”

Even for those women who have such complex pregnancies that delivery in Melbourne is inevitable, Barwon Health’s fetal medicine service –established only as a result of the donated equipment – now allows the patient to experience shared care for some of the journey.