Childbirth - help for women from overseas
Women from a non-English speaking background, including migrant and refugee women, can improve their English skills for a better pregnancy and birth. A better understanding of the English language will help to communicate with health ... [... more]
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Contraception - condoms for women
The female condom is designed to fit all women and is suitable for all ages. It offers women and men an alternative to the male condom. If used correctly, the female condom is effective in preventing pregnancy and providing a barrier to sexually ... [... more]
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Twins - identical and fraternal
Twins account for over 90 per cent of multiple births. Identical twins form when a single fertilised egg (ovum) splits in two. Fraternal twins develop from two eggs fertilised by two sperm, and are no more alike than individual brothers or ... [... more]
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Abortion procedures
Abortion is a safe surgical or medical procedure. Complications of abortion can include infection and excessive bleeding. Suction aspiration is the most common procedure for first trimester abortions. RU486 (mifepristone) or the abortion pill is ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - signs and symptoms
Symptoms of pregnancy include amenorrhoea (missed period) and morning sickness. These symptoms are only clues to, not proof of, pregnancy. Most can be caused by other factors, such as stress or illness. A suspected pregnancy needs to be confirmed ... [... more]
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Contraception - female sterilisation
Female sterilisation is also called tubal ligation (tying) or 'getting the tubes tied'. Tubal occlusion, which is the surgical blocking of the fallopian tubes, is the most common method. A less invasive procedure involves placing a tiny, flexible ... [... more]
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Foetal alcohol syndrome
Alcohol consumed by pregnant women can harm their unborn babies. Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to a range of features that affect some babies exposed to alcohol before birth. Features in the baby include a low birth weight, flattened face, ... [... more]
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Births in Victoria 2003-2004
Births in Victoria are recorded by the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit (VPDCU), which maintains a database on perinatal (birth) outcomes and birth defects. The Commonwealth government collates data from all states on births. Until 1978, ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - birth choices
When you're pregnant or planning a baby, you have a number of choices about where to give birth and who you would like to care for you in pregnancy, during labour and after the birth. These types of care are called antenatal care, intrapartum ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - your options
Unplanned pregnancies are very common. It's estimated that there are around 200,000 unplanned pregnancies in Australia every year. Unplanned is not always unwanted and many people choose to become parents despite the lack of planning; others ... [... more]
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Maternal serum screening
The maternal serum screening test (MSS) is a blood test offered to pregnant women in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. The test helps to determine the risk of certain abnormalities that may affect the unborn child, including chromosomal ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - bleeding problems
Bleeding from the vagina in early pregnancy happens in about one in four pregnancies. About a third to half of all women who have bleeding will go on to miscarry. Bleeding from the vagina in early pregnancy is very common. In fact, it is thought ... [... more]
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