Pregnancy | Maternity care | Joondalup Hospital, Perth

How private maternity care works at Joondalup

Early pregnancy

If you wish to book your care with us, you’ll need a referral from your GP.

You can make appointments with our specialist obstetrician, Dr Mark Sillender, throughout your pregnancy. Out of hospital visits to our rooms are partially covered by Medicare. See our pregnancy fee section or ring Michelle, Elaine or Leanne for more information.

Typically we’ll see you in our Duncraig rooms at 7-10 weeks to confirm your pregnancy, with a scan performed.

We’ll start organising all your routine pregnancy tests and discuss & arrange screening tests for conditions such as Down’s syndrome (among others).

Antenatal care

Generally we’ll see you in our rooms near Glengarry Private every 4 weeks or so, but if you have a history of miscarriage or are having problems you may need to be seen more frequently.

We’ll organise a full scan of your baby at 19-20 weeks to look carefully for problems, make sure your cervix isn’t too short, and the placenta is clear.

We’ll continue to see you for antenatal visits every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, then we’ll start seeing you every 2 weeks, then weekly after 36-38 weeks.

Routine “mini-scans” are done at every visit. These are not formal and should not be regarded as diagnostic. Any suspected problems will need to be confirmed with a formal scan from an accredited provider.

If you have any more potentially serious problems, then these can be assessed & managed at Joondalup Private Hospital.

During the later stages of pregnancy, as well as health checks, we’ll discuss your wishes and plans for the birth in detail and make plans. You’ll have the chance to attend pregnancy classes at Joondalup and meet other mothers-to-be.

The birth

We believe in safety and choice in childbirth. As we get to know each other, we discover your wishes and priorities, then put that into the context of your individual circumstances and future plans, and make recommendations. Whether you wish natural birth with or without intervention, or a Caesarean, your wishes will be taken very seriously. Whilst we make recommendations, the final decision is always for the pregnant woman to make. There are often pros & cons for every decision made in pregnancy. Every woman & pregnancy is different. We strive to offer friendly, accessible, convenient maternity care that is responsive to all your needs.

When you go into labour or are admitted for the birth, your private health cover takes over from Medicare to cover our fees & the Joondalup hospital fees. With most funds there is no further gap to pay for our obstetric services.

After the birth

Most women will stay in Joondalup Private for 4-5 days with their new baby or babies. you’ll learn how to look after an infant (mothercrafting). The rooms are spacious, and many have a double bed for your partner to stay.

Once you go home, you can still pop into Joondalup for any issues, and of course you can make an appointment to see us in our rooms. You’ll have a final check in our rooms at around 6 weeks after the birth where we make sure you’ve completely recovered and address general health issues such as contraception, exercise etc.

Obstetrician

Dr Mark Sillender is a Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with extensive experience in the management of both uncomplicated and complicated pregnancy.

Location in Duncraig, Perth

We are located near Glengarry Private Hospital, in the Northern suburbs. We provide easy free parking. We’re easily accessible from Joondalup, Hillarys, Stirling, Currambine, Ocean Reef, Beldon, Connolly, Edgewater, Wanneroo, Burns Beach, Sorrento, Padbury, Marmion, Watermans Bay, North Beach, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Carine, Balcatta, Westminster, Mirrabooka, Malaga, Hamersley, Koondoola, Girrawheen, Marangaroo, Greenwood, Warwick, Madeley, Darch, Wangara, Kallaroo, Craigie, Heathridge, Woodvale, Scarborough, Doubleview, Innaloo, Osbourne Park, Wembley Downs, Tuart Hill, Trigg, North Beach. The Western suburbs (Cottesloe, Claremont, City Beach, Floreat, Swanbourne) are all within easy reach.

Parking & outside space

There is easy access to adjacent parkland. Parking is free and generally easy.