Prepare

Send us Fan Mail“Doing anything is better than doing nothing. Feel reassured that anything you can do within the limits of what your obstetrician or doctor has prescribed, is going to be good for you and the baby”In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined again by pelvic floor physiotherapist and researcher Professor Helena Frawley, to discuss exercise in pregnancy, labour, postpartum and beyond.This topic has been split into 2 episodes, this episode is all about a safe, realistic, and empowering return to movement after pregnancy. We’ll revisit the idea that “something is better than nothing,” and how finding movement you enjoy - within your limits -can support both physical recovery and mental wellbeing. Resources mentioned in the episode include:RANZCOG: Exercise During PregnancyRANZCOG: Pelvic Floor HealthRCOG: Physical activity and pregnancyMHW Physiotherapy department

Send us Fan Mail"The fitter you go into pregnancy and labour, the fitter you are postnatally, which means you will cope better with all of the stresses, and strains, and pressures of having a newborn"In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by pelvic floor physiotherapist and researcher Professor Helena Frawley, to discuss exercise in pregnancy, labour, postpartum and beyond.This topic will be split into 2 episodes, in this episode Rangi and Helena discuss:The safety of exercise in pregnancy,How to approach exercise,Which activities are best to continue or modify,The benefits of exercise in pregnancyIn our next episode, Rangi and Helena will  focus on exercise after birth and how to safely return to exercise, what’s normal when it comes to pain, how to manage it, and when to seek help.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, our host Rangi is joined by producer Sarah (and mum of two) to discuss flying during pregnancy. They cover safety for mum and baby, potential risks, practical tips and advice, the recommended cut‑off for flying, when you should obtain a doctor’s note, what happens if you feel unwell during a flight, and other key aspects of travelling while pregnant.Stay tuned for more topics as we continue to release weekly episodes.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by scientist and pregnancy researcher Dr Lucy Bartho to discuss research in pregnancy.A core component of Mercy Perinatal and it's mission to bring Mum's and Bub's home safely is research. Here Lucy and Rangi cover:Journey of a pregnancy researcherSome success stories from our researchWhy is pregnancy research so important?What types of research are undertaken at the Mercy Hospital for Women?How to get involved in research?What does being apart of research look like?Is research safe? And is my identity private?Can I opt out?How can I find out about the outcomes of research that I've participated in?This is a very important discussion with research being crucial to the team answering the big questions in pregnancy to help mum's and babies across the world. Every sample counts.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, our host Rangi is joined by producer Sarah (and Mum of 2) to discuss finding out (or not finding out) your baby's sex. Other points covered in this episode include:What is the difference between sex and gender?The different ways to find out the sexHome kits - are they worthwhile?What to do if you don't want to know the sexAnd old wives' tales - is there any truth there?Stay tuned for more topics as we continue to publish weekly episodes.

Send us Fan MailMarch is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of this chronic disease, which affects around 1 in 7 women (approximately 10%). Because endometriosis can take years to diagnose, this month focuses on increasing recognition of the condition, reducing delays in diagnosis, and promoting faster access to appropriate care. It also aims to ensure that people living with endometriosis feel seen, heard, and recognised.In honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr Rangi De Silva is joined by Dr Samantha Mooney, a highly skilled gynaecologist & fertility doctor in Melbourne, with specialist training in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Sam is also an early career researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne with interests in endometriosis, persistent pelvic pain, and infertility. This two-part episode will focus on Endometriosis and Pregnancy. This second part Rangi and Sam discussThe effects of pregnancy on endometriosis and vice versaEndometriosis symptoms in pregnancyAdenomyosisLimitations of current researchWhat this means for my baby, my birth plan, and breastfeedingWhat happens to endometriosis once pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding conclude and periods returnWhat happens later in life, after you have finished having your familyWhere to find more informationEndometriosis ResourcesEndometriosis AustraliaPelvic Pain Foundation for WomenPelvic Pain VictoriaJulia Argyrou Endometriosis CentreRANZCOG: EndometriosisMatilda HealthWorld Endometriosis SocietyESHREDISCLAIMER: This episode briefly mentions Pregnancy Loss, if you require support or resources, please visit:Centre of Perinatal Excellence | COPECOPE provides families and health professionals with evidence-based perinatal mental health screening, resources, education and pathways to care.Miscarriage Australia - Navigating miscarriage togetherThrough our research and consultations with individuals, families and healthcare providers, we understand your need for evidence-based information, acknowledgement, and advice regarding miscarriage. We’ve designed this website to help you today, including the myths and facts about miscarriage, treatment options, how to care for yourself and where to seek help and support.The Centre of Research Excellence in StillbirthAccess support services, online resources, and information for parents and families in Australia whose baby has died. These links include services offering counselling, practical support, and information to assist you to make to decisions during this difficult time.

Send us Fan MailMarch is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of this chronic disease, which affects around 1 in 7 women (approximately 10%). Because endometriosis can take years to diagnose, this month focuses on increasing recognition of the condition, reducing delays in diagnosis, and promoting faster access to appropriate care. It also aims to ensure that people living with endometriosis feel seen, heard, and recognised.In honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr Rangi De Silva is joined by Dr Samantha Mooney, a highly skilled gynaecologist & fertility doctor in Melbourne, with specialist training in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Sam is also an early career researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne with interests in endometriosis, persistent pelvic pain, and infertility. This two-part episode will focus on Endometriosis and Pregnancy. This first part Rangi and Sam discuss:What is endometriosis?Is it preventable?Potential causes and risk factorsWhen to seek helpHow endometriosis is currently diagnosed and the challengesTypes/forms of endometriosisHow endometriosis can affect other areas, such as fertilityCurrent treatments and pain relief options when you are trying to conceiveIn next week’s episode, Rangi and Sam will continue the discussion, focusing on endometriosis in pregnancy, labour, and beyond.DISCLAIMER: This episode briefly mentions Sexual Trauma, if you require support or resources, please visit:1800RESPECT via White RibbonThis is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.Blue Knot FoundationBlue Knot provides a safe space for Survivors to access the support and tools they need to heal from the impacts of violence and abuse, and for those supporting them to access the strategies and resources they need themselves.Australian Government ResourcesServices are available to support people escape violence and be safe.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Rangi is once again joined by midwife Erica Spessot as they conclude their six-part series exploring the stages of labour.This episode focuses on the fourth and final stage of labour. It includes the bonding with your baby - the golden hour, contracting of the uterus, hormones, the start of breastfeeding, monitoring you and your baby, resting, going home, and the next steps. Next week, in honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing our two-part episode on Endometriosis and Pregnancy with Dr Sam Mooney. It’s a very insightful discussion, and we can’t wait for you to hear it. (And don’t worry, even though this six-part series has finished - Erica will be back again soon!)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by midwife Erica Spessot as they continue their six-part series exploring the stages of labour, right through to your baby’s Birth Day.This episode focuses on the third stage of labour. It explores the delivery of the placenta and cutting of the umbilical cord.Topics covered in this episode include:Delivery of Placentaactive management (with medical intervention)natural third stage, also called physiological or expectant managementPostpartum bleeding/haemorrhageCutting of umbilical cordStay tuned for the next episode, where Rangi and Erica take a deep dive into Stage 4 of Labour (recovery and bonding with baby).

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by midwife Erica Spessot as they continue their six-part series exploring the stages of labour, right through to your baby’s Birth Day.This episode focuses on the second stage of labour. It explores what Erica describes as the "TV show end", where you will be pushing and finally meeting your baby.Topics covered in this episode include:10cm Dilation of CervixBaby's position and heart rateBirthing persons positionsDuration of second stage and contributing factorsPushingThe urge to open bowels (poo)Maternal ExhaustionWhen intervention may be requiredMeeting baby - getting involvedStay tuned for the next episode, where Rangi and Erica take a deep dive into Stage 3 of Labour (bonding with baby and delivery of placenta).

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by midwife Erica Spessot as they continue their six-part series exploring the stages of labour, right through to your baby’s Birth Day.This episode focuses on the early (active) phase of the first stage of labour. It explores what is happening from when the contractions "are long, strong, regular and here to stay",  right up until it is time to push.Topics covered in this episode include:ContractionsWaters breakingWhen to contact your healthcare provider/present to hospitalPain relief optionsTransition, the final, most intense part of active laborStay tuned for the next episode, where Rangi and Erica take a deep dive into Stage 2 of Labour (meeting your baby).

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by midwife Erica Spessot as they continue their six-part series exploring the stages of labour, right through to your baby’s Birth Day.This episode focuses on the early (latent) phase of the first stage of labour. It explores the lead-up to pushing, which can begin days- or even weeks- before birth, as your body prepares and starts giving you signs of what’s to come.Topics covered in this episode include:NestingBraxton Hicks contractionsPrioritising self-careChanges to the cervix (thinning and shortening)Mucous plug and dischargeKey hormones, including oxytocin and melatoninContractionsOther symptoms that may occur during this stageWhen to contact your healthcare provider for adviceStay tuned for the next episode, where Rangi and Erica take a deep dive into the next phase of Stage 1- Active Labour - so you know what to expect every step of the way.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by midwife Erica Spessot to kick off a six-part series exploring the stages of labour, all the way to your baby’s Birth Day.This 16-minute overview walks through every stage of labour, from the very first contraction to recovery and bonding with your baby, highlighting the key moments in between.The Stages of Labour series includes:OverviewFirst Stage: Latent (Early) LabourFirst Stage: Active LabourSecond StageThird StageFourth StageStay tuned for upcoming episodes, where each stage is explored in greater detail so you know what to expect every step of the way.

Send us Fan MailWe are back for Season 2! In this episode, our host Rangi is joined by producer Sarah (and Mum of 2) to discuss her pregnancy journey and define some key terms that occurred in her pregnancies, such as:NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)CholestasisInduction of LabourWe’ll be diving deeper into each of these terms in later episodes throughout the season.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ali and Rangi discuss birth plans — and more importantly, the value of having a flexible birth plan.They cover the essentials of creating a birth plan, starting with the reminder that there’s no one right way to do it. Your birth plan can be as general or as detailed as you like — it’s entirely up to you.Key points they explore include:Pain management optionsLabour and delivery environment (e.g. music, scents, lighting)Support people during labourMedical interventions - being informed and making choicesPostpartum considerations, such as skin-to-skin contactCare for other children during birthAbove all, they emphasise that it's perfectly okay to deviate from your birth plan. Think of it as a guide, not a script.Also mentioned in this episode is The Birth Book by Professor Stephen Tong — a helpful resource to prepare for the big day. You can find out more about it here.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ali and Rangi discuss information overload during pregnancy. They explore the benefits of social media, such as finding a sense of community, while also highlighting the dangers, including misinformation and misdiagnosis. They also share tips on handling both solicited and unsolicited advice from well-meaning family members and provide guidance on where to find reliable information. Most importantly, they’ll remind you why your healthcare provider should always be your go-to source for the real facts.Here are the resources mentioned in the episode:Mercy PerinatalRaising Children NetworkThe Royal Women's Hospital: A-Z Fact SheetsRed Nose: What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?RANZCOG: Resource HubACM: Australian College of Midwives

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ali is joined again by guest co-host, Professor Sue Walker AO, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist at the Mercy Hospital for Women, and Co-Director of Mercy Perinatal.Ali and Sue discuss Miscarriage and address key questions, such as:What is Miscarriage? Why do they occur?What is the treatment for a Miscarriage?What is involved in the recovery of a Miscarriage?What does this mean for future pregnancies?How can I support a loved one through a Miscarriage?Where can I seek support? Please note that this episode discusses miscarriage/pregnancy loss, which can be distressing to some listeners. Resources are available including:Sands Australia via their webpage www.sands.org.au or their 24/7 phone support on 1300 308 307.Red Nose via their webpage www.rednose.org.au or their 24/7 support on 1300 308 307The Pink Elephants via their webpage www.pinkelephants.org.auBeyond Blue via their webpage www.beyondblue.org.au or 24/7 support on 13 11 14 via Lifeline

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ali is joined again by guest co-host, Professor Sue Walker AO, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist at the Mercy Hospital for Women, and Co-Director of Mercy Perinatal.Ali and Sue discuss Fetal Growth Restriction answer your burning questions, such as:What is Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?How is FGR detected?What are the causes of FGR?Can FGR be prevented?What happens once my baby has been diagnosed with FGR?What does this mean for the birth and my babys future?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ali is joined by guest co-host, Professor Sue Walker AO, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist at the Mercy Hospital for Women, and Co-Director of Mercy Perinatal.Ali and Sue discuss COVID-19 in pregnancy and labour and answer your burning questions, such as:What does a COVID-19 infection mean for me and my baby?Are COVID-19 vaccines safe in pregnancy?Do I need to tell my healthcare provider if I have COVID-19?Does COVID-19 change my pregnancy care and birth plan?Can I still breastfeed?Where can I get more information on COVID-19 in pregnancy?As discussed in the episode, Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), is a good source of information, you can visit their website here, as well as talking to your healthcare provider.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Ali and Rangi chat with Professor Lisa Hui about Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV), and discuss what is cCMV, how it is contracted, and what it means for your pregnancy and your child later in life, and also what actions you can take to prevent it.Prof Lisa Hui is a maternal fetal medicine specialist with research interests in cell-free fetal nucleic acids, prenatal screening and diagnosis. She is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne and Team Leader in the MCRI Reproductive Epidemiology group. She holds clinical appointments at the Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg VIC, and The Northern Hospital, Epping VIC.As discussed in the episode, CMV Australia has resources and information available to families who are interested in learning more, you can visit their webpage here: https://www.cmv.org.au/Resource for Clinicians: CPD Education Module, Infections in Pregnancy, What's new in congenital CMV and syphilis

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Rangi and Ali welcome back Professor Stephen Tong to Prepare. Prof Tong is a specialist obstetrician at the Mercy Hospital for Women, Professor at The University of Melbourne, Co-Director of Mercy Perinatal and author of The Birth Book.With Prof Tong, the team discuss Preeclampsia, what is it, how common is it, what does a diagnosis mean for you and your baby, how is it treated, what are the symptoms and what is on the horizon for treatment. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ali and Rangi chat with Associate Professor Fiona Brownfoot about Fetal Monitoring, and discuss key points, including:What is Fetal Monitoring?Why does my baby need Fetal Monitoring?What does Fetal Monitoring involve? What are the different methods?When does Fetal Monitoring start in a pregnancy?How long does it take?What does the future look like for Fetal Monitoring?A/Prof Fiona Brownfoot is a specialist female obstetrician in Melbourne with extensive qualifications and experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. A/Prof Brownfoot is an obstetrician at the Mercy Hospital for Women and Epworth Freemasons, and is a clinician scientist at The University of Melbourne. She leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists focused on developing therapeutics and diagnostics to treat the most dangerous pregnancy complications. A/Prof Brownfoot is also co-founder of Kali Healthcare.Please note that this episode briefly mentions miscarriage/pregnancy loss, which can be distressing to some listeners. Resources are available such as through Sands Australia via their webpage www.sands.org.au or their 24/7 phone support - 1300 308 307.

Send us Fan MailTrimesters, placenta, term, uterus, cervix, gestation, vernix, amniotic sac, prenatal, antenatal, postnatal, perinatal... oh my!In this episode, Ali and Rangi go over and break down some common terms you'll hear on your pregnancy journey.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Ali and Rangi chat with Associate Professor Lisa Hui about Genetic Screening, and discuss what is screened, how screening occurs and when, the costs associated with screening, and follow up testing that may occur.A/Prof Lisa Hui is a maternal fetal medicine specialist with research interests in cell-free fetal nucleic acids, prenatal screening and diagnosis. She is Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne and Team Leader in the MCRI Reproductive Epidemiology group. She holds clinical appointments at the Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg VIC, and The Northern Hospital, Epping VIC.As discussed in the episode, Down Syndrome Australia has resources available to families who are interested in learning more, you can visit their webpage here: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au Please note that this episode briefly mentions miscarriage/pregnancy loss, which can be distressing to some listeners. Resources are available such as through Sands Australia via their webpage www.sands.org.au or their 24/7 phone support - 1300 308 307.

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, we welcome Professor Catherine Chamberlain, descendent of the Trawlwoolway people of Tasmania (Palawa), registered midwife and public health researcher to discuss the importance and logistics of "birthing on country" for indigenous people. In this episode, Ali is joined by guest co-host, Professor Sue Walker AO, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist at the Mercy Hospital for Women, and Co-Director of Mercy Perinatal.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Rangi and Ali welcome their very first guest to Prepare, Professor Stephen Tong! Prof Tong is a specialist obstetrician at the Mercy Hospital for Women, Professor at The University of Melbourne, Co-Director of Mercy Perinatal and author of The Birth Book.With Prof Tong, the team discuss the Placenta, what is it, why is it so important, and what can you do with it once your baby is born.

Send us Fan MailSo you've had a positive pregnancy test, and your GP has confirmed that you're pregnant... what now? Ali and Rangi discuss the different pathways of receiving antenatal care, what each model is, who is the primary team, and the pros and cons of each model of care (including expected costs). Join us as the team navigates you through the different options.

Send us Fan MailSo why exactly does your medical team want to keep seeing you in your pregnancy for appointments? Rangi and Ali discuss all the different things the medical team get up to in your appointment and behind the scenes to ensure you and your baby are best monitored for the best start to life and parenthood.

Send us Fan MailSo you've just found out your pregnant through a home pregnancy test (or planning for this step) - what comes next? Listen in as Ali and Rangi discuss the next steps, including making that first GP appointment, taking vitamins, and sharing the news with your support network.Please note that this episode briefly mentions miscarriage/pregnancy loss, which can be distressing to some listeners. Resources are available such as through Sands Australia via their webpage www.sands.org.au or their 24/7 phone support - 1300 308 307.

Send us Fan Mail"Prepare" is the Mercy Perinatal podcast dedicated to helping parents prepare for the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. “Prepare” is hosted by Dr Rangi De Silva (specialist female obstetrician and gynaecologist) and Alison Abboud (registered midwife and nurse) who are joined by special guests along the way. So, who are Rangi and Ali? How did they get to where they are now? What is Mercy Perinatal? What is Prepare? Have a listen and all will be revealed!