Obstetric Services

For every woman, pregnancy is an amazing time of change and development. As each pregnancy is different, my goal is to offer a professional and customised model of care for you and your baby.

It is important to develop a solid and trusting relationship with you and your partner to ensure you receive the very best care and advice as well as your desired outcomes and expectations for the pregnancy and delivery.

My obstetric services include pre-pregnancy counselling, management of antenatal care, the delivery of your child, postnatal care and contraception advice.

I provide care for all levels of obstetric needs including complex maternal medical issues and illness. When required, I will work in with other medical and surgical specialists to ensure the best treatment plan is delivered.  I have also established close relationships with allied health professionals including dieticians, physiotherapists and psychologists to provide my patients the very best of care during pre-conception, pregnancy and postnatal care.

I am a strong supporter of vaginal deliveries and vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC); believing that this results in the best outcomes for both the mother and baby.  I will advocate this path and encourage and support my patients through this process.  However if the situation requires, I am equally experienced in performing assisted instrumental deliveries and Caesarean sections.

If you would like your baby delivered in a private hospital, I am accredited at Cabrini Hospital, Jesse MacPherson and Waverley Private Hospitals.

I also provide shared care as well as deliver babies as a private obstetrician at Box Hill, Monash Medical Centre and Sandringham Public Hospitals.

What you can expect when you are expecting.

If you have experienced past obstetric complications, it is recommended that you visit Dr Sabau prior to becoming pregnant again.  This consultation will  assess your potential risk factors for future pregnancies.

Initial Consultation

Your first visit will be around 7-10 weeks gestation. In this 45 minute appointment, we will discuss your obstetric and gynaecological history as well as any relevant medical, surgical and family history.

A thorough physical examination will be performed including a pelvic ultrasound which will confirm your due date. During this and subsequent visits many issues will be discussed, including:

  • screening options for chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome
  • genetic screening for over 100 conditions including Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, Canavan Disease etc.
  • diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle during the pregnancy.

Questions are always welcomed and encouraged.

Hospital Booking

Following you first antenatal visit, please advise us of your hospital preference and we will make this booking for you.

Following Consultations

After the 20 week foetal ultrasound, I will see you every 4 weeks until you reach 28 weeks gestation.  I will then arrange fortnightly appointments for you until you are at 36 weeks; followed by weekly checks until delivery. At these visits I will monitor your blood pressure and the growth of your baby as well as address any questions or concerns that you may have. It is always a good idea for you to write down any questions you may have to bring with you to your appointment.

Antenatal Classes

I believe that childbirth preparation classes are beneficial, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Antenatal classes are also available for mothers having their second or subsequent pregnancies. The hospital you are booked to deliver will organise these for you.

Labour

At the onset of labour please contact the hospital directly. The midwives will advise you when to come in to the hospital for further assessment. Upon your arrival at the hospital, they will contact me with details of your status.

Postnatal Check Up

Six weeks after the birth of your baby I will see you for a postnatal visit. At this visit I will check to see how you are coping with motherhood, perform a physical examination (including a pap smear if this is due) as well as discuss contraception options.

Group Practice

While I will make every effort to be at the birth of your child, this is not always possible. In the event that I am undertaking a planned surgical procedure, attending a conference for continued professional development or on leave, my practice is covered by a group of highly trained obstetricians who will step in seamlessly to deliver your baby.