Obstetric services
In both Auckland and Hamilton we offer Obstetric services.
An obstetrician is a specialist doctor who cares for pregnant women. In most circumstances an obstetrician will look after women during pregnancy and delivery. They specialise in dealing with any problems that may occur during the pregnancy or delivery and in the immediate few weeks after delivery.
Obstetric Services in Auckland
Through Fertility Associates Auckland, we have two obstetrician’s working out of our clinic. They are Neil Buddicom and Simon Kelly.
They specialise in dealing with any problems that may occur during the pregnancy or delivery and in the immediate few weeks after delivery, however, if you have a problem free pregnancy, you may simply wish to choose to use an obstetrician for peace of mind.
There are many reasons a woman may choose to use our obstetric services and anyone who is pregnant is able to choose to be under the care of an obstetrician. In particular, some of these reasons may include:
- women who may be at higher risk for problems during pregnancy or delivery should have the services of an obstetrician available to her.
- women who have pre-existing medical problems or who have problems in previous pregnancies should be under the care of an obstetrician.
- in some situations women who have had fertility treatment may also be at higher risk for pregnancy related problems. We normally advise these women to have an obstetrician caring for them in pregnancy.
You can arrange care with one of our obstetricians yourself by contacting us directly, or if you like, you can get a referral from your GP.
Once you choose to use the services of either Neil or Simon, you will have an initial appointment with them which involves a thorough medical history and examination. This is designed to identify any potential risks for the pregnancy. In addition, there are some specific blood and urine tests that are arranged at this stage. Ultrasound scans are also planned at this initial visit.
Throughout the pregnancy you will meet regularly with your obstetrician to monitor your and your baby’s health and progress.
Initially visits are monthly from the first consultation until around 28 weeks. From then visits are every two weeks until the last month of pregnancy when visits will be weekly. This may of course change should any problems arise during the pregnancy.
Once your baby is born, we will also arrange a post-natal visit around 6 weeks after delivery.
About our doctors:/Neil-and-Simon.aspx)
Neil Buddicom (pictured left) joined Fertility Associates after being Medical Director of the Infertility Unit at National Women's Hospital. Neil shares an interest in infertility with a busy obstetric and gynaecological practice.
Simon Kelly (pictured right) joined Fertility Associates in 2003 and combines a busy obstetric and gynaecology practice with an interest in the application of advanced ultrasound technology to infertility management, in vitro maturation of immature oocytes collected from unstimulated ovaries and aspects of fertility preservation.
To make an appointment
The secretary will arrange the first antenatal visit from around 10 weeks in pregnancy. It is important to do this early in pregnancy as most obstetricians limit the number of patients they care for per month.
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Hamilton Obstetric Centre
At Hamilton Obstetric Centre we understand the importance of family and this change in your life. We aim to offer you the optimum level of care and expertise, to ensure that you feel as comfortable and relaxed as you can throughout your pregnancy and the birth of your new baby.
Our specialist doctors will assist with the safe delivery of your baby at Waikato Hospital.
Whether you have a straightforward or complicated pregnancy, many women prefer to have a specialist present during their delivery.
Some of the reasons that a woman may choose to use an obstetrician can include those who have had fertility treatment; have experienced complications in previous births; have previously experienced pregnancy loss; have a known medical problem (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other conditions that may cause issues during their pregnancy); to care for a multiple birth pregnancy; and those who require delivery by caesarean section.
We offer a shared care model. During your time with us, you will be given the opportunity to meet both of our specialists. Together their aim is to provide you with care throughout your pregnancy and labour.
Download the Hamilton Obstetric Centre brochure here. To view the PDF document you need to have Adobe Reader installed. If you do not have Adobe Reader please click here to download and install it.
About our Doctors:/VP-and-Lakshmi.aspx)
Our Hamilton Obstetricians, Drs VP Singh and Lakshmi Ravikanti (pictured on the right), are medical specialists and members of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. They have extensive experience in delivering babies. Drs Ravikanti and Singh also specialise in reproductive medicine and consult at Fertility Associates Hamilton. They are passionate about offering the best possible options of care to expectant mothers.
To make an appointment at Hamilton Obstetric Centre:
It is important to book in with an obstetrician early in your pregnancy, as most obstetricians limit the number of patients they care for per month.
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