Obstetrics & Gynaecology

The obstetrics and gynaecology department at Allergy Asthma Foundation provides complete care for women's health, from the first antenatal visit through to menopause and beyond. Our consultants look after routine and higher-risk pregnancies, period and fertility problems, and gynaecological surgery. Obstetricians, gynaecologists, midwives, fertility specialists and women's-health physiotherapists work as one team.

Every AAF centre offers same-week outpatient appointments, comfortable birthing rooms, a dedicated obstetric operating theatre and round-the-clock cover from an obstetrician and an anaesthetist for labour and delivery.

Conditions and care we provide

The department looks after a wide range of needs, including:

• Antenatal care for straightforward and higher-risk pregnancies
• Labour, delivery and immediate newborn care
• Care after miscarriage and early-pregnancy problems
• Heavy, painful or irregular periods
• Polycystic ovary syndrome and hormone problems
• Fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis
• Difficulty conceiving, and fertility assessment for couples
• Menopause symptoms and bone health
• Cervical screening and the prevention of cervical cancer

Tests and treatments

Pregnancy care

• Confirmation of pregnancy and dating ultrasound
• Scheduled scans, including the anomaly scan and growth scans
• Screening for gestational diabetes, anaemia and blood pressure problems
• Birth planning, pain-relief options and support for vaginal or caesarean birth
• Postnatal review for mother and baby

Gynaecology

• Pelvic ultrasound and cervical screening
• Medical treatment for heavy periods, PCOS and menopause
• Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for cysts, fibroids and endometriosis
• Hysteroscopy for problems inside the womb
• Fertility investigation and timed treatment cycles

What happens at your first visit

1. Your consultant asks about your symptoms or your pregnancy, your periods, past pregnancies and general health.
2. Where appropriate, you have an examination and a pelvic ultrasound during the visit.
3. Blood tests and screening are arranged as needed.
4. The findings and the options are explained clearly, with time for your questions.
5. A written plan is agreed with you, and shared with your family doctor if you wish.

How to prepare for your appointment

• Note the date of your last period and your usual cycle length.
• Bring previous scan reports, pregnancy records and any recent test results.
• Bring a list of your medicines, including hormonal contraception and supplements.
• If a scan is planned, follow any instructions about a full or empty bladder.
• You are welcome to bring your partner or a support person.

Care alongside other departments

Women's health often needs input from across the hospital. We share care with general medicine for diabetes and thyroid problems in pregnancy, with cardiology when a pregnancy affects the heart, with paediatrics and the neonatal unit at delivery, and with the laboratory and imaging teams for timely results. Women's-health physiotherapists support recovery after birth and surgery.

When to seek help urgently

Contact the department or attend the nearest emergency department straight away if you are pregnant and have:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
• Severe or constant abdominal pain
• A bad headache with blurred vision, or sudden swelling of the face and hands
• A noticeable drop in your baby's movements
• Fever, or pain and burning when passing urine

Outside pregnancy, seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or fever with pelvic pain.

Questions patients ask

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book an obstetrics or gynaecology appointment directly. Bringing past records and scan reports helps your consultant plan.

Can I choose the type of birth I want?

Yes, as far as it is safe. Your obstetrician and midwife will discuss your preferences, explain the options and support your plan, adjusting only if your or your baby's safety needs it.

Is keyhole surgery available for gynaecological problems?

Yes. Many procedures for cysts, fibroids and endometriosis are done laparoscopically, which usually means less pain, smaller scars and a faster return to normal activity.

To arrange a visit with the obstetrics and gynaecology team at your nearest AAF centre, book online or request a callback and our coordinators will help.