Dr Harborne is on call 24 hours per day, Monday to Friday. In order to have some scheduled time away from work, Dr Harborne shares care outside of these hours with three highly regarded Newcastle Obstetricians: Dr Susan Winspear, Dr Jillian Spilsbury and Dr Peter Soaki. This group runs a 1 to 4 roster for weekends and public holidays and is committed to providing excellent care. All doctors are happy to deliver at Newcastle Private Hospital and John Hunter hospital, including the birth centre.

It is recommended that the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine be given after 20 weeks in every pregnancy to protect your baby.

Low-dose aspirin may help to prevent pre-eclampsia in women who may be at increased risk, as it can help to improve blood flow to the placenta.

Yes, the flu vaccine is safe in pregnancy. The flu vaccine is particularly recommended for patients at increased risk of acquiring influenza in pregnancy, such as those with underlying medical conditions.

NSW Food Authority provide a handy guide to help you make decisions about what to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy.

It is important to remember that babies come when they are ready, and a full-term pregnancy is anywhere between 37 to 42 weeks. We calculate your due date by adding 40 weeks to the first day of your last menstrual period.

Some medications, such as ibuprofen, should be ceased during pregnancy. It is best to discuss medication safety in the context of your own health needs with your GP or Obstetrician. MotherSafe is a free service you can call to ask any questions about pregnancy and breastfeeding. Find MotherSafe on our Resources page here.

Having a previous caesarean does not mean that you cannot go on to have a vaginal birth. We can review your previous medical history to plan for the delivery of your choosing.

In an emergency, you should always call 000.

During business ours, our wonderful team can help with simple queries, and for others Dr Harborne will call you back, usually that day.

Our bodies are all very different, the healthy range spans from 5-20kgs.

Early in pregnancy you will have a blood test to determine your blood group. If you are RhD negative, you will be offered injections of anti-D immunoglobulin at points throughout your pregnancy.

You can read more about being Rhesus D negative in pregnancy here.

Exercise during pregnancy is good for you and your baby and is largely encouraged. It can contribute greatly to your wellbeing, reduce back and pelvic pain and build strength.

Talk to Dr Harborne or your GP if you have any questions or concerns about exercise in pregnancy.