Each Pregnancy Is A Unique Moment In Time
Dr Holland takes care to limit the number of obstetric patients that he delivers each month to ensure that each family gets the care and time they deserve. We recommend that you call our rooms as soon as you know that you are pregnant to secure your spot.
Obstetrics
Dr Holland Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Newcastle
Dr Holland brings his extensive experience in delivering both high and low risk pregnancies. Matt is highly sought after for his trusted, dependable care. He is dedicated to providing a positive birthing experience and looks forward to being an integral part of your pregnancy journey.
Dr Holland’s rooms are well equipped with advanced ultrasound equipment to provide those important ultrasound snap shots throughout your pregnancy. At each appointment you will have a bedside scan and later in your pregnancy a 3D or 4D scan, a link to download your ultrasound images will be sent to your mobile number at the end of each appointment.
If you have come to us via IVF or through surrogacy, we appreciate the obstacles that you have overcome to arrive at this moment. Dr Holland has cared for many IVF patients and is expert at providing care tailored to you.
We know that having a baby is an exciting time and a time to receive extra support for you and your family, our team looks forward to being part of this special time with you.
How would someone go about choosing an obstetrician?
Choosing the obstetrician who will manage your pregnancy and delivery is an important decision. When considering who will take care of you through your pregnancy and delivery it is recommended that you consider experience, reputation and affordability. Dr Holland has over 15 years’ experience in delivering babies, that’s over 4000 babies, and his reputation as a good bloke, who is calm under pressure, will make your birthing experience both one to remember and safe and sound. Dr Holland takes care to limit the number of babies he delivers each month to ensure that every family gets the care and time they deserve. Dr Holland delivers private patients at Newcastle Private Hospital. If you have health insurance that covers pregnancy and delivery or wish to self-fund, Dr Holland we would be happy to discuss his fees with you ahead of booking your care with us. If you are ready to book, we recommend that you call our rooms as soon as you know that you are pregnant to secure your spot, spots fill up fast.
Why is it important to see an obstetrician?
Obstetricians specialise in caring for pregnant women during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth and the first several weeks after delivery. Dr Matthew Holland welcomes new antenatal patients who wish to deliver privately at Newcastle Private Hospital. Dr Holland and midwife Hannah run private antenatal clinics each Tuesday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Appointments are also available on a Thursday morning weekly. Dr Holland performs an ultrasound at each of your appointments, in the later stages of your pregnancy a 3D/4D ultrasound will be provided.
Pregnancy
What should I expect during pregnancy?
A basic understanding of the physical and emotional changes during pregnancy will help a family to understand the pregnancy care process and have a positive pregnancy and birthing experience. The information provided on our website is designed to help you get a basic understanding of what private pregnancy care is and how to have the best birthing experience.
Once you become a patient of Dr Holland you will receive access to the Pregnant Patient Portal that further expands on Dr Holland’s care with additional pregnancy resources and support.
What to expect at an obstetrician appointment?
Your first appointment will be a comprehensive 30-minute appointment that will include a review of antenatal screening bloods, a discussion of pregnancy health and well-being and time to get to know Dr Holland and midwife Hannah. Each appointment will include an ultrasound, blood pressure check, request forms for any pathology or testing given and explained and a review of testing as required.
Once you become a patient of Dr Holland you will receive access to the Pregnant Patient Portal that further expands on Dr Holland’s care with additional pregnancy resources and support.
Dr Holland will see you regularly throughout your pregnancy, below is a summary of his pregnancy schedule.
Does Dr Holland handle high-risk pregnancies and how experienced is he?
Dr Holland is highly specialised in high-risk pregnancies and deliveries and has successfully delivered over 4102 babies (updated July 2024)! If you have a high-risk pregnancy, then you and your baby are at a greater chance of experiencing problems during pregnancy or birth. These risks may be from pre-existing maternal medical conditions or may be due to the pregnancy itself. Most women who have high-risk pregnancies do not know that they will have a high-risk pregnancy when they fall pregnant. It is key to secure an experienced obstetrician to receive the highest quality of care, to monitor your pregnancy for signs of higher risk and to have the experience to deliver your baby safely. With Dr Holland, you are in good hands.
Once you become a patient of Dr Holland you will receive access to the Pregnant Patient Portal that further expands on Dr Holland’s care with additional pregnancy resources and support.
What do I need to know about delivery?
Dr Holland provides delivery services at Newcastle Private Hospital, accommodating both insured and self-funding patients. Newcastle Private Hospital is the local private maternity healthcare facility, conveniently situated in New Lambton Heights, it serves the region with excellence.
How much does it cost to deliver privately?
If you are privately insured your delivery fee will be billed directly to your health fund, as a no-gap doctor there will be no charge to you from Dr Holland. A fee will apply to patients who choose to self-fund their delivery.
Accounts from other treating doctors are separate to Dr Holland’s billing and may not be fully covered by your health fund or Medicare.
eAdmission
Book to deliver at Newcastle Private Hospital online, anytime, anywhere on any device.
What to take to hospital
Wondering what to pack and what will be provided by the hospital?
This is where all begins! You are a parent, and maybe not for the first time. Congratulations on making a new human. Was the birth what you expected? How do you know if everything is going ok? Where is the manual for parenting? When is the help arriving? Let me reassure you that if you’re feeling out of your depth or if you’ve got this covered, you’re doing a great job and you’re not alone.
We have put together some of the most helpful online resources for our obstetric patients, sourced from the most reliable providers to help you navigate these first few weeks of newborn world. While you’re feeding baby or catching some well earned down time, dive into the resources provided, get informed, learn something new, and lean into the many experts who have gone ahead of you for this very moment.
Pregnancy FAQ
Could you ever have imagined having so many questions to ask? Pregnancy and birth are not really something many people need to know about until you do, right. Here are some common questions we get from patients; you may be surprised to know you’re not the first to ask.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
The most common symptoms of pregnancy are a missed period, feeling nausea, tender or sore breasts. You may also feel fatigued and need to pass urine more frequently. If you think you are pregnant, take an at-home pregnancy test, look for a test that advertises a 99% accuracy.
Can I be pregnant and still have a period?
It is not possible to continue having a period while you are pregnant. It is possible to bleed while pregnant, this is not a period. The best way to confirm a pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
In an ectopic pregnancy, also known as tubal pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants and develops outside the uterus, usually within the fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is a non-viable pregnancy (it cannot progress to delivery) and if left untreated can be harmful to mum. An ectopic pregnancy is usually confirmed via ultrasound.
I have a miscarriage, what are my chances of having another one? Do I need any special tests or treatment?
If you have had a prior live born infant, the risk of recurrent miscarriage is 20% to 25% after one miscarriage, 25% after two miscarriages, and 30% after three miscarriages. If you are concerned speak to Dr Holland and he will guide you through your options.
Is it safe to get the Flu Vaccine during pregnancy?
Vaccination against influenza has been shown to be safe in pregnancy. In fact, it is recommended for patients who are at high risk of acquiring influenza in pregnancy, such as women with underlying medical disorders or healthcare providers.
How much weight should I gain during my pregnancy?
The average recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 11kg to 15kg.
Is cramping in pregnancy normal?
Some women have cramping during early pregnancy. However, if you have persistent cramping, especially if it is associated with bleeding or spotting, it is important that you see your doctor.
I am having a lot of sciatic pain. What can I do? Is this common during pregnancy?
Sciatica is a very common condition that usually occurs late in pregnancy and resolves after delivery. There are a variety of treatments you can try to relieve your discomfort; pregnancy massage, and/or applying heat can help.
Is it safe to travel by air during pregnancy?
Flying is safe during pregnancy and there is no indication that it causes future complications. You should check with your airline as to their requirements for travel during pregnancy. A travel certificate is usually advised if you are beyond 28 weeks pregnant or if you appear pregnant. Dr Holland can issue a travel certificate if he believes it is safe for you to fly.
Can I eat fish during pregnancy?
Healthcare officials have issued advice on the dangers of eating fish. There is some concern that the level of mercury in fish might pose certain risks to a developing fetus.
Can I go to the dentist while I am pregnant?
Dental work during pregnancy is safe. Local anaesthetics, numbing agents and dental X-rays are all safe during pregnancy.
I am having pain in both sides of my lower abdomen. Is this normal?
Although there are many reasons for abdominal pain during pregnancy, the most common condition is round ligament pain. The round ligaments are connective tissue ligaments that run from the upper aspect of the uterus down to the groin. As pregnancy progresses these ligaments enlarge and become stretched and can cause pain. The pain sensation that women often feel involves both sides of the lower abdomen and sometimes the back. The pain is sharp in nature and can be worse on the right side. Certain movements may exacerbate the pain. Round ligament pain has not been associated with any adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Treatments include heat on the affected area and rest. Medications often do not alleviate symptoms.
What is an amniocentesis and why should I have it?
Amniocentesis is an invasive test recommended to diagnose fetal abnormalities, it is usually performed between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. During an amniocentesis a thin needle is inserted into the sac surrounding the fetus and a small amount of liquid is withdrawn. This liquid is then used to test for physical abnormalities.
Diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies by amniocentesis is highly accurate. Although there are no major studies on error of amniocentesis, it has been shown that errors in diagnosis occur only 0.1% to 0.6% of the time. As with all medical procedures an amniocentesis does carry risk and you should discuss this with Dr Holland ahead of your decision.
How can I tell if I am in labour?
Regular uterine contractions and water breaking are signs you are in labour. You may also experience period-like cramps, backache, diarrhoea, a small blood-stained discharge as your cervix thins and the mucus plug drops out. If you believe you are in labour, please contact Newcastle Private Delivery Suites and speak to a Midwife.
What are Braxton Hicks?
Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as false labour. They usually begin sometime after the 20th week of pregnancy and feel like the muscles across your belly are tightening. Sometimes they are felt earlier and are more intense in women who have had a previous pregnancy. Braxton hicks are not a sign of labour.
What types of pain relief are available during and after childbirth?
There are several types of anaesthesia that can be used during labour and delivery. It is important for each woman to understand her options beforehand so she can make an informed choice that suits her individual situation. Dr Holland will discuss your pain relief options with you at your appointments leading up to delivery.
What are Apgar scores and what do they mean?
The Apgar is a test used by doctors and midwives to access you baby’s health at birth and is performed between 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The top score is 10. The score is based on five things, baby’s: skin colour, pulse, breathing, muscle tone and reflex irritability. If your baby’s score was low in the first Apgar test and hasn’t improved in the second test at 5 minutes, the doctors, midwives and nurses will continue to closely monitor your baby and provide the necessary medical care.
How soon after delivery can I have intercourse?
For a while after childbirth, don’t be surprised if you have little interest in sex. Physical recovery, exhaustion and hormonal changes may impact on your sexual drive after childbirth. It takes approximately 6 weeks for your uterus, cervix, and vaginal tissues to return to their normal pre-pregnant state. When you feel ready to have sex make sure that you feel comfortable, that you are healed and well and that you have considered contraception. Although it’s rare, women have fallen pregnant 3 weeks after delivering.
Dr Matthew Holland, Fertility Specialist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist