ANSC Newsletter April 2019 No Images? Click here Antenatal Shared Care Update - April 2019 Click the buttons below for the latest updates from your affiliate hospital New RANZCOG statement about prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has released a statement about the prevention of CMV virus in March 2019. The statement can be found here. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpes virus circulating widely in the community. If a pregnant woman acquires CMV in pregnancy, this can result in infection and damage to the developing fetus. Some babies born with congenital CMV will die, have hearing loss, epilepsy, intellectual impairment and/or cerebral palsy. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can be passed from person-to-person without their knowledge, usually via intimate contact. The most common sources of CMV infection are young children, as they are more likely to shed high levels of virus in their saliva, urine or nasal secretions for long periods. Women who catch CMV infection while pregnant may pass the virus to their unborn child. Pregnant women can use simple hygiene strategies to reduce their risk of CMV infection. However most women have never heard of CMV. The International consensus guidelines in The Lancet ID recommend: “all pregnant women should be provided information on congenital CMV infection…(including)…potential dangers of CMV infection for the fetus, the most likely sources of infection, and steps to prevent infection”. Further information:
Influenza and pertussis vaccination in pregnancy The influenza and whooping cough vaccines are provided free to pregnant women through the National Immunisation Program. The most important factor associated with uptake of influenza and pertussis vaccination during pregnancy is a healthcare provider recommendation. Please take all opportunities to speak to your pregnant patients and their partners about the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza and pertussis during pregnancy. Please note that the evidence around the timing of pertussis vaccination in pregnancy has recently been reviewed and the pertussis-containing vaccine is now recommended as a single dose between 20 and 32 weeks in each pregnancy, including pregnancies that are closely spaced to provide maximal protection to each infant. This advice is reflected in the Australian Immunisation Handbook Key messages
Billing Medicare funded services for newborns To register a newborn for Medicare, parents are required to submit the Newborn Child Declaration Form which registers their child for Centrelink and Medicare. This form is provided in the Parent Pack given to women by the hospital or midwife. Women have up to 52 weeks or up to the child’s 1st birthday to register their child. A number of options are available for billing Medicare funded services for newborn babies. Perinatal Mental Health Psychological Support Services (PSS) Groups : antenatal and postnatal St John Of God, Burwood – Perinatal Mental Health CPD Series Domestic and Family Violence Working with families experiencing family violence can be difficult work for general practitioners. Starting the conversation can be challenging, but health professionals are uniquely place to identify and respond to family violence with help of resources and support services. Domestic Violence Screening Forum - 3 May Have your say - Cervical screening during the antenatal and postnatal periods You are invited to complete an online survey for a study from CESPHN, SESLHD and Cancer Institute NSW that aims to increase rates of participation in cervical screening of never screened and under screened women from priority populations during the antenatal and postnatal periods. For feedback or program enquiries please contact Maternal Health Program Officer: |