Private Pregnancy Care in Melbourne
— Fitzroy and East Melbourne
Specialist care for a healthy pregnancy so you feel known, supported and safe.
Dr Karen Paice has over 15 years’ experience as a private obstetrician who consults in Fitzroy, Melbourne. She provides care from early pregnancy through to birth, taking time to explain what is happening, discuss your options and help you understand what comes next.
Karen provides private obstetric care at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Fitzroy and Epworth Freemasons Maternity Unit in East Melbourne. She cares for women across a broad range of pregnancies, from uncomplicated pregnancies through to pregnancies following IVF and those that may require additional monitoring or planning.
Pregnancy care that feels personal
From the first scan to meeting your baby, built around clarity and planning.Pregnancy can bring new information, questions and decisions at every stage. Karen’s approach is proactive, thorough and practical. She takes time to review your history, explain clinical information in plain language and discuss what may be recommended as your pregnancy progresses.
Private obstetric care
Continuity you can feel, one specialist, from pregnancy to birth.Care from early pregnancy through to birth, with regular appointments, ongoing planning and clear information about what to expect.
Straightforward pregnancy care
Karen brings extensive obstetric experience and individual attention to every pregnancy she cares for, to support your birth preferences. For women with straightforward, uncomplicated pregnancies, this means the same thorough, attentive approach to care, with regular appointments, clear information and thoughtful planning throughout pregnancy and birth.
When pregnancy needs additional care
Supporting a positive birth, with expert care if plans or needs change.Some women know from early pregnancy that additional monitoring may be appropriate, while for others, needs can change as pregnancy progresses.
Karen has extensive experience in higher risk and more complex pregnancy care and will discuss with you any additional assessment, monitoring or planning that may be recommended.
Birth planning
Karen discusses vaginal birth, planned caesarean and pain relief options during labour, including epidurals, with you. She takes time to explain your options and support you in making informed decisions about your birth. If you have experienced a previous traumatic birth, Karen can take this history into account when discussing and planning your care.
Pregnancy after IVF
Karen’s fertility experience provides additional understanding of the treatment, medications and journey that may have come before your pregnancy. Karen welcomes women who have conceived through IVF from all fertility clinics.
Pregnancy at 38 or over
Karen can discuss with you any additional considerations and recommendations for pregnancy at 38 or over. Depending on your individual health, pregnancy history and circumstances, additional screening or monitoring may be recommended.
Anxiety, Depression & ADHD in pregnancy
Private obstetric care for women experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD and for women taking medication prior to pregnancy. Care can be tailored to your mental health history, current treatment and individual circumstances.
Pregnancy with twins
Twin pregnancies may need additional monitoring and planning throughout pregnancy. Karen provides experienced obstetric care tailored to your individual pregnancy, with clear guidance about what may be recommended and why.
Pregnancy with an existing health condition
Some health conditions can influence the way pregnancy is monitored or managed. Karen has extensive experience caring for women with existing medical conditions and will tailor your care according to your health, pregnancy and individual needs.
Your first pregnancy appointment
Your first appointment is an opportunity to review your health and pregnancy so far, ask questions and begin planning your care.
At your first appointment, Karen will take time to understand your medical and pregnancy history, review the information available and explain the next steps in your care.
- Review your medical and pregnancy history
- Discuss previous pregnancies or fertility treatment
- Review blood tests and ultrasound reports
- Discuss medications and existing health conditions
- Talk through screening and upcoming appointments
- Offer an ultrasound
- Answer your questions and discuss what happens next
For your first appointment, please provide your GP referral and any relevant blood test and ultrasound reports. Your partner or support person is welcome to attend. They are welcome to be part of the discussion and involved in your appointments.
Contact Karen’s roomsWhat your pregnancy care looks like
For most women, pregnancy progresses without major complications. Karen provides regular appointments throughout your pregnancy, taking time to monitor your health and your baby’s development, answer your questions and help you prepare for birth.
Your appointments may include:
- Checking your health and your baby’s growth and development
- Answering questions as they arise
- Discussing nutrition, exercise, general health and common pregnancy symptoms
- Explaining screening options and discussing your preferences
- Preparing for labour, vaginal birth or a planned caesarean, and the first weeks with your baby
As your pregnancy progresses, appointments generally become more frequent. Karen will work with you to plan your ongoing care based on your individual needs.
Where Karen provides private pregnancy care
Karen provides private obstetric care at:
Epworth Freemasons Maternity Unit, East Melbourne
320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
View on Google MapsGet to know Karen’s obstetric care
Hear Karen speak about her work as an obstetrician and her approach to pregnancy care.
Karen as an obstetrician at St Vincent’s Private
Karen discusses her obstetric practice and approach to caring for women throughout pregnancy and birth.
Watch video
Ultrasound in pregnancy
Watch Karen’s ultrasound video to learn more about ultrasound during pregnancy.
Watch videoFrequently asked questions
Why choose Karen for private obstetric care?
Karen brings over 15 years of experience caring for women through straightforward and more complex pregnancies. As an experienced obstetrician and a mum herself, Karen understands firsthand that pregnancy can bring excitement, questions and uncertainty. When you choose Karen for private obstetric care, you will see her throughout your pregnancy, giving her time to get to know you, your baby and what matters to you. She takes time to listen, answer your questions and discuss your birth preferences in a warm, non judgemental environment. Karen welcomes patients of all backgrounds, cultures, religions and family structures. Partners, family members and chosen support people are warmly welcome to be involved throughout your care.
When should I contact an obstetrician after finding out I am pregnant?
Once your pregnancy is confirmed, please contact Karen’s rooms. Reception can explain the appointment and referral process and help you arrange the next appropriate step.
Does Karen care for pregnancies after IVF?
Yes. Karen welcomes women who have conceived through IVF from all fertility clinics. Her fertility experience also gives her an understanding of the treatment and medications that may have come before your pregnancy.
Does Karen care for uncomplicated and higher risk pregnancies?
Yes. Karen provides private obstetric care for women with uncomplicated pregnancies as well as pregnancies that may require additional monitoring or planning. She has extensive experience in higher risk and more complex pregnancy care, with care tailored to your health, pregnancy history and individual circumstances.
Where does Karen deliver babies?
Karen provides private obstetric care at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Fitzroy and Epworth Freemasons Maternity Unit, East Melbourne.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. For your first appointment, please provide your GP referral and any relevant blood test and ultrasound reports.
Can I bring my partner or support person?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your partner or support person to your appointments with Karen. They are welcome to be part of the discussion and involved in your appointments.
Ready to enquire about pregnancy care?
Contact Karen’s rooms to ask about availability or your next step.
(03) 9419 5757
