Antenatal Counselling
Learning that your unborn baby has a condition that may require surgery is understandably overwhelming. Receiving clear, honest information from an experienced paediatric surgeon — before your baby arrives — can make a meaningful difference to how prepared and supported you feel as a family.
Dr Ben Wagstaff offers antenatal counselling for expectant parents whose baby has been identified with a condition that may benefit from paediatric surgical assessment or intervention after birth.
What is Antenatal Counselling?
Antenatal counselling is a consultation that takes place during pregnancy — usually after an anomaly has been detected on ultrasound or other prenatal testing. During this appointment, Dr Wagstaff will explain the identified condition in straightforward terms, discuss what is and isn't known at this stage, outline what your baby's care is likely to involve after birth, and answer any questions you and your partner may have.
The aim is not to add to your anxiety, but to help you feel informed, heard, and prepared for what lies ahead.
When is Antenatal Counselling Recommended?
You may be referred for antenatal counselling if your baby has been found to have:
An abdominal wall defect such as gastroschisis or exomphalos
Intestinal or duodenal atresia
Oesophageal atresia or tracheo-oesophageal fistula
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Hydronephrosis or urological tract anomalies
Sacrococcygeal teratoma or other masses
Hirschsprung's disease or anorectal malformations
Anorectal anomalies
Other surgically relevant findings on prenatal imaging
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Dr Wagstaff will review the available prenatal imaging and reports, explain the likely nature of the condition and its significance, discuss the expected postnatal course and what surgical care may be needed, and help you think through the questions you may want to ask your broader care team.
These conversations are always honest. Dr Wagstaff will give you the most accurate information available while being sensitive to the fact that antenatal findings can change, and that some uncertainty is inherent in any prenatal diagnosis.
Coordinating Your Baby's Care
Dr Wagstaff works closely with obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, and the neonatal intensive care team to ensure that your baby's postnatal care is well-planned and coordinated. Where possible, he will help ensure that the right team is in place for your baby's arrival.
Paediatric Surgeon Canberra Dr Ben Wagstaff
Referrals for antenatal counselling are welcomed from obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and GPs. Please contact Dr Wagstaff's rooms to arrange an appointment.