Private pregnancy care
Dr Yu’s PA team have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQAs) about private pregnancy care with Dr Chrissie Yu.
*These FAQs are for information only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to always consult your own healthcare provider for specific guidance related to you.
About Dr Yu’s antenatal appointments
Does Dr Yu offer a ‘meet and greet’ appointment?
Dr Yu doesn’t offer ‘meet and greet’ appointments. However, the fee for your initial consultation will be waived if you then decide to book a pregnancy care package with Dr Yu. You will only be charged a fee for a one-off appointment if you decide not to proceed with a care package with Dr Yu.
Is there anything I need to prepare in advance of my initial consultation?
If you are in the early stages of your pregnancy (6-10 weeks), there is not a lot you need to prepare. It is always a good idea to prepare a list of any questions you have for Dr Yu in advance. If you are in the second trimester or third trimester, we’ll ask you to send us your antenatal records (scan reports, test results etc.) for Dr Yu to review in advance.
Do I need to attend my appointment with a full bladder or fast beforehand?
A full bladder is not required for your ultrasound scans although you will be asked to provide a urine sample at each appointment as part of your routine observations. You can eat and drink as normal prior to each appointment unless you have been advised otherwise by Dr Yu or her PA team.
Does Dr Yu offer early morning or evening appointments?
Yes, Dr Yu’s earliest appointment is usually 8am and the latest 6:30pm depending on her schedule. We strongly recommend booking a block of your antenatal appointments in advance if you have a preferred time and location.
Can I reserve antenatal appointments with Dr Yu in advance?
Yes. We strongly recommend booking a block of appointments in advance particularly if you have a preferred location or can only attend during certain times of the day.
How early in my pregnancy can I book my first consultation with Dr Yu?
Dr Yu sees patients between 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy for initial appointments. However, many patients have their first appointments later in pregnancy at any time up to 30 weeks pregnancy! Dr Yu offers pregnancy care packages at 8, 12, 20, and 30 weeks’ pregnancy so you’ll have a range of options to choose from.
About pregnancy care packages
I have not yet confirmed a pregnancy care package with Dr Yu. Will I still receive urgent on-call care from Dr Yu?
Only patients that are booked under a pregnancy care package Dr Yu receive her mobile phone number for on-call care. For non-package patients, urgent outpatient appointments are subject to her availability on the day. Otherwise, you will need to attend your local A&E department.
If I book a pregnancy care package, will I have regular appointments?
Dr Yu will see you as regularly as you need for your antenatal appointments and routine scans once you have confirmed your pregnancy care package. A sample schedule of appointments is provided in our fee information document.
If I book a pregnancy care package, will Dr Yu scan me?
If you book a pregnancy care package with Dr Yu, she will perform your routine scans herself and may occasionally also refer you for a second opinion. A sample schedule of appointments is provided in our fee information document.
I would like to proceed with a pregnancy care package with Dr Yu. What should I do next?
Please inform our PA team who will confirm your booking. They will also organise your booking at your chosen hospital at the appropriate time. If you have not yet booked an initial consultation with Dr Yu, our PA team will provide some appointment options.
If I book a pregnancy care package with Dr Yu, will you book my chosen hospital for my baby’s delivery?
Once you confirm your pregnancy care package, out PA team will organise your booking at your chosen hospital at the appropriate time.
About pregnancy scans and tests
When can Dr Yu tell me my baby’s gender?
Your baby’s gender can be determined with the NIPT (Non-invasive Prenatal Test) which is performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy. By ultrasound, the baby’s gender can be determined around 18–20 weeks.
Can I have a pregnancy scan during my initial consultation, or do I need to book a separate appointment?
Miss Yu can perform a scan during the initial consultation appointment. There’s no need to book a separate appointment.
About health in pregnancy
Can I exercise during my pregnancy?
Yes! Exercise is generally safe during pregnancy and can help with physical and mental well-being. Dr Yu will advise on any specific health issues you may have but in general, the more active and fit you are during your pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labour. Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable.
How much weight will I gain during pregnancy?
Most pregnant women gain between 10kg and 12.5kg (22lb to 28lb), putting on most of the weight after the 20the week of pregnanvcy. Much of the extra weight is due to your baby growing, but your body will also be storing fat, ready to make breast milk after your baby is born.
What foods should I avoid while pregnant?
It is recommended to avoid uncooked seafood, unpasteurized dairy, certain cured meats, raw eggs or meat, and high-mercury content fish (like swordfish and shark). Dr Yu will advise on any dietary requirements you may have. For a personalised nutritional therapy we can also arrange a consultation with our nutritional therapist, Nia Ward.
Is it safe to take antibiotics during pregnancy?
Yes, some antibiotics are safe during pregnancy and Dr Yu may prescribe these to help clear any bacterial infections such as UTIs.
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
Start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you find out you are pregnant or if you're planning to get pregnant.
About overseas patients
I live overseas but would like to deliver my baby with Dr Yu. At what stage of my pregnancy would she advise I arrive in London?
Dr Yu generally advises arriving in London between 32-34 weeks pregnancy although the sooner the better. It is very important that you check with your preferred airline about their policy for flying in late pregnancy.
I live overseas and would like to see Dr Yu for all my antenatal appointments but return home for my baby’s delivery. Is this possible?
Yes, some of Dr Yu’s overseas patients opt for her outpatient-only care package. Dr Yu sees them for their antenatal care in London before they return home around 34 weeks to deliver their baby.