Melbourne Obstetric Services

Dr Kate Abel, Obstetrician

I provide exceptional obstetric care throughout your pregnancy, focusing on your emotional and physical wellbeing.


My special interests are:

  • Diabetes in pregnancy
  • Preexisting medical conditions and maternal fetal medicine
  • Twin pregnancies
  • Cervical insufficiency and preterm birth prevention, including insertion of elective and emergency cervical cerclage
  • IVF pregnancies

Obstetrics Delivery Options

My services include:

Early Pregnancy Assessment

I manage a range of conditions such as hyperemesis, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy.

 

 

Vaginal Birth

I support and empower women to achieve vaginal birth if that is your birth preference.

Elective Caesarean Section

I support diverse birth preferences, whether you’re aiming for a vaginal delivery or planning for an elective caesarean section.
I’m particularly experienced in complex caesarean sections and instrumental vaginal births, ensuring optimal outcomes even in challenging scenarios.

Vaginal Delivery After caesarean (VBAC)

For many who have had a previous caesarean section, there is a choice between a VBAC or a planned caesarean for subsequent births. Because every individual’s preferences and risk profiles are different, I facilitate a personalized, evidence-based discussion so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Pregnancy & Support Treatment Specialties

Assisted Conception & IVF Pregnancies

With a deep personal understanding and professional expertise in assisted conception and IVF pregnancies, I offer empathetic and knowledgeable care for families facing fertility challenges.

Your pregnancy care

My care for you spans from conception until 6 weeks after your baby is born. As soon as your home pregnancy test is positive, you can contact my rooms to make your first appointment, after which I take complete responsibility for your care. Should any concerns, pain, or bleeding develop in the interim, I’m available for immediate review. Our first visit usually takes 45–60 minutes and involves a detailed history, examination, and a bedside ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and due date. We will discuss the course of your pregnancy in detail, including blood tests, genetic screening, and ultrasounds. Subsequent visits usually occur at 13, 16, 20, 24, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, and 41 weeks. I perform an ultrasound to check on the well-being of your baby at every single antenatal appointment.

Ante-natal classes

I recommend that you attend these at the hospital of your choice.

Post-Natal Support

I provide dedicated postnatal care during your hospital stay and after you leave. I recommend a postnatal check at 6 weeks post-birth, with additional appointments available prior to this if required.

Dr Kate Abel - Melbourne Obstetrician
Frequently Asked questions

There are many benefits to choosing private care:

  • You receive dedicated, personalised care from me throughout your entire pregnancy journey.
  • There are shorter wait times for your appointments.
  • Unexpected complications can be managed faster by your specialist private obstetrician.
  • Antenatal care and support are available outside of scheduled appointments.
  • You receive a private hospital room.
  • A longer postnatal stay of 4–5 days is typical, allowing you to recover in a supportive environment and ensuring your milk supply is established before you leave.

I take complete responsibility for your care from your first positive test until 6 weeks after birth. Visits generally follow a schedule from 13 to 41 weeks, and I perform an ultrasound at every single appointment. During your pregnancy, you also have the option of having some visits with a highly experienced practice midwife for additional support.

Yes, private health insurance is required for pregnancy care with me. Please ensure you have fulfilled any waiting periods. To receive a Medicare rebate, you will need a referral from your GP; however, international patients who are not eligible for Medicare do not need a referral.

I will provide you with personalised, evidence-based advice as your pregnancy unfolds, so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.

Yes. Partners are welcome at every stage of the pregnancy journey.

Absolutely. My practice is proudly inclusive, welcoming all patients and families, including single parents, the LGBTIQA+ community, gestational surrogates, and intended parents.

Click to go to the CONTACT page, or call (03) 9022 8286 for a faster response. For pregnant patients, you can call me to make your first appointment as soon as your home pregnancy test is positive.

Yes. The choice is entirely yours. The two main hospitals I deliver at are Epworth Freemasons and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Fitzroy.

There are a couple of other options available by request – please book in for an appointment to discuss.

Yes. You have the option of visits with a highly experienced midwife who provides support throughout your pregnancy.

Call (03) 9387 1000 and leave a message; I will return your call as soon as possible. Please remember, I may be delivering a baby at the time of your call. If I do not return your call within 30 minutes, please call again. If you are having contractions or your waters break, call the hospital Birth Suite directly. The midwife there will advise you when to come in and will notify me of your admission.

I am located at Suite 101, Level 1, 320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne.

I’ll provide you with an antenatal pack when you book in, which contains information on all available tests (both recommended and optional), including blood tests, genetic tests, and ultrasounds.

I provide dedicated postnatal care during your hospital stay and recommend a postnatal check at 6 weeks post-birth, with additional appointments prior to this if required.