Media Release
News
25 March 2025
It’s a gap that West Aussie mums-to-be who have conceived through IVF have long had to suffer — the relief of finally getting pregnant giving way to the anxiety of having no professional help.
Achieving a much-hoped-for-pregnancy after fertility treatment can often leave women feeling both relieved and anxious.
On the one hand they no longer need to see a fertility specialist for treatment, but on the other it’s too early to be in the regular care of an obstetrician.
It’s a pause in patient pregnancy care that is familiar to respected Perth obstetrician Dr Fiona Langdon and one she was keen to address when she joined Monash IVF as a fertility specialist this year.
As well as helping women to achieve pregnancies, Dr Langdon heads up the state’s first private specialist-led early pregnancy service for women who have conceived after fertility treatment.
Based at Monash IVF’s West Leederville clinic, the new service aims to bridge the gap between fertility care and obstetrics.
“After months, and sometimes years, of fertility treatment many patients are understandably highly anxious - even after finally achieving a much-wanted pregnancy,” Dr Langdon explains.
‘It’s not easy for many of them to just switch off their emotions and relax, especially in those early and vulnerable stages of pregnancy.
“Yet there is often a significant gap in care between discharge from a fertility specialist at six to seven weeks gestation and the commencement of standard obstetric care at 18 to 20 weeks, leaving many women feeling anxious and stressed.”
Monash IVF Perth’s Medical Director, Dr Tamara Hunter, points to research* that shows stress and can impact pregnancy outcomes.
“Studies have shown that the risk of miscarriage is significantly higher in women with a history of exposure to psychological stress,” Dr Hunter said.
“By providing comprehensive and timely reviews, Dr Langdon’s early pregnancy service aims to create a supportive and reassuring experience for patients during this critical time.
“With three decades of experience caring for pregnant women and delivering their babies, I couldn’t think of a better person than Dr Fiona Langdon to lead this important new service at Monash IVF.”
Dr Langdon’s new model of care means patients are closely monitored from six to 16 weeks gestation and can access urgent appointments, if needed.
Patients can choose to access the service either weekly, monthly or at different intervals that suit them. Ultrasounds scans are conducted at every appointment and Medicare rebates are available.
“Having worked in fertility medicine previously I am so honoured to be re-entering this exciting speciality,” Dr Langdon said.
“I’m looking forward to helping patients achieve pregnancy and to ease the path towards parenthood through this new service.”
Appointments are available by contacting Monash IVF West Leederville on (08) 9422 5400.
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