Labour and Delivery

Dr Renee Verkuijl offers birthing options at The Mater Hospital Townsville. Most babies will be born there, however, on occasion babies will be born at Townsville University Hospital for example in case of prematurity. It is important to book into the hospital and we would recommend you do this prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

It is important to inform us when you think you might go into labour. The early signs of labour are regular painful contractions, coming every 5 minutes or so. Or when your waters have ruptured you should ring the Mater Hospital at 07 4722 8866.

The midwives at the Women’s Unit will inform Dr Renee Verkuijl after initial assessment and she will advise accordingly.

During your antenatal visits we will have discussed your birth plan and the different options of pain relief in labour. Anaesthetists are available 24 hours a day and 7 days per week if you would request an epidural or other pain relief.

It is also important to contact us when there are any “warning signs”:

Any vaginal bleeding at any time in the pregnancy
Any pain which is persistent or unresponsive to simple pain relief (such as paracetamol)
Any sudden decrease in baby’s movements

COVID-19 update

COVID-19 updates

Dr Renee Verkuijl sees many pregnant and elderly patients. These patients are extremely vulnerable to viruses such as COVID, influenza and the common cold.

For the safety of all our patients and staff, we humbly request that:

1. All patients and carers who have returned from overseas or from NSW, Victoria, Brisbane or Ipswich areas in the last 3 weeks must notify us by phone and not come in to our clinic.

2. Any patient, carer or sibling with a fever, NEW cough, NEW runny nose or cold-like symptoms (even if mild) should telephone Dr Renee Verkuijl's rooms and reschedule their appointment. We thank you on behalf of our vulnerable patients for this and will endeavour to reschedule your appointment as soon as you have recovered. If and where possible, an appointment over the phone may be organised.

3. Please use good hand hygiene and cough etiquette for yourself and those attending the appointment with you.

4. We ask that only yourself and one other support person and/or child attend your appointment.

Thank you for all of your assistance during this time.