New mum warns of the dangers of online pregnancy advice

When first-time mum Christine Dean’s baby suddenly stopped moving late in her pregnancy, she ignored the advice on pregnancy websites that this was common and normal, and sought medical advice. This is what happened next.

Black Rock mother Christine Dean with son Jack, who is now doing well after he was born three weeks early by emergency Caesarean.

A Black Rock mother is warning about the perils of getting pregnancy advice from websites after she almost lost her unborn child.

Christine Dean was touring Cabrini’s birthing suites three weeks before her due date earlier this year when she asked a midwife to check on her unborn baby, Jack.

The first-time mother said she approached the experienced midwife because she was concerned her baby had not moved that day.

THIS COULD BE MELBOURNE’S BEST PLAYGROUND

WHEN SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN

MELBOURNE, SHOW US YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Ms Dean said some “popular websites” advised it was normal for babies to move less in late-term pregnancy.

But her instincts told her to seek a proper medical opinion.

Ms Dean’s obstetrician, Dr Deirdre Percy said the midwife conducted a CTG and within minutes knew the baby was distressed.

“When I told Christine the baby was showing signs of distress and needed to be delivered she was very surprised,” Dr Percy said.

“I explained we wouldn’t bring on labour because we didn’t know how much time we had up our sleeves.”

They decided to perform an emergency caesarean but when Jack was born it was clear he was anaemic.

“He cried when he was delivered but he was very pale, so it was obvious he had lost a lot of blood,” Dr Percy said.

“Christine had no other symptoms and she wasn’t unwell so it can potentially happen at any stage during pregnancy, even when things appear to be going perfectly well.”

Ms Dean’s last appointment was less than a week before the tour and she had an ultrasound booked for the following day.

“It is possible it would have been too late but the outcome was excellent and because Jack was treated appropriately with blood transfusions,” Dr Percy said.

“In Jack’s case, there will probably be no adverse effects and he will live a normal life, babies are amazingly resilient.”

Ms Dean said Jack, now 14 weeks, was putting on weight and doing well.

“My obstetrician was great and the midwives were fantastic but we didn’t know if he was going to make it at first,” she said.

“There was a chance of brain damage and the hardest part was waiting six days for a MRI to find out if he was OK.

“As a first-time mum it is difficult to know what to expect and some advice might not be relevant (so) trust your instincts.”

MORE NEWS

CLIFF DAREDEVILS SCALE BRAND-NEW SAFETY FENCE

RED ROOSTER SPRINGVALE’S RAT RAP SHEET

HEART ATTACK VICTIM’S GIFT TO THOSE WHO SAVED HIS LIFE