Dr Sally Aubrey, Townsville Obstetrics and Gynaecology

22/09/2025

A message from Dr Aubrey:
Patients seeing me for antenatal care are aware I am currently on leave; however I felt it was important to react quickly and clearly on this evolving issue: acetaminophen (known as paracetamol in Australia) is a category A drug and has been shown in large metanalyses to be safe and effective for use by pregnant women. Science works by investigation: when scattered small studies initially suggested there could be a link between autism and acetaminophen, more research was initiated to see if the association was real. Most recently, a Swedish study of 2.4 million children showed no increased prevalence of autism in children born from pregnant women who used the drug for pain relief.
Pregnant women already worry endlessly about their unborn babies; it is not fair or appropriate to suggest that this medication should be withdrawn from their use. Like all medications, it should be used with care and caution. I am happy to discuss this with my patients at upcoming appointments.

ACOG reaffirms the safety and benefits of acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
More than two decades of research have found no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children. Acetaminophen continues to be an important and safe option for managing pain and fever in pregnancy—conditions that can pose serious risks to pregnant patients and their fetuses if left untreated. Learn more about acetaminophen use during pregnancy: https://bit.ly/4mqIzWr

18/09/2025

15/09/2025

We are thrilled to share a new luxurious option for our special mums delivering at Mater Private Hospital Townsville!
This week heralded the launch of Mater Moments at Ardo Townsville, a first-of-its-kind postnatal care discharge pathway in Townsville.
Women who are covered by a participating private health fund can, after the birth of their baby, choose to relax, recharge and spend quality time with their partner and newborn in the luxurious surrounds of Ardo Townsville.
This new postnatal care option is designed for patients who are medically fit for discharge after a vaginal or caesarean birth.
Patients are transferred to Ardo Townsville only when clinically appropriate and safe to do so.
Mater Moments at Ardo Townsville package inclusions:
- Two days (three for a caesarean birth) inpatient care at Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville
- Two nights at Ardo Townsville
- Tailored room service meals for mum, and
- A visit from a Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville midwife and 24/7 telephone access to Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville team members and the Mater Mothers’ Parent Support Centre.
The initiative is subject to availability; and launches this week.
What a wonderful babymoon option for our local families and those coming from afar to birth with us!

A little luxury for Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville mums.Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville is proud to offer you an opportunity to relax, recharge, dine an...

15/09/2025

Here’s a little bit of the back story behind the Silver Lining Long Lunch, now in its third year. You can support our cause by buying a ticket to our event on October 11, or by donating to convince Cowboys Life Member and premiership-winning player Jake Granville to shave his head in honour of his mother, Mary. The links are in the post!👇

12/09/2025

Big news - help us convince Jake Granville to shave his locks in honour of his mother Mary, who died of ovarian cancer. With thanks to Tiki On Ackers, North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and Triple M Townsville, and of course the man himself. All funds to Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF)!

https://www.frocktober.org.au/fundraise/silverlining

03/04/2025

Another perspective on this important issue!

https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7227/sign

31/03/2025

PETITION LINK IN COMMENTS!
Please sign the petition, like and share this post.

17/03/2025

TW: Discussion and imagery of neonatal loss.
Riley's parents will never fully recover from his terrible passing, but in his memory, they did help enact change: the free whooping cough vaccine offered in Australia to pregnant women from 20 weeks. Riley did manage to leave a wonderful legacy during his short life.

16/03/2025

We were recently thrilled to welcome Casey and Natalie from Empower Health NQ into our operating theatre. Seeing the underlying anatomy during surgery (with prior patient consent, of course) really helps our allied health colleagues understand their patients’ post-operative needs. Casey and Natalie are pictured here with Dr Aubrey (left) and one of her surgical assistants, local GP specialist Dr Kirryn Jensen (right).

15/03/2025

28/02/2025

Mater mums to be: show this short video to your support person so they can start figuring out their technique!

20/02/2025

More beautiful baby spam to share from our practice family! Jennifer is one of the kind and caring midwives you might have encountered if you had your baby at our hospital in the past year or so. She and husband Andrew recently welcomed Clara, shown off here in the loving arms of her older sister Millie. Jen is a natural parent and despite some excitement around Clara’s birth, took this all in her stride as usual. Clara is clearly in good hands with this gorgeous family. Thanks to Jen and Andrew for trusting us with their care.