Mary E. Wlodek works in maternal-fetal medicine, a field that looks after both the mum and the baby during pregnancy and around birth. Her practice is based on Grattan Street in Parkville, VIC 3010.
In many cases, people come in when there are concerns about how the pregnancy is tracking. This can include babies who are small for their gestational age, or situations where growth may be affected. Mary also looks after pregnancies where placental issues are suspected, since the placenta plays a big role in how well a baby is growing and getting oxygen and nutrients.
Some appointments are for metabolic and weight-related conditions. For example, she supports patients with gestational diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, as well as abdominal obesity and related metabolic concerns. High blood pressure is another common reason for referral, including hypertension and preeclampsia, where close monitoring really matters.
There are also neurological and baby health concerns that fall under this care. At times this includes seizures, absence seizures, and generalised tonic-clonic seizures, along with cerebral hypoxia. Mary’s role is to help manage the pregnancy while considering what these conditions can mean for the baby’s wellbeing.
She also supports cases involving newborn metabolic effects, including congenital hyperinsulinism, and can be part of care planning when there are concerns about glucose and energy needs after delivery. Conditions like “high blood pressure in infants” may also be part of wider team discussions, depending on the situation.
Mary works with other clinicians so care stays coordinated and practical. That usually means careful planning, regular checks, and clear follow-up as the pregnancy changes. Because these pregnancies can be more complex than usual, it helps to have someone who focuses on the link between the mother’s health, the placenta, and the baby’s growth and wellbeing.
For anyone who has been told there are extra risks during pregnancy, Mary aims to keep things grounded and understandable. She looks at what’s going on now, what might happen next, and what steps can be taken to support the best possible outcome.