Criteria for referral to level 6 public hospital maternity service 

•    Women with a body mass index (BMI) > 60 on booking
•    Women with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 on booking where a team review (including anaesthetics) assesses that local or regional capability is not sufficient to provide the required level of care. 

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

  • Body mass index (BMI) at booking
  • Multidisciplinary assessment report
  • Gestational age.

Provide if available

Not applicable.

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Referral to a level 6 maternity service should be considered in the context of the local maternity service system.  Referring clinicians should contact the closest level 5 maternity service to discuss options. 

Anaesthetic consultations are recommended for all women with a body mass index (BMI) > 40, refer to:
https://www.bettersafercare.vic.gov.au/clinical-guidance/maternity/obesity-during-pregnancy-birth-and-postpartum 

Referral to a level 6 public hospital maternity service is not appropriate for

Not applicable.