Antenatal Care 

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In Australia, the recommended antenatal care schedule for low-risk primiparous women involves about ten scheduled visits with your pregnancy care providers. For low-risk multiparous women (women who have given birth previously), seven scheduled visits with your Obstetrician are usually recommended.

 

Ideally your GP should have a discussion about Reproductive Carrier Screening either before or in early pregnancy.

 

During the first visit, which should usually take place before 12 weeks of pregnancy, your Obstetrician will take a detailed medical history, review all test results that your General Practitioner has requested, conduct a physical examination, and discuss your options for prenatal testing, including screening for conditions such as Down syndrome. He will also provide you with information on other possible tests, diet, physical activity, medications required and other aspects of prenatal care, including investigation and follow-up schedule.

 

Subsequent visits, usually scheduled at 4–6-week intervals initially and fortnightly in the later parts of pregnancy, will involve routine checks such as blood pressure, weight and urine, and monitoring of foetal growth and development. Your Obstetrician will also discuss any concerns or issues that arise and provide advice on managing common pregnancy symptoms.

 

At around 20 weeks, a detailed ultrasound scan will be performed to assess baby, placental position and length of the cervix. At around 26-28 weeks, and then again at around 36 weeks (including GBS swab), you will have some routine investigations done.

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If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your Obstetrician may recommend additional visits and/or tests, depending on your specific needs. It's important to note that the exact number and timing of visits may vary depending on individual circumstances, and your Obstetrician may adjust the schedule accordingly. This guidance is intended as a general framework only.

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To read more about the usual schedule of visits click here

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*Guidance based on Pregnancy Care Guidelines: Australian Government, Department of Health:

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/pregnancy-care-guidelines

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