What is antenatal care?

Antenatal care involves visits with a midwife or doctor to check you and your baby during pregnancy. Regular antenatal care can lower your chance of having pregnancy complications.

Your first antenatal care appointment is important to prepare you for your pregnancy.

When should I make my first antenatal care appointment?

It’s best to have your first antenatal visit before 10 weeks into your pregnancy. Ideally, this will happen when you are about 6 to 8 weeks pregnant.

This first visit helps plan for your pregnancy. You will learn lots of helpful information at this visit.

Your doctor or midwife will also check to see if you or your baby will need additional support.

How do I make an antenatal care appointment?

Your first appointment may be with a midwife or your doctor. It may be at a clinic or hospital — you can choose.

To make your appointment, first visit your doctor (GP). They can talk through your options and give you a referral to a maternity service or obstetrician. You can also make an appointment directly with a midwifery service in your area.

If you want to see a midwife, you may not need a referral if the midwife is part of a group practice or private practice.

What does an antenatal visit involve?

Your first antenatal visit will help you plan your care during your pregnancy. It will be a longer appointment than other antenatal visits you will have.

During your visit, your doctor or midwife will:

• confirm your pregnancy
• check your health
• give you some information that you will need in the months ahead

Discussing your antenatal care options

During your first appointment, your midwife or doctor will give you information about antenatal care. They will talk with you about which model of care you would like for your pregnancy and birth.

This involves choosing who you would like to be your main maternity carer, such as:

• an obstetrician
• a midwife or midwife group
• a public hospital maternity team
• shared care between different healthcare professionals

You'll be able to discuss:

• where you would like to receive your antenatal care
• how many antenatal visits you will have and when
• where you would like to give birth
• where to find local antenatal classes or education sessions

Your doctor or midwife can speak to you about options in public and private health systems. They can also advise you on care in your home.

If this is your first pregnancy, The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines advise you have 10 antenatal care visits.

If you’ve been pregnant before, The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines advise you have 7 antenatal care visits. If you have any complications with your pregnancy, you may need more visits.

Taking your medical history

During the visit, your doctor or midwife will ask about your health. This includes finding out about:

• any prior pregnancies
• any illnesses or operations you’ve had
• what medicines you’re taking, including those from a pharmacy or supermarket
• if you have any current health problems
• if you are allergic to any medicines

Your doctor or midwife will ask if you:

• smoke
• drink alcohol
• take recreational drugs
• are stressed
• have any signs of depression or anxiety
• about the support you may get from people at home and work

These questions aren’t to judge you. The more your doctor or midwife knows about you, the better they can support you during your pregnancy.

It’s up to you whether you answer these questions. Anything you say will be kept in confidence.

If you are experiencing family violence, you should let them know. Your doctor or midwife can support you to get professional help.

Your family medical history

Finding out about the health of your family is also important because it can affect you or your baby. This includes any family history of:

• twins
• genetic conditions
• chronic illnesses such as diabetes

You may wish to do screening tests for certain genetic conditions. You can talk about this with your doctor or midwife.

What tests will I have?

Your doctor or midwife will check your health and measure your:

• blood pressure
• weight
• height

They may suggest a urine (wee) test. This can check if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or any kidney problems.

You will also be offered a blood test to check your blood group and rhesus factor. They may also check for:

What will I find out about my baby?

Your doctor or midwife will work out how many weeks you have been pregnant. This will let them work out the estimated due date of your baby.

If you’re not sure when your last period was, they may book a dating scan. This is an ultrasound that will help figure out which week of pregnancy you are in.

Tests are available to check for some problems that may affect your baby. You don’t have to have these tests — it’s up to you. Your midwife or doctor will tell you about the tests and how much they will cost.

How to have a healthy pregnancy

Your midwife or doctor will talk to you about keeping healthy during your pregnancy. They will also ensure you have good support and care.

This may cover:

• help to stop smoking or stop drinking alcohol (if needed)
• advice about healthy eating, exercise and weight gain
• advice on which vitamins and minerals you should take during pregnancy
• referrals to support services if you need them

They will answer questions about any issues that worry or concern you.

Resources and support

If you need more information, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Read about antenatal care during your pregnancy.

The Royal Women’s Hospital has a range of pregnancy fact sheets in several languages. They also offer videos explaining what to expect at your pregnancy appointments.