Antenatal Care
Supporting your pregnancy
with GP shared care
We all want to give our baby the best start in life and antenatal shared care means your family GP can help. From the crucial first check-up, antenatal shared care helps to ensure optimal health for you and baby, every step of the way. It is our privilege to share this exciting stage of life with you. We offer shared care with Werribee Mercy Hospital, The Royal Womens Hospital and Joan Kirner Women's & Children's Hospital (Western Health / Sunshine Hospital).
Understanding pregancy care and antenatal checkups
When it comes to the medical care of you and your growing baby, there are various pathways you can choose. GP's at Healthy Haven Family Clinic are here to help you choose the best option for you and your family.
GP Appointments during your pregnancy are called antenatal appointments. The purpose of antenatal appointments is to monitor your health and your baby's health throughout your pregnancy.
Pregnancy shared care refers to regular appointments with your doctor in collaboration with other health professionals such as an obstetrician or midwife. Shared maternity care means the majority of your pregnancy care will be with your family doctor which is often more convenient, flexible and comfortable.
The shared antenatal care journey
Your shared care journey can begin as soon as you learn of your pregnancy. Your initial pregnancy consultations are where your needs, concerns, and hopes for the pregnancy are discussed.
10 to 12 visits are scheduled for uncomplicated pregnancies. This care is essential for identifying and managing potential issues early on. Your first antenatal appointment sets the stage for this care. It allows you and your GP to discuss your medical history and plan the management of your pregnancy.
A physical examination, along with essential tests such as blood work and ultrasounds, will provide a window into your health and your baby’s development.
If you have a history of high-risk pregnancies or are expecting multiples, this is when the groundwork for your specialised care begins. Women with a low risk pregnancy, should still maintain regular check-ups and communication with their healthcare provider.
Should there be any complexities to handle, early detection and planning can make all the difference. And for those who may face a language barrier, this is the time to ensure that your care will be communicated in a way that feels most comfortable for you.
These initial consultations establish a foundation of trust and understanding. They represent the beginning of a collaborative relationship, one where your well-being and your baby’s health are the shared priority.
As your baby grows week by week, regular antenatal checkups serve as checkpoints for your pregnancy’s progress and your baby’s health. Think of these appointments as milestones, each one offering reassurance and support as you journey towards motherhood. From the first trimester to the final weeks before birth, these visits are the pillars of shared care, ensuring that both you and your baby remain healthy.
In the early stages, up to 28 weeks, your calendar will feature monthly appointments – each visit a chance to talk about your experiences, ask questions, and receive medical advice. As the second trimester closes, the pace quickens: visits are scheduled every two weeks, reflecting the increased need for monitoring as your baby’s arrival draws
nearer.
Then, as you enter the home stretch at 36 weeks, weekly visits become the norm. During this time, the bond with your healthcare team strengthens, and the excitement builds with each appointment leading up to the big day.
Regular visits serve as your peace of mind. They’re a dialogue between you and your healthcare professionals, a journey you take together, with the shared goal of a safe and healthy delivery.
Pregnancy can sometimes bring unique challenges. If a complication arises or a high-risk condition is identified, rest assured that your GP will guide you towards the specialist care you need.
Your GP’s expansive network means that specific concerns can be met with tailored solutions, ensuring care that respects your unique needs. The shared care model is designed to accommodate the unexpected, ensuring that your journey to motherhood is supported at every turn.
Antenatal tests and screenings
Antenatal tests are an important part of pregnancy care and help to make sure you and your baby remain healthy during your pregnancy.
Tests help to identify genetic conditions and check that your baby is growing and developing without issues.
Tests and screening recommended during pregnancy include:
Maternal health screening blood tests to test for blood group, iron levels and immunity to rubella
Ultrasound dating scan to estimate your baby's due date
Ultrasound to check baby's development and gender
NIPT or Nuchal translucency test
Gestational diabetes screening
Considering cultural needs
Tailoring antenatal care goes beyond just choosing a hospital or setting a birth plan. Your cultural preferences should be taken into consideration.
Personalised antenatal care takes into account cultural, linguistic, and individual preferences. Effective communication and culturally sensitive care is essential for expectant mothers.
Considering cultural needs
Tailoring antenatal care goes beyond just choosing a hospital or setting a birth plan. Your cultural preferences should be taken into consideration.
Personalised antenatal care takes into account cultural, linguistic, and individual preferences. Effective communication and culturally sensitive care is essential for expectant mothers.
FAQ
Antenatal shared care involves collaborative pregnancy management between a local GP, midwives, and / or obstetricians, offering comprehensive support and monitoring for pregnancy. providing convenience and continuity of care
Choosing shared care introduces a range of benefits to your pregnancy experience. Above all, a consistent and caring medical professional present throughout your journey. This continuity of care is not just about medical expertise, it’s about building a relationship based on understanding and mutual respect.
The holistic approach of shared care extends beyond medical needs. For those who speak English as a second language or come from diverse cultural backgrounds, the cultural sensitivity of your GP ensures that you feel heard and respected.
Shared care also offers convenience. It allows you to schedule antenatal appointments locally to your home or workplace. This flexibility is invaluable, reducing the stress of travel and allowing you to more easily fit your pregnancy care into your life.
Yes, shared care is still an option for high-risk pregnancies, but it will require more frequent monitoring and specialist consultations to manage any increased risks. Your GP can help coordinate referrals to specialist care.
In a shared care arrangement, your antenatal visits are typically monthly at first, then every two weeks from 28 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until birth to closely monitor you and your baby’s health.
How to get started with antenatal shared care
The first step begins with an appointment with your GP about your pregnancy care options. With the right information and pregnancy support, you receive care that is tailored to you, ensuring a nurturing and positive journey to parenthood. It’s about finding the right balance between convenience, comfort, and comprehensive care.
Talk to your GP about shared care options and how you can benefit from this collaborative model. We are here to help you choose the best option for you and your family.
Receive compassionate, comprehensive care
Book online or phone reception if you would like additional information about our pregnancy services.