Antenatal Care Supporting your pregnancy
with GP shared care

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.