Some of our doctors provide shared antenatal care with the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and Mater Hospital.

What is Antenatal Care?
Antenatal means ‘before birth’ and Antenatal Care refers to the regular check-ups you have with your doctor, midwife and/or obstetrician to ensure you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. It is important to keep check on things that can cause problems during pregnancy – these are uncommon but mostly preventable.

Confirmation of Pregnancy
If you suspect you are pregnant, we are able to do urine pregnancy tests at the practice. The urine test is usually reliable if a few days has passed since your period was due. A blood test can be useful if you are seeking earlier confirmation. On confirmation of pregnancy we discuss the steps necessary to plan your Antenatal Care. The initial GP appointment is 30 minutes and then 15-30 minutes might be required afterwards. When booking an appointment, inform Reception that an antenatal consultation is required. We will advise and organise appropriate blood and other tests and arrange a longer visit to complete a Pregnancy Health Record and organise referrals to a public hospital or private obstetrician as required.

Antenatal Visits

Areas that may need to be checked at Antenatal visits include:

• Blood count
• Blood grouping and Rhesus antibodies (Rh factor)
• Immunity against infections that may affect the baby (e.g. rubella, hepatitis B)
• Size and state of your pelvis
• Blood pressure
• Urine test (for evidence of diabetes or pre-eclampsia)
• Cervix (pap smear test)
• Progress of the baby (size of uterus, heartbeat, movements)
• Progress of the mother, including emotional state
• Any concerns

Frequency of Antenatal Visits

Pregnancies normally lasts 38-42 weeks.
Antenatal visits are monthly until week 28, each two weeks from week 30 to 36 and weekly thereafter.
Hospital visits usually occur for an initial assessment and then at week 32 and week 41.
More visits may be necessary if there are any health problems with you or your baby, or you have any concerns.

If you think you’re pregnant or would like to discuss the antenatal care options available to you, our team of friendly doctors are here to assist you.