Pregnant? What to do next

Congratulations on your pregnancy.  We are here to guide you through your journey and provide support and information to help you during your pregnancy.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1 Contact your GP or private midwife

Visit your general practitioner (GP) to confirm your pregnancy, discuss your maternity care options and find out what kind of support is available in your community. Alternatively, you can contact a private midwife who is able to do the same tests and also provide your pregnancy care.

At your appointment, your GP or private midwife will advise you on your expected due date and will organise:

• referral to RBWH
• urine test
• blood tests
• ultrasounds

You will need to take your Medicare card to your appointment. If you don’t hold a current Medicare card, please speak to your GP or private midwife regarding referral to a hospital in your local area or to a private hospital.

If you’re above a healthy weight pre-pregnancy (BMI>25kg/m²) or gaining weight quickly during pregnancy, you can register or your GP can refer you to our Living Well During Pregnancy Program. This is a free telephone coaching program that supports you to live a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

Step 2 Referral letter

Once the hospital receives your pregnancy referral, we will send a letter to you with your first appointment date and information about different care options.

Step 3 Pregnancy appointment

At your first appointment, your midwife will talk to you about the different stages and check-ups needed during your pregnancy. Your appointments will generally follow the recommended antenatal schedule as shown in your Pregnancy Health Record, which will be given to you at your first appointment.

Your antenatal care at the Royal

Find out where you need to go and what you need to know for your antenatal care at our hospital.

Watch the video