Starting your pregnancy care early is an important way to look after yourself and your growing baby.
Early and ongoing pregnancy care helps:
As soon as you know you're pregnant, try to make your first appointment with your GP or maternity service. Early care helps you be supported right from the start.
In NSW, there are two main pregnancy care pathways: the public system and the private system.
Both options offer safe, high-quality care. What's best for you depends on your health, preferences, budget, and what's available near you.
Talking with your GP, local hospital, or a maternity care provider early in pregnancy can help you understand what options are right for you.
In the public system, most women will have their baby in a public hospital, but some local health districts have birth centres and publicly funded home birth programs. Most of the costs are covered if you have a Medicare card
There are four common types of pregnancy care in the public system:
You will have a known midwife throughout your pregnancy.
Two common types are:
Appointments are usually held at a public hospital or a community clinic. Your birth may be in a hospital, a birth centre or at home.
AMIHS is a culturally safe maternity service for women pregnant with Aboriginal babies. You'll be cared for by a midwife and an Aboriginal health worker who work closely as a team and provide you with continuity of care.
Your team will support you during pregnancy, birth, and until your baby is 8 weeks old.
Appointments may be in community health centres, public hospitals, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), or ACCHO.
Talk to your local AMS, ACCHO, GP, midwife, or local public hospital early in pregnancy to book your first pregnancy appointment.
GP care means you see your GP for most of your pregnancy care, with a few visits at the hospital's antenatal clinic. It's a good option if you feel comfortable with your GP and you're having a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy.
There may be some costs, depending on how your GP's practice works.
You’ll have most of your appointments with your GP.
There are two main types of GP care:
Appointments are mostly with your GP, with some at your hospital. Birth takes place in a hospital.
Talk to your GP early in your pregnancy about the type of pregnancy care they provide.
You'll have your pregnancy check-ups at the antenatal clinic in a public hospital. You might see different healthcare professionals throughout your pregnancy. This kind of care is available for most women, including those who have a health condition or need a bit of extra support.
Your care may be led by:
Appointments may be at the antenatal clinic of your local public hospital or in a community clinic. Your birth will usually take place in a hospital.
Talk to your GP or contact your local public hospital early in pregnancy to book your first pregnancy appointment.
If you're planning to have your baby in the public health system, this map can help you get started.
You’ll also find information on its location and a link to the local website that has information on the care offered, how to book in, making contact and more.
Choosing your care early can help you feel more confident and supported as you get ready to welcome your baby.
Find a maternity hospital
If you choose private care, you'll usually see the same private obstetrician or midwife throughout your pregnancy and give birth in a private hospital.
Private care has out-of-pocket costs. Most women who choose to give birth in a private hospital will pay for it with their private health insurance. Not all services are covered by Medicare or your insurer, so it's a good idea to check what's included.
The most common types of private maternity care are seeing a private obstetrician or a private midwife.
A private obstetrician is a specialist doctor who provides pregnancy and birth care.
Appointments are held at your obstetrician’s private clinic. Birth usually takes place in a private hospital.
Ask your GP for a referral early in your pregnancy or contact a private obstetrician directly.
A privately practising midwife is a midwife you choose to provide care before, during and after you give birth. Some work on their own, while others work in small teams.
Appointments may be at your home, a private clinic, or in the community.
Birth may take place at home or in a hospital.
Talk to your GP or contact a private midwife early in your pregnancy to book your first pregnancy appointment.
