Pregnancy is an important stage of life that brings physical, emotional and practical changes. Having the right healthcare support from the beginning can help you understand what to expect, monitor your health and prepare for the birth of your baby.
For women living in Belconnen and surrounding Canberra suburbs, a GP can be an important first point of contact when planning a pregnancy or discovering that you are pregnant. A GP can provide pre-pregnancy advice, early pregnancy assessments, routine antenatal care, health screening and referrals when specialist care is required.
This guide explains what to expect from pregnancy care in Belconnen, when to see a GP, common pregnancy checks and how your care may change throughout pregnancy.
What is Pregnancy Care about?
Pregnancy Care in Belconnen
Antenatal care is a pregnancy care that includes regular health monitoring and support during pregnancy. The goal is to keep track of mother and baby’s health and wellbeing, to pick up on issues early and offer advice or referrals accordingly.
Care of pregnancy in Australia may include the services of GPs, midwives and obstetricians. The healthcare workers involved rely on various factors including your health, pregnancy risk, preferred place of birth and maternity care arrangements.
A GP can support and help coordinate care and support, especially during the early stages of pregnancy and for those opting for a shared-care approach.
When Should You See a GP Before Pregnancy?
There’s no need to wait for pregnancy to talk to a doctor. If you’re thinking about having a baby, a pre-pregnancy appointment can help you get ready.
It is recommended to see a doctor around 3-6 months prior to attempting pregnancy, by Health direct.
Your GP may chat with you about:
- Past health and medical history
- Any previous pregnancies and reproductive health
- Medicines and supplements
- Vaccination history
- Diet and lifestyle
- Consumption of alcohol, drugs and other substances
- The mental and emotional health of the child. Mental and emotional health of the child.
- Family medical history
- Cervical screening (when indicated),
- Invasive procedures such as blood tests or other health assessments
In some cases, if you have an existing health condition, it is possible to take steps to plan ahead to see how it can affect pregnancy and to determine if any changes in the treatment are warranted.
This type of appointment may also be helpful if you are concerned about fertility, past pregnancy problems or regular medications that you are taking.
What Does a Pregnancy GP in Belconnen Do?
A Belconnen pregnancy GP can take care of numerous aspects of your care before and while you are pregnant.
Your GP may:
- Confirm and evaluate early pregnancy. Verify and determine early pregnancy.
- Check your medical and family history.
- Talk about options for pregnancy care
- Schedule the appropriate Blood tests and screening
- Keep track of your overall health and well-being
- Take blood pressure, etc. and routine measurements
- Talk about healthy eating and healthy living.
- Provide vaccination advice
- Support mental wellbeing
- Identify pregnancy-related concerns
- Make referrals to midwife, obstetrician or other health care professional as necessary
- Assist in arranging care with your maternity provider
Depending on your situation, the proper care plan will vary. A pregnancy can be monitored with extra checks or a pregnancy specialist may be required, and uncomplicated pregnancies can be dealt with by going through the normal antenatal checkups.
Your first appointment to your obstetrician is an exciting time.
It’s important to make an appointment to see your GP if you’ve just had a positive pregnancy test.
Health direct recommends that you make your first antenatal appointment around 6 to 8 weeks after becoming pregnant, but this can be earlier or later depending upon your situation.
Your doctor will ask you questions at your first visit, such as:
- The last period date.
- Previous pregnancies
- Existing medical conditions
- Current medicines
- Allergies
- Family health history
- Lifestyle factors
- Mental wellbeing
- Any reproductive health issues in the past.
Your GP also may talk to you about your birth plans and what type of maternity care you might want.
It’s also an appropriate time to ask questions. You might consider talking about morning sickness, tiredness, exercise, diet, vitamins and supplements, medicine, work or travel, or anything else you are concerned about during pregnancy.
Routine Pregnancy Checks and Tests
Regular appointments are an important part of pregnancy care. Even when you feel well, antenatal visits provide opportunities to monitor your health and identify potential concerns.
Depending on your stage of pregnancy and individual circumstances, your healthcare provider may recommend blood tests, urine tests and ultrasound scans.
Common antenatal investigations can include:
Pregnancy Checks and Screening During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your doctor or midwife may recommend different health checks and screening tests to monitor your health and your baby’s development. These may include blood tests to check your blood group, anaemia and certain infections, as well as urine testing to identify urinary infections or other concerns.
Ultrasound scans may be used to monitor pregnancy development and fetal growth. Genetic screening may help assess the chance of certain genetic conditions. Regular blood pressure checks can help monitor for hypertension and pregnancy-related complications.
Your healthcare professional may also recommend gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy. Mental health screening can help identify concerns such as anxiety, depression and changes in emotional wellbeing.
The timing of tests varies. For example, Health direct lists dating scans commonly around 8–14 weeks, morphology scans around 18–22 weeks and gestational diabetes screening around 24–28 weeks.
Not every test is appropriate for every person. Your doctor or midwife should explain why a test is recommended, what it involves and its potential benefits and limitations so you can make an informed decision.
Pregnancy Care During Each Trimester
Pregnancy is often divided into three trimesters, and your health care needs may vary throughout the pregnancy.
First Trimester
First trimester refers to the first few weeks of pregnancy. Your GP may be more interested in confirming the pregnancy, checking your medical history and setting up a suitable care plan.
Common topics include:
- Early pregnancy symptoms
- Folic acid and nutrition for pregnancy.
- Medicines and supplements
- Vaccination advice
- Blood and urine tests
- Ultrasound options
- Genetic screening
- Mental wellbeing
- Lifestyle and workplace factors
Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, breast tenderness and mood swings are also common symptoms of early pregnancy. Your GP will be able to talk to you about symptoms and decide if more tests are necessary.
Second Trimester
Second trimester appointments are still scheduled to check on your health and your baby’s growth.
Your health care provider may talk with you about:
- Blood pressure
- The weight and overall health of the child. Child’s weight and overall health.
- Baby’s growth
- Ultrasound results
- Gestational diabetes screening
- Iron levels and anaemia.
- Vaccination
- Exercise and nutrition
- Mental health
- Birth planning
It’s also a great opportunity to find out more about your maternity service, birth options and antenatal education.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is more about getting ready for birth and keeping an eye on the mother and baby.
You may be asked about:
- Baby’s position and growth
- Blood pressure
- Symptoms that need to be evaluated
- Birth preferences
- Arrangements at the hospital or birth center
- Vaccination
- Breastfeeding preparation
- Postnatal support
- Mental wellbeing
Depending on your situation, appointments may be more frequent later in pregnancy. Some pregnant women might need more monitoring or special care.
Shared Pregnancy Care in Canberra
Some women opt for a shared-care model with their GP and hospital maternity service, midwife or obstetrician.
Shared care involves more than one health care provider working together on your pregnancy care. You can go to regular GP appointments and also to appointments at a hospital or maternity service.
Availability of shared care will vary according to the maternity service and your personal situation. Your GP will be able to talk to you about the options available and make suitable referrals.
If you’re seeking pregnancy care GP Belconnen, it’s helpful to inquire if they offer antenatal care, shared care or referrals to local maternity services.
Nutrition and Lifestyle During Pregnancy
Wellbeing during pregnancy can be supported by healthy lifestyle choices.
Your GP can talk to you about the practical aspects of:
- Balanced nutrition
- Appropriate supplements
- Physical activity
- Healthy weight management
- Smoking cessation
- Alcohol avoidance
- Medication safety
- Sleep and rest
- Workplace considerations
Prescribed medication should never be discontinued without consulting your health care professional. Medicines may need to be altered or may be suitable during pregnancy.
If you’re not sure if a medicine, supplement or herbal product is right for you, check with your GP or pharmacist before taking it.
Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Care in Belconnen
Emotional health can be impacted by pregnancy, as well as physical health. Hormone changes, sleep disturbances, relationship changes, work and expectations of parenthood can all add to stress or emotional issues.
Mental health screening is recommended as part of antenatal care and may be repeated as needed during pregnancy.
If you have persistent:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Excessive worry
- Irritability
- Sleep difficulties
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
Early support can help access to suitable care to be easier. Your GP will be able to talk to you about treatment and support options and make referrals if needed.
When to see a doctor during pregnancy?
Regular check-ups are essential, but if there is anything unusual or worrying, get medical advice.
Significant bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe vomiting or symptoms of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia may indicate symptoms that need immediate evaluation.
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and can cause high blood pressure and other changes in the mother and baby. Factors that increase the risk are: previous pre-eclampsia, long-term high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and other factors.
If symptoms are severe or sudden, get immediate medical help. Call 000 in case of emergency in Australia.
Choosing a Pregnancy Doctor in Belconnen
When selecting a pregnancy doctor Belconnen, you should ask if the practice provides the care you require and if the GP can arrange for the preferred maternity service.
You may want to ask:
- Is antenatal or pregnancy care offered by the GP?
- Is shared care available?
- Will GP be able to arrange pregnancy tests and referrals?
- Is the practice able to assist with pre-pregnancy planning?
- What is done about emergency pregnancy issues?
- Does the GP continue to be able to support your general health after pregnancy?
It is easier to have continuity of care before, during and after pregnancy if your GP is familiar with your medical history.
Planning a pregnancy or looking for pregnancy care in Belconnen? Book an appointment with Belconnen General Practice for personalised antenatal care, pregnancy guidance and ongoing support throughout your pregnancy.
