Your First Pregnancy GP Appointment: What to Expect
Congratulations on your pregnancy. Your first GP appointment is an important milestone — it is where your antenatal care begins, and it is a chance to ask any questions you have. This guide walks you through what happens at your first pregnancy visit and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
When Should You Book Your First Appointment?
Book your first GP appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy (counted from the first day of your last menstrual period). If you are already further along when you find out, book as soon as possible — antenatal care can start at any stage.
Early booking is important because:
- First-trimester screening for Down syndrome happens between 11 and 14 weeks
- Some blood tests are time-sensitive
- Early advice on nutrition, folic acid, and lifestyle matters most in the first trimester
- Your GP can arrange referral to a hospital or private obstetrician, which can take time
What Happens at the First Appointment
Your first pregnancy appointment is usually a long consultation (30–45 minutes). Your GP will:
- Confirm your pregnancy and calculate your estimated due date
- Take a detailed medical history — current health, previous pregnancies, family history
- Discuss medications — some need to be adjusted or stopped in pregnancy
- Check your blood pressure and weight
- Order blood tests, urine tests, and arrange a dating ultrasound
- Discuss lifestyle factors — nutrition, alcohol, smoking, exercise, caffeine
- Talk about antenatal care options — shared care, hospital clinic, or private obstetrician
- Prescribe prenatal vitamins if you are not already taking them
- Answer any questions and concerns
Blood Tests at Your First Visit
Your GP will order a comprehensive set of blood tests including:
- Blood group and antibody screening
- Full blood count (checks for anaemia)
- Iron and ferritin
- Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis screening
- Rubella immunity
- Varicella (chickenpox) immunity
- Thyroid function
- Vitamin D
- Random glucose
- Urine test for infection
These tests are Medicare-bulk-billed at most pathology providers. Your GP will discuss the results at your next visit.
Lifestyle and Diet in Pregnancy
- Folic acid: 500 micrograms daily for 1 month before conception and the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Most prenatal vitamins contain this.
- Iodine: 150 micrograms daily throughout pregnancy. Important for baby’s brain development.
- Avoid raw and undercooked meats, soft cheeses, deli meats, and raw seafood: Risk of listeria and other infections
- Limit fish high in mercury: Shark, swordfish, marlin. Tuna in moderation.
- Stop alcohol completely: No safe amount in pregnancy
- Stop smoking: Ask your GP about support services if you need help
- Caffeine: Limit to 200mg per day (about 1 cup of coffee)
- Continue regular exercise: Walking, swimming, yoga are all safe. Avoid contact sports and scuba diving.
Antenatal Care Options in Australia
Your GP will discuss the options for ongoing antenatal care. These vary depending on where you live:
- GP Shared Care: Most of your antenatal visits are with your GP, with occasional visits to a hospital obstetrician. Often the most convenient option.
- Hospital Midwife or Obstetrician Clinic: All care provided at the hospital where you plan to deliver. Public or private hospital.
- Midwifery Group Practice: Continuity with a small team of midwives. Available at many public hospitals.
- Private Obstetrician: Private care with higher out-of-pocket costs but more continuity and choice.
- Home birth: Available through some midwifery practices for low-risk pregnancies.
Pregnancy Vaccinations
- Influenza (flu): Recommended at any stage of pregnancy. Free under the NIP.
- Whooping cough (pertussis): Recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of every pregnancy. Free under the NIP.
- COVID-19: Recommended during pregnancy if not up to date.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): Recommended between 28 and 36 weeks to protect baby. Available under the NIP.
Family Doctor clinics can administer all these vaccines.
When to Contact Your GP Urgently
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (more than spotting)
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Severe persistent vomiting preventing you from keeping fluids down
- Severe headache with visual changes
- Fever above 38°C
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Any urinary tract infection symptoms (UTIs in pregnancy need prompt treatment)
- Reduced baby movements later in pregnancy
Find a Family Doctor Clinic Near You
Family Doctor clinics across Australia provide comprehensive pregnancy care. Many of our GPs offer shared care with public hospitals. Book your first antenatal appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my first pregnancy appointment bulk billed?
Many Family Doctor clinics bulk bill pregnancy consultations for eligible patients. Bulk billing is especially common for standard antenatal visits. See our bulk billing page for confirmed bulk-billing clinics.
Do I need a referral to see an obstetrician?
Yes. To access Medicare rebates for obstetric care, you need a GP referral. Your GP will refer you to a public hospital clinic or a private obstetrician based on your preferences and any medical risk factors.
What if I have a chronic condition?
If you have diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, mental health conditions, or other chronic conditions, let your GP know at the first visit. You may need additional monitoring and a high-risk pregnancy pathway. See our chronic disease management page for more.
How often will I need GP visits during pregnancy?
Routine antenatal schedule: every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, then weekly until birth. Extra visits if any concerns arise or if you are having a shared care arrangement.