Pregnancy Care
Expert Support Through Your Pregnancy Journey
Pregnancy is a transformative experience—you deserve care that's expert, compassionate, and focused on you.
At Ovara Women's Health, our GPs with special interest in women's health provide comprehensive pregnancy care from confirmation through to postpartum support. We work collaboratively with midwives and obstetricians to ensure you receive the right level of care at every stage.
Early Pregnancy Care
Those first weeks are full of questions, uncertainty, and big emotions.
Pregnancy Confirmation & Dating
When to see us:
- Positive home pregnancy test
- Missed period and pregnancy suspected
- Known pregnancy needing medical confirmation
What we provide:
- Pregnancy confirmation (urine or blood test)
- Estimated due date calculation based on last menstrual period
- Early dating ultrasound referral (usually 6-8 weeks to confirm viability and accurate dating)
- Initial pregnancy health assessment
First Trimester Care (Weeks 1-12)
Early pregnancy appointments establish the foundation for healthy pregnancy.
Initial pregnancy visit includes:
- Comprehensive medical history (previous pregnancies, medical conditions, medications, family history)
- Current pregnancy symptoms and how you're managing
- Blood tests: Blood group, iron studies, immunity screening (rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis), vitamin D, thyroid function
- Urine test for infection
- Cervical screening if due
- Discussion of pregnancy symptoms (nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness)
- Lifestyle guidance (nutrition, exercise, what to avoid)
- Referral for nuchal translucency scan (11-13 weeks) if wanted
- Referral to midwife or obstetrician if indicated
Common first trimester concerns we address:
- Morning sickness and nausea (usually peaks 8-10 weeks, resolves by 14-16 weeks)
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Food aversions and cravings
- Anxiety about miscarriage (common in early pregnancy)
- Spotting or light bleeding (not always concerning, but always worth checking)
- Constipation and bloating
Shared Pregnancy Care Model
We collaborate with midwives and obstetricians to provide continuity.
What is Shared Care?
Shared care means your Ovara GP works together with your hospital midwife or obstetrician to provide your pregnancy care. You see your GP for routine appointments and the hospital team for specific assessments and delivery.
Benefits:
- See your trusted local GP for most appointments
- Continuity with a doctor who knows your health history
- Coordinated care with hospital obstetric team
- Local access (no travelling to hospital for every appointment)
How it works:
- Your GP provides ongoing pregnancy monitoring
- Hospital provides specific scans and specialist assessments
- You deliver at the public hospital
- Clear communication between your GP and hospital team
- Your GP provides postpartum care after hospital discharge
When You Need Specialist Obstetric Care
Some pregnancies need specialist management from the start:
High-risk pregnancy factors:
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
- Pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart conditions, autoimmune diseases)
- Previous pregnancy complications (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature birth, stillbirth)
- Age over 40
- BMI over 35
- Previous caesarean section (may be suitable for shared care or may need specialist)
We'll refer you to an obstetrician and coordinate your care.
Second Trimester Care (Weeks 13-27)
The "honeymoon trimester"—often when you feel best.
Routine Monitoring
Regular appointments include:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Urine testing (protein, glucose, infection)
- Fundal height measurement (uterus size)
- Fetal heartbeat check (Doppler from around 12-14 weeks)
- Weight tracking
- Discussion of pregnancy symptoms and concerns
- Review of scan results
Mid-pregnancy screening:
- Morphology scan (18-20 weeks): Detailed ultrasound checking baby's development and anatomy
- Gestational diabetes screening (around 24-28 weeks for most women, earlier if high risk)
- Iron levels recheck (anaemia common in pregnancy)
Common Second Trimester Topics
Physical changes:
- Round ligament pain (sharp pains in lower abdomen with movement)
- Backache and pelvic discomfort
- Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions, irregular and painless)
- Feeling baby move (usually 18-20 weeks first pregnancy, earlier in subsequent pregnancies)
- Skin changes (linea nigra, darkening nipples, stretch marks)
- Varicose veins and haemorrhoids
Lifestyle discussions:
- Exercise and staying active safely
- Travel considerations (generally safe in second trimester)
- Sex during pregnancy (usually safe unless complications)
- Work and maternity leave planning
- Preparing for baby (but not too early—no need to rush)
Third Trimester Care (Weeks 28-40+)
The final stretch—preparing for birth.
Increased Monitoring
Appointments become more frequent:
- Frequency increases as you approach due date
- Same checks as second trimester, plus closer monitoring
Additional third trimester care:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening (vaginal swab at 36-37 weeks)
- Blood pressure monitoring (pre-eclampsia risk increases late pregnancy)
- Fetal position assessment (head down vs breech)
- Discussion of birth plan and preferences
- Signs of labour education
- When to go to hospital guidance
Common Third Trimester Concerns
Physical discomforts:
- Shortness of breath (baby pushing on diaphragm)
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Trouble sleeping (can't get comfortable, frequent urination)
- Swollen feet and ankles (usually normal, but monitored for pre-eclampsia)
- Pelvic pressure and discomfort
- Braxton Hicks increasing in frequency
Preparing for labour:
- Signs of labour (contractions, show, waters breaking)
- When to go to hospital
- Pain relief options
- What to pack in hospital bag
- Birth partner support
Overdue pregnancy:
- Pregnancy is considered full-term from 37 weeks
- Most babies arrive by 41 weeks
- Induction discussed if pregnancy goes beyond 41 weeks
- Monitoring increases if pregnancy continues past due date
Pregnancy Complications We Monitor
Early detection and management of complications improves outcomes.
Gestational Diabetes
Affects about 15% of pregnant women in Australia.
- Screening at 24-28 weeks (earlier if risk factors)
- Diagnosed via glucose tolerance test
- Management: Diet modification, blood glucose monitoring, sometimes insulin
- Usually resolves after birth, but increases future diabetes risk
- Close monitoring throughout pregnancy and during labour
Pre-eclampsia
Serious condition causing high blood pressure and other complications.
- Risk increases in late pregnancy
- Symptoms: High blood pressure, protein in urine, swelling (especially face and hands), headaches, vision changes
- Requires close monitoring and sometimes early delivery
- Rare but serious—we take all symptoms seriously
Low Iron (Anaemia)
Common in pregnancy due to increased blood volume.
- Causes fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath
- Detected via blood tests
- Treatment: Iron supplements (oral or infusion if severe)
- Important for your energy and baby's development
Infections
Some infections can affect pregnancy.
- Urinary tract infections (common, often no symptoms, detected via routine urine tests)
- Group B Streptococcus (vaginal bacteria that needs antibiotics during labour)
- Bacterial vaginosis
- We screen routinely and treat promptly
Bleeding in Pregnancy
Not always serious, but always needs checking.
- First trimester bleeding: Can indicate miscarriage, but many women bleed early and pregnancy continues normally
- Later pregnancy bleeding: Could indicate placenta problems, early labour, or other issues
- Any bleeding in pregnancy warrants assessment
Pregnancy Loss Support
Miscarriage is devastating—we provide compassionate care and support.
Early Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)
Affects approximately 1 in 4 confirmed pregnancies.
What we provide:
- Emotional support and time to process
- Medical information about what's happening
- Management options: Expectant (wait for natural miscarriage), medical (medication to complete miscarriage), surgical (D&C procedure)
- Follow-up to ensure complete miscarriage
- Discussion of trying again (usually safe after one normal period, but no rush)
- Referral to counselling if needed
Recurrent miscarriage (3 or more losses):
- Investigation into possible causes
- Referral to specialist for management
- Support through next pregnancy
Later Pregnancy Loss
Stillbirth and late pregnancy loss require specialist support.
- We provide initial support and referral to appropriate specialists
- Coordination with hospital obstetric team
- Postpartum physical and mental health care
- Connection to support organisations (SANDS, Pink Elephants Support Network)
Postpartum Care: The Fourth Trimester
The first 6-12 weeks after birth need proper support.
Physical Recovery
Postpartum check-up (usually 6 weeks after birth):
- Physical examination and healing check (caesarean scar or perineal tear healing)
- Blood pressure check
- Mental health screening
- Contraception discussion (yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding)
- Pelvic floor assessment
- Return to exercise guidance
Common postpartum physical concerns:
- Perineal pain and healing
- Caesarean scar healing
- Breast engorgement and mastitis
- Constipation and haemorrhoids
- Urinary incontinence (not normal, but treatable)
- Heavy bleeding concerns
Mental Health After Birth
Perinatal mental health is just as important as physical health.
Baby blues:
- Affects up to 80% of new mothers
- Tearfulness, mood swings, anxiety in first 2 weeks after birth
- Usually resolves on its own
- Not the same as postnatal depression
Postnatal depression:
- Affects 1 in 7 Australian mothers
- Can develop anytime in first year (not just immediately after birth)
- Symptoms: Persistent low mood, loss of interest, anxiety, difficulty bonding with baby, overwhelming feelings, thoughts of harm
- Very treatable with therapy and sometimes medication
- Screening at postpartum visits helps early detection
Postnatal anxiety:
- Often accompanies depression, but can occur alone
- Excessive worry about baby, intrusive thoughts, panic symptoms
- Treatable with therapy and sometimes medication
We screen, support, and refer to appropriate mental health services.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding challenges are common—and help is available.
- Referral to lactation consultant for difficulties
- Treatment of mastitis and blocked ducts
- Discussion of medication safety while breastfeeding
- Support for combination feeding or formula feeding (your choice is valid)
Pregnancy Care FAQ
"Can I keep seeing my regular GP, or do I need a specialist?"
Most healthy, low-risk pregnancies can be managed by your Ovara GP through shared care with the hospital. You only need a specialist obstetrician if you have high-risk factors or complications develop.
"What if I'm already seeing an obstetrician privately—can you still help?"
Yes. We can provide additional support, manage non-pregnancy health issues, and provide postpartum care after your obstetrician discharges you.
"When should I book my first appointment?"
As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. We can confirm pregnancy, arrange early dating scan, and start your pregnancy care.
"I'm high-risk—can you still see me?"
We can provide some care, but will refer you to an obstetrician for specialist management. We'll coordinate with your specialist to provide continuity.
"What if something goes wrong after hours?"
Pregnancy emergencies should go to your hospital emergency department. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for 24-hour health advice.
"Do you deliver babies?"
No. Delivery happens at hospital with midwives or obstetricians. We provide care throughout pregnancy and postpartum support after you're discharged from hospital.
What to Avoid During Pregnancy
Evidence-based guidance on common concerns:
Foods to avoid:
- Raw or undercooked meat, chicken, seafood
- Deli meats and pâté (unless heated until steaming)
- Soft cheeses (brie, camembert, ricotta, feta) unless cooked
- Raw or partially cooked eggs
- Pre-prepared or stored salads
- Raw sprouts (alfalfa, bean sprouts)
- High-mercury fish (shark/flake, marlin, swordfish, orange roughy)
- Alcohol (no safe level in pregnancy)
Limit:
- Caffeine (under 200mg daily—approximately 1-2 cups coffee)
- Low-mercury fish to 2-3 serves per week
Medications:
- Always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking any medication
- Some over-the-counter medications are unsafe in pregnancy
- Herbal supplements and "natural" remedies aren't always safe
Activities:
- Contact sports and activities with high fall risk
- Hot tubs, saunas, very hot baths (risk of overheating)
- Scuba diving
- High-altitude activities (above 2,500 metres)
Safe activities:
- Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga
- Strength training with modifications
- Most daily activities and work (with sensible modifications)
Book Your Pregnancy Care Appointment
Ready to start your pregnancy journey with expert support?
Our Ovara specialists provide comprehensive pregnancy care across 110+ clinics in Australia. We're here from confirmation through to postpartum recovery.
Book online or call your nearest Family Doctor clinic to see an Ovara women's health specialist.