Antenatal Care in Point Cook

What antenatal care in Point Cook involves

Pregnancy visits track your blood pressure, your baby’s growth and your general wellbeing. They are also the time to pick up complications early and prepare for the birth and the first weeks at home.

Your first visit

Book as soon as you think you might be pregnant. The first appointment may include:

• confirming the pregnancy and estimating a due date
• a medical, family and pregnancy history
• blood and urine tests
• information about screening tests and ultrasounds
• a review of medicines and supplements
• a discussion about where to have your baby

Screening options

Screening tests in early pregnancy estimate the chance of certain chromosomal conditions. Options include combined first trimester screening and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) from a blood sample. These tests are optional, and a doctor can explain what they can and cannot show.

Folic acid and iodine

Folic acid lowers the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and is ideally started at least a month before conception. Iodine supports the baby’s brain development and is recommended throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Vaccines during pregnancy

Whooping cough (pertussis), influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to protect both parent and baby. They are free for eligible pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program, and each has a recommended timing.

Later check-ups

A glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes is generally offered between 24 and 28 weeks. Depending on the hospital you choose and your pregnancy, care may be shared between a GP and the hospital, or provided by a hospital or specialist team.

Common pregnancy symptoms

Nausea, tiredness, heartburn, constipation, back pain and leg cramps are common. Most can be eased with simple measures, but vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down needs prompt medical care.

Healthy habits

• eat a varied diet and follow food safety advice
• avoid alcohol and smoking
• stay active with pregnancy-safe exercise, unless advised otherwise
• rest when you need to

Emotional wellbeing

Feeling anxious or low during pregnancy is common and treatable. Mention it at any visit, and see the Mental Health page for support options.

Get help urgently if

Contact your maternity hospital or doctor straight away, or call 000 in an emergency, for vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, a severe headache or vision changes, fluid leaking from the vagina, a fever, or if your baby’s movements slow down or change.

After the birth

The Children’s Health service includes newborn assessments and childhood immunisations.

Common questions