Pregnancy and COVID-19
Click here for updated advice from ATAGI about COVID vaccines in pregnancy and breastfeeding
We can continue to do regular shared care appointments, though you can discuss with your doctor if some of these can also be done over the phone.
First pregnancy visit
You should see your GP in early pregnancy, by about 7 weeks from your last period, to organise some early tests, make the relevant referrals, advise you on managing early pregnancy symptoms and check on your general health. It’s a good idea to make a long appointment for this first visit. We suggest you use this checklist to prepare for your visit.
Your options for care during pregnancy include the public hospital clinics or Birth Centre, private obstetric care, or shared care with the hospital and your GP.
Tests in early pregnancy
Your doctor will discuss the various tests available in the first trimester of pregnancy. These include blood tests, a urine screen and ultrasounds. Ultrasounds and first trimester screening are available at RPAH and at private facilities.
Screening tests in early pregnancy
Combined first trimester screening
Non-invasive pre-natal testing
Antenatal Shared Care
If you choose to have shared care with Erskineville Doctors and the hospital, you will have a booking visit at the hospital between 12-18 weeks, and an obstetrician will review you around 20 weeks to confirm your suitability for shared care, ie. that your pregnancy is low risk. Check ups will be with your GP or the hospital over the course of your pregnancy.
Resources
NSW Health Having a Baby
RPAH Women and Babies – includes online booking form for first antenatal appointment.
Royal Hospital for Women patient resources
Problems in early pregnancy
If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant and experiencing pain or bleeding you can attend the Early Pregnancy Unit located in the RPAH Emergency Department at any time or the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service on Level 5 at RPAH, at 7.30am on Monday to Friday.
Nausea and Vomiting in pregnancy
Medications in pregnancy Mothersafe can be contacted to discuss any issues with medications. They also have a useful list of factsheets about managing coming problems in pregnancy that might require medication.