Pregnancy care

A pregnant mother and toddler stand in a field. They are hugging and the toddler kisses her baby bump.

Expectant parents often start researching pregnancy care when they begin planning for a family or early in a pregnancy, but it is never too early or late to research pregnancy care options. Important pregnancy care decisions include what level of care the parents want throughout their pregnancy, where the parents want to have their baby, which medical professionals they want to receive care from, and how much they are able or willing to pay for the care.

Pregnancy care can be provided by a range of medical and other health professionals who are trained to provide medical advice and support to parents during pregnancy, birth and the first few weeks after birth. Expectant parents are more likely to have a positive pregnancy and birthing experience if they feel empowered to make their own decisions, supported by the advice and care of medical and health professionals.

There are many factors that influence expectant parents’ choices and decisions around pregnancy care. These include the availability of private healthcare rebates; how far people live from hospitals or clinics, and the potential need for specialist medical care. Culture, values, belief systems and finances can influence the pregnancy care decision-making process, which can feel overwhelming, especially for first pregnancies.

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Pregnancy care options to consider

Models of pregnancy care include, but are not limited to:

Public maternity care including midwifery caseload at a public hospital
Private maternity care including private obstetric care throughout pregnancy and birth
Shared maternity care where a public hospital and local GP jointly provide care

An experienced GP can help explain these options so that expectant parents can make an informed decision.

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When choosing pregnancy care, expectant parents may consider the following:

A comfortable and welcoming physical space
A place that fits with their cultural, religious or personal beliefs
A professional who establishes a rapport, understands their preferences and can listen to the expectant parents’ concerns/choices
Continuity of care (seeing the same person from a clinic or service when possible)
Privacy and confidentiality
Availability of accredited health interpreters for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Experience in a particular field if special care is required
The method of birth chosen, such as a home birth, birthing centre or hospital environment
Previous birthing experiences

Research shows that seeing the same professional or group of professionals is beneficial during pregnancy. This results in consistent care and advice (often referred to as ‘continuity of care’) and aims to build an ongoing trusted relationship. Demand for this type of care is increasing and should be recognised and supported by those seeking this option.

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What to discuss with pregnancy care providers

Once connected with their chosen pregnancy care providers, expectant parents can ask for advice on topics such as:

Medical recommendations for healthy diet and exercise during pregnancy
Use of prescription medications, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs if not discussed prior to pregnancy
Plans for pregnancy scans, prenatal testing and diagnoses
Mental health care
Antenatal classes, labour and birth plans
Any other concerns

Pregnancy care may follow a set schedule or be individually customised based on clinical need. Some expectant parents have more frequent appointments and scans than others. This may be the case if the person has pre-existing conditions or other risk factors. It is recommended that expectant parents speak with their pregnancy care provider about this to better understand what information and options are available.

Some expectant parents change their healthcare provider or care plans during pregnancy if they decide the care model, or healthcare relationship is not a good fit. Expectant parents should be encouraged to talk this over with a partner, trusted friend or other support person, particularly if they are feeling unsure when considering a change. This is a time of significant adjustment, so having the right care to support decision making is very important. A collaborative approach to maternity care with a trusted healthcare provider can ensure parents feel confident and supported during pregnancy and delivery.

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