Maternity Unit

Pregnancy Care

Not all pregnancies are the same and your care needs to be tailored to suit your individual pregnancy needs.

Firstly, visit your General Practitioner (GP), who will confirm your pregnancy and perform a general health check-up.

You will need to decide who you will see you during your pregnancy care (this is called antenatal care).

Options for your pregnancy care are:

Midwifery-led care

If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you can be seen by a small group of WGHG’S midwives. You will see a WGHG Obstetrician for key appointments. If you develop complications in the pregnancy, the midwives can refer you to a WGHG Obstetrician for review.

By booking your appointments on the same day each visit, you will be given care by the same midwives.

Shared care

If you see a GP, who is approved to do shared care with WGHG, your pregnancy care can be shared between your GP and a WGHG Obstetrician. You will see an Obstetrician at key dates at the hospital and also have appointments with your GP in their practice.

GP Obstetrician-led care

If your GP has the necessary qualifications, they can offer antenatal care at their clinic in the community. So rather than visiting the hospital for antenatal appointments, you will see your GP Obstetrician. If needed, your GP Obstetrician can arrange for you to see a WGHG obstetrician at the hospital at any stage of your pregnancy.

Consultant care

If you have a complicated medical and/or maternity history, you will be primarily seen by a WGHG Obstetrician. You may also be seen by a GP registrar, midwives and the Allied Health Team.

Can you request to see a female care provider?

WGHG recognizes that for cultural, religious or personal reasons you may wish to ask to be seen by a female health professional. If this is the case please tell us before we make your appointments.

We will try to meet your needs, however this will not always be possible.

Other Appointments

Booking In

Attendance at ‘booking in’ appointment is required at around 16 weeks of pregnancy to birth at WGHG. This appointment will be with a midwife at the consulting suites.

When to see your Doctor/Midwife

Unless otherwise requested, you will be encouraged to see your doctor/GP, obstetrician or midwife monthly until 28 weeks, fortnightly until 36 weeks and weekly thereafter.

34 week appointment

As part of your pregnancy journey at WGHG, you will be offered an opportunity at 34 weeks to attend an appointment with a midwife to discuss birthing, postnatal care and the first days of parenting.

How can you make the most of your antenatal appointment?

Please check when your next appointment is and contact the clinic if you have any questions. Please bring your yellow antenatal hand held card with you to every antenatal appointment. Also bring your ultrasound or blood test results if you have them.

What should you do if you can’t come to any appointment?

Please call Maternity Bookings on 03 5623 0811 to change your appointment. This should be done as early as possible preferably 48 hours in advance.

You should see your GP or hospital Doctor if you experience any of the following:

• any change in your baby’s normal pattern of movements (baby is not moving)
• abdominal or back pain
• any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• unusual headaches and/or blurred vision
• fainting

You should call the Maternity Unit (03) 5623 0752 if you experience any of the following:

• any change in your baby’s normal pattern of movements
• abdominal or back pain
• any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• unusual headaches and/or blurred vision
• fainting

When you should come to hospital

You should come to hospital:

• whenever you are unsure about what is happening to you
• if you think you are in labour
• if your ‘waters’ break (known as membranes rupture)

You may be in early labour and still be able to remain at home. A phone call to the hospital may reduce your anxiety and prepare staff for your arrival if necessary.

Please call our Maternity Unit (03) 5623 0752 prior to arriving at the hospital.

If you arrive at the hospital between the hours of 8.00pm and 6.00am, please enter via the Emergency Department.