Pregnancy: an overview

Pregnancy care: getting started

If you think that you’re pregnant or you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, see your GP as soon as possible to start your pregnancy care.

Your GP will:

organise routine tests, including blood tests, to confirm your pregnancy
work out your estimated due date
check your health
refer you to local pregnancy care health professionals or places to give birth
talk with you about approaches to pregnancy care – for example, continuity of care.

It’s important to go to your antenatal appointments right from the start, so your midwife or doctor can check how you and your baby are going.

Antenatal appointments are also a chance to make decisions about things like tests in pregnancy. Appointments and tests need to happen at particular times.

Our pregnancy week by week guide takes you through what to expect each week as your body changes and your baby grows. It also includes tips to help you prepare for labour, birth and early parenting.

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy: you and your baby

Looking after your health and wellbeing while you’re pregnant is good for you and your baby. It helps you feel good and stay well. It also helps you give your baby what they need to grow and develop well.

The articles below have tips for staying healthy and well during pregnancy. If you ever feel something isn’t right either physically or emotionally, see your midwife, doctor or maternity hospital as soon as possible.

Pregnancy health and health problems

Mental health

Healthy eating, exercise and sleep

Good daily and dental hygiene is part of looking after your health and your baby’s health. It includes washing your hands regularly, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and seeing your dentist during pregnancy and at least once a year. Getting immunised against influenza, COVID-19 and whooping cough is also important.

Antenatal classes

Antenatal classes give you a clear idea of what to expect during pregnancy, labour and birth. This can help you feel more confident as you prepare for birth and early parenting.

Some classes can book out well in advance, so it’s a good idea to book early.

Labour and birth: getting ready

Knowing what to expect and preparing for labour and birth can help you feel emotionally and practically ready.

These articles and videos have information and tips to help you get ready:

Breastfeeding: getting ready

Breastfeeding has many benefits, and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until around 6 months.

These articles have tips for preparing to breastfeed:

Breastfeeding can take time, practice and patience to learn. It’s good to know that you can overcome most breastfeeding issues with the right support.

You can also learn about infant formula and bottle-feeding.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) can support you with breastfeeding and infant feeding challenges. You can phone their National Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268 or use ABA LiveChat. You can also talk to a lactation consultant, midwife or child and family health nurse.

Employment and pregnancy

You’ll need to share your pregnancy news with your employer. Before you do, it’s worth checking your pregnancy work rights, as well as your agreement or contract.

You can manage pregnancy symptoms at work by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food and wearing comfortable shoes and clothes.

Your relationship with your partner during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a good time for you and your partner to strengthen your relationship. A strong relationship will help you support each other through the changes and emotions of pregnancy and early parenting.

These articles have ideas to help:

Our Pregnancy for partners section has tips and information for partners of pregnant women. It covers essential topics like antenatal classes, relationships, feelings, wellbeing, birth support and early parenting.

Your family: preparing for a new baby

If you have other children, they might feel both excited and anxious when a new baby is coming. You can help a positive sibling relationship develop by talking, listening, and giving children plenty of time, attention and love.

These articles have tips:

Also, your parents and your partner’s parents might like to read more about becoming grandparents.

It’s good if your other children and close family members are up to date with their immunisations before meeting the baby, including the whooping cough immunisation.

Support during pregnancy: when and where to get it

There might be times when you need extra support to cope with the changes of pregnancy. It might help to speak to a midwife, doctor, psychologist or counsellor if you’re:

having trouble managing your emotions
worried about how you’ll manage after your baby is born
experiencing symptoms of antenatal anxiety or depression, like changes in the way you think, behave, or feel emotionally or physically
having serious problems in your relationship.

If you’re experiencing family violence, speak to your midwife or doctor, or call the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

If you’re having thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby, you should urgently speak to your GP or call Lifeline Australia on 131 114.

It’s a good idea to plan practical and emotional ‘back-up’ for after your baby is born. For example, could extended family or friends cook you a meal, drop in for a visit or give you a call? People are usually happy to help, and many appreciate being asked.