A positive pregnancy test can bring excitement, uncertainty and plenty of questions. Whether your pregnancy is planned or unexpected, our experienced GPs are here to guide you through every stage of your pregnancy journey, ensuring you receive the support you need from the very beginning.

What happens at your first pregnancy appointment?

1. Confirming your pregnancy 

Your GP will discuss your positive pregnancy test and recommend any blood tests needed to assess your health in early pregnancy.

Depending on your individual circumstances, these may include:

• Pregnancy hormone levels (β-hCG): to confirm your pregnancy.
• Full blood count: to check for anaemia and other blood abnormalities. 
• Iron studies: to identify iron deficiency, which is particularly common later in pregnancy. 
• Vitamin B12: to identify deficiencies that may affect healthy fetal development. 
• Immunity status: to check your immunity to rubella and chickenpox.
• Vitamin D: to assess levels important for maternal and fetal bone health.
• Thyroid function: to identify thyroid conditions that may affect your baby's early brain development.
• Blood group and antibodies: to identify blood group factors that may affect your pregnancy. 

Your GP will explain which tests are appropriate for you, what the results mean and whether any follow-up care is needed

2. Essential health checks

During your first appointment, we conduct a thorough health assessment, including:

• A detailed review of your medical history, including any previous pregnancies.
• Discussion of current medications and their safety during pregnancy.
• Evaluation of any symptoms you're experiencing, such as morning sickness which may start around 7 weeks gestation.
• Blood pressure and weight monitoring.
• Family history review to identify any potential genetic concerns.
• Lifestyle discussion, including work, exercise, and dietary habits.
• Mental health check to ensure appropriate support throughout your pregnancy.

First trimester screening and scanning

Modern prenatal care offers a range of sophisticated screening options to provide you with detailed information about your pregnancy and your baby's health and development. Your GP will guide you through the available options, explaining what each test involves and what the results may mean for you.

Dating Ultrasound

A dating ultrasound is usually performed from around 7 weeks of pregnancy, when your baby's heartbeat is more likely to be visible.

This scan helps to: 

• Confirm pregnancy viability 

• Estimate your due date

• Confirm the location of your pregnancy (excluding ectopic pregnancy)

• Identify whether you have more than one fetus present 

A dating scan is particularly useful if you're unsure of the date of your last period, have irregular cycles or have recently stopped hormonal contraception.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Percept NIPT is a blood test available from 10 weeks of pregnancy that screens for certain chromosomal conditions. This advanced test:

• Screens for common chromosomal conditions, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).
• Offers higher detection rates for these conditions than traditional first-trimester screening.
• Can provide information about your baby's sex, if you wish to know.
• Requires only a blood sample from you, with no invasive procedure.

NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnosis. Your GP will explain what the results mean and whether any further testing is recommended.

Reproductive Carrier Screening

Reproductive carrier screening helps identify whether you or your partner carry genetic variants that could be passed on to your baby. Testing can be completed before or during pregnancy, ideally before conception.

Prepair screens for three inherited conditions: cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome. This testing is Medicare-funded for eligible patients and generally begins with the female partner, with partner testing recommended depending on the results.

Prepair + offers expanded screening for approximately 250 genetic conditions, involving both partners. Testing costs approximately $900.

Your GP can help you understand whether carrier screening is appropriate for you, supporting informed decisions about your pregnancy and future family planning. 

Pregnancy Vaccinations

Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect you and your baby from serious infections during your baby's first months of life. We recommend vaccination against influenza, whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during pregnancy:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy and can be given at any stage. It helps protect you from serious flu illness and passes protective antibodies to your baby before birth. We also recommend flu vaccination for household members and others who will have close contact with your newborn.

Whooping Cough Vaccine 

The whooping cough vaccine is recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, even if you've been vaccinated previously. Vaccination helps protect your baby against whooping cough before they are old enough to receive their first routine vaccinations. Family members and others who will have close contact with your newborn should also be up to date with their whooping cough vaccination, ideally at least two weeks before meeting your baby.

RSV Vaccine 

The RSV vaccine is recommended between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect your baby from severe RSV infection during their first months of life. Babies whose mothers receive the vaccine during pregnancy have a significantly lower risk of hospitalisation from RSV. RSV vaccination is not routinely recommended for all family members, although some older adults may be eligible. Your GP can advise on eligibility. 

Planning your vaccinations

The above vaccines have established safety and effectiveness during pregnancy and can be administered during routine antenatal appointments or by our practice nurses. Where possible, vaccinations should be given at least two weeks before delivery to allow time for protective antibodies to develop and pass to your baby. Our GP and nursing team can help you plan the recommended timing and answer any questions you may have.