Pregnancy: what to expect, available services
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, during which you will notice many physical and emotional changes.
Your doctor or midwife should be your primary source of information, but you can learn more about what happens during pregnancy, common health issues, and services and resources available.
- During your pregnancy
- Health and wellbeing issues during your pregnancy
- Helpful services and resources
During your pregnancy
Stages of pregnancy
Pregnancy is usually broken up into 3 stages, known as the first, second and third trimester.
Each trimester lasts approximately 3 months and has different characteristics.
Prenatal check-ups and tests
Regular check-ups will be part of your pregnancy, and will help identify and reduce any complications.
You can also read about:
- routine tests
- other tests such as
Further information
- Pregnancy: in a nutshell—a great overview of pregnancy including information about hormone changes and staying healthy
- Pregnancy: what to expect—looks at how pregnancy will change your life
- Changing body and emotions—read about common pregnancy experiences
- Your changing relationship—tips and advice to prepare you and your partner for any challenges.
Health concerns during your pregnancy
Always talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any health concerns about yourself or your baby.
You should also discuss any existing health conditions you have that could affect your pregnancy.
Morning sickness
Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting caused by the extra hormones your body is producing. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, depression or anxiety.
Despite the name ‘morning sickness’ it can happen at any time of the day. Some women will experience little or no symptoms of morning sickness, while others will be affected more significantly.
It usually starts in the early stages of pregnancy and usually stops after 3 months, though some women may experience it for longer.
Some women may even have morning sickness for their entire pregnancy.
Learn more about morning sickness and how to manage it.
Health issues
Some common pregnancy health issues include:
- bleeding during pregnancy
- depression and anxiety
- listeria (food poisoning)
- gestational diabetes
- toxoplasmosis.
Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or talk to your doctor about any other health concerns.
Other common issues
As your body is undergoing so many changes, you may experience some health issues along the way.
Many of these issues are a normal part of pregnancy, but you should talk to your doctor or midwife immediately if you are concerned.
You may experience:
- headaches
- faintness
- skin and hair changes
- constipation
- stretch marks
- cramps
- tiredness or affected sleep.
Find out more about common issues during pregnancy, including how to prevent and treat them.
Existing health conditions
Health conditions that may affect your pregnancy include:
You should tell your doctor about any medications (including over-the-counter medicines) and herbal or vitamin supplements to ensure they are safe to take during pregnancy. You may also need immunisation.
Diet and exercise
To stay healthy, you should eat a healthy diet and do regular moderate-intensity exercise while you are pregnant.
- Foods to avoid while pregnant
- Caffeine use while pregnant
- How to maintain a healthy diet
- Smoking while pregnant
- Use of alcohol, drugs and medicine
- Vitamins and nutrition in pregnancy
- Exercise tips
- Pelvic floor exercises.
Helpful services and resources
Services
13 HEALTH—phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to speak to a registered nurse. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline—phone 1800 822 436 to speak with a trained counsellor. The service is free (charges may apply from your mobile).
Women’s Health Queensland Wide—phone (07) 3839 9988 (Brisbane residents) or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside of Brisbane) to talk to a nurse or midwife.
Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA)—contact PANDA on 1300 726 306 if you or your partner are feeling depressed or anxious during your pregnancy. This confidential service is available from Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm.
MensLine Australia—phone 1300 789 978 if you’re male and have family and relationship concerns. The helpline is available 24 hours a day.
Lifeline—phone 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis.
Pregnancy Helpline—phone 1800 090 777 (freecall) if you have an unplanned pregnancy and want to discuss your options with a qualified counsellor.
Resources
Pregnancy checklist—remember important events and tasks during different stages of your pregnancy.
The Having a Baby in Queensland Book—make informed decisions about your maternity care and birthing options.
Parent information sheets—read about some of the issues that could arise during pregnancy, labour and birth.
Birthspeak—a dictionary of pregnancy terms, including audio pronunciations.
