Your antenatal visits are a great way to learn how your baby is growing and what is happening to your body.
Due to COVID-19, prenatal visits might be different. Some doctors and midwives are using telehealth to see pregnant women. More information: COVID-19: information for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
During visits:
A normal pregnancy lasts 37–42 weeks.
The average length of pregnancy is 280 days or 40 weeks, from the first day of your last menstrual period.
The medical term for the due date is ‘estimated date of delivery (EDD)’.
Did you know that only about 4% of women give birth on their baby’s due date!
More information: Better Health Channel – Baby due date
At your first appointment with your doctor or midwife, you will plan on who to see and when. Your appointments will generally follow the recommended antenatal schedule, shown in your Pregnancy Health Record.
Due to COVID-19, prenatal visits might be different. Some doctors and midwives are using telehealth to see pregnant women.
Ask your doctor or midwife about:
For after your baby is born, ask your doctor or midwife about:
Your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician is usually the best place to start.
Other contacts:
More contacts are listed in your Pregnancy Health Record.
Your doctor or midwife will discuss the routine blood tests offered in pregnancy.
These tests are performed to check for anything that may cause problems during pregnancy or after the birth.
Other tests may include a:
More information: Pregnancy Birth and Baby – Blood tests during pregnancy
There are four main blood groups. A, B, AB, and O.
A blood test in early pregnancy tells you which blood group you are, and whether you are Rh positive or Rh negative. Most women (85%) are Rh positive.
If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive it can cause health problems which can be treated.
You will be offered an Anti-D injection at 28 weeks and at 34 weeks of your pregnancy.
You will also be offered an Anti-D injection if you have:
You will also require a blood test following birth and may be given an Anti-D injection within 72 hours of your baby's birth if your baby is Rh positive.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines, Parent Information - RhD negative blood type in pregnancy
Gestational diabetes only develops in pregnancy.
The condition occurs in two to three of every 100 pregnant women.
How do I find out if I have gestational diabetes?
Due to COVID-19, testing for gestational diabetes might be different to what is usually done.
If you have risk factors for gestational diabetes you will be offered a blood test in the first trimester.
All other women will be offered a blood test around 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. You may have to have a second test where you are given a special glucose drink and have blood samples taken over two hours.
Your doctor or midwife will discuss what is best for you.
For more information about gestational diabetes visit:
Ultrasounds use sound waves to create an image (picture) of your baby. They are used to look at your developing baby.
An ultrasound is considered safe for both mother and baby because it does not use ionising radiation (it is different to an x-ray).
Your doctor or midwife will advise you when an ultrasound may be recommended. The following ultrasounds are common in pregnancy:
You will need a referral from your doctor or midwife.
You can have your ultrasounds done at an imaging facility in the community. In some cases, you may be referred to the hospital for your ultrasound.
There may be a charge for your ultrasound depending on the place you go to. Some will bulk bill through Medicare.
Your body is undergoing many changes during pregnancy and you may experience some health issues along the way.
Many of these issues are a normal part of pregnancy. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor or midwife.
Common discomforts during pregnancy may include:
More information:
You can read these helpful tips for managing morning sickness and find out more information on severe vomiting during pregnancy.
Your care during pregnancy, 23 Mar 2023, [https://www.qld.gov.au/health/children/pregnancy/antenatal-information/your-care-during-pregnancy]
This document is uncontrolled when printed. Before using the information in this document you should verify the current content on https://www.qld.gov.au/health/children/pregnancy/antenatal-information/your-care-during-pregnancy.