Congratulations. We look forward to being a part of your pregnancy journey

We can guide you through what you need to do to start your pregnancy and birth pathway.

We’ll take you step by step through what to do because each step will help us get to know you, understand your needs, and plan the right care for you at the right time and the right place.

Step 1. See your General Practitioner (GP)

We recommend you see your GP as soon as possible. They will:

• confirm your pregnancy and due date
• talk with you about early pregnancy care
• make sure you’re taking the right supplements and discuss any recommended medications or vaccinations
• arrange your early pregnancy tests and ultrasounds
• send us a referral for maternity care

Your GP is an important first step to your care. Your GP will continue looking after your general health throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Please continue to see a GP as your primary health carer until you have your first maternity appointment with the hospital.

Step 2. Learn about your maternity care options and the right care for you

Nominating your preferred maternity model of care is an important part of your pregnancy journey. The best choice for you will depend on your preferences, your circumstances, and sometimes your medical history.

While we do our best to meet your needs, the model of care you receive will depend on your health needs and the availability of different public services. Our team will work with you to ensure you are matched with the model of care that is safest and most suitable for you and your baby.

No matter which model of care you receive, you will be supported by a team of caring, experienced health professionals who partner with you and your family throughout your pregnancy, birth, and early parenting journey. Our goal is to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

We offer four main options for your pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. You can click on the link for more information.

• Continuity of care
• Maternity care team
• GP shared care
• Specialist care

In the ACT, high-quality public maternity care is provided at two hospitals:

• Canberra Hospital (Garran)
• North Canberra Hospital (Bruce)

What’s most important is the model of care that supports you, rather than the public hospital in which you give birth.

You can read more about the different types of maternity care and birthing options so you can think about what matters most to you. You’ll be able to tell us your preferred option when you complete your Pregnancy Care Questionnaire.

Sometimes, your first preference might not be suitable - this can be due to your medical history or availability. If this happens, you will be booked with the most appropriate maternity care option. If you have any questions, this can be discussed with a midwife at your first appointment.

Things to consider:

• Do you have a Medicare card?
  • If not, speak with your GP about your options.
• Are you Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or will your baby be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander?
  • You might like to consider:
    • Continuity of Care
    • Winnunga Nimmityjah Midwifery Care
• Do you have a medical condition such as:
  • a heart condition
  • kidney disease
  • autoimmune condition
  • type 1 diabetes
  • or high blood pressure?
    • You may need Specialist Care or Maternal Fetal Medicine care. Talk to your GP to make sure your referral includes your full health history.
• Is it important to you to see the same person most of the time (including for your birth)?
  • You might consider Continuity of Care.
• Are you interested in birthing your baby at home?
  • You might consider a Publicly Funded Homebirth.
• Where would you prefer most of your appointments?
  • In the community: Continuity of Care or Maternity Care Team
    • At the hospital: Maternity Care Team
    • With your GP: GP Shared Care

Step 3. Sign up for MyDigital Health Record (MyDHR)

If you haven’t already, sign up for MyDigital Health Record (MyDHR) by completing the online registration.

If you already have a MyDHR account, skip this step.

MyDHR lets you:

• update your personal and health information
• manage upcoming appointments
• read information tailored to your pregnancy
• access your secure Digital Health Record

Step 4. Tell us you are pregnant

Visit MyDHR to complete your Pregnancy Care Questionnaire. Once logged in, select Self‑Refer from the menu to find and complete the questionnaire.

This only takes a few minutes to complete, depending on how much you’d like to share. If your questionnaire is not completed before we receive your GP referral, you will be sent a link to log in and complete it before we review your GP referral.

When we receive your questionnaire and GP referral, we’ll review them both. This helps us understand your needs early and plan the safest and most suitable care for you. If we identify anything that needs early attention, we’ll contact you.

Your maternity care pathway is confirmed and discussed at your first appointment. The model of care offered to you may depend on:

• any complications you may have had in a previous pregnancy
• any medical conditions you have now
• conditions that arise in this pregnancy
• availability within different models of care and hospitals

Your midwife will discuss all of this with you and make sure you understand the reasons for the recommended option.

Your first appointment usually takes place between 12–14 weeks of pregnancy, and we aim to contact you with an appointment time by 12 weeks.

If you haven’t heard from us by then, please call (02) 5124 7625.

If you completed your questionnaire after 12 weeks, please wait 7 days before contacting us to follow up.

Step 5. Your first antenatal appointment with a midwife

Your first appointment will be with a midwife and usually takes place between 12–14 weeks.

At this visit, your midwife will:

• talk about your health, wellbeing, and medical history
• check your blood pressure
• discuss useful online resources
• help finalise the best maternity care option for you
• listen to your baby’s heartbeat You’ll also receive your Pregnancy Health Record, which includes your antenatal appointment schedule and important information for the rest of your pregnancy.

Information for people not living in the ACT

If you live in NSW but need access to ACT public maternity services, please speak with your local maternity service or your GP. They will start your early pregnancy care and send a referral to us if the ACT is the right place for your ongoing maternity care.