Antenatal Care in Australia: Visits, Tests, Timelines & What to Expect at Every Stage

You’ve just seen a positive pregnancy test. The excitement is real, and immediately, the question comes up: what should I do next?

The answer is antenatal care.

Antenatal care (ANC) is the planned medical care you receive during pregnancy to monitor your health and your baby’s development. Starting early helps detect risks, guide your decisions, and support a healthy pregnancy from the very beginning.

But here’s what many Australian women don’t realise: Antenatal care is not just a series of check-ups; it’s a complete system of support, where potential complications are identified early, your questions are answered clearly, and you are prepared for birth, recovery, and life with your newborn.

So, what actually happens at antenatal appointments? How many ANC visits do you really need? And how does antenatal care work in Perth?

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what antenatal care involves, when to start, how many appointments you need and what happens at each stage. By the end, you’ll also know exactly where to get the right and tailored maternity care in Perth, WA.

Key Takeaways:

• Antenatal care is the regular medical care you receive during pregnancy to monitor your health and your baby’s development.
• First antenatal appointment should be booked as soon as pregnancy is confirmed; Ideally before 10 weeks.
• First-time mothers are recommended 10 antenatal visits. Mothers who have previously given birth are recommended 7 visits for an uncomplicated pregnancy.
• Antenatal care physical checks, mental health screening, lifestyle guidance, birth planning, and postnatal preparation.
• Early maternity care helps detect conditions such as gestational diabetes, anaemia, and hypertension.
• GP shared care is a common and convenient model of antenatal care in Perth.

What Is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care is the regular medical care you receive during pregnancy to monitor your health and your baby’s development before birth.

Simply, the antenatal meaning is “care before birth.” It is also called as prenatal care. Both terms mean the same thing.

Antenatal care involves a planned series of appointments with a GP, midwife, or obstetrician. These antenatal appointments begin early in pregnancy and continue until after your baby is born. It is an ongoing, structured process that changes at each stage of pregnancy.

At every ANC visit, your healthcare provider will:

• monitor your physical health
• track your baby’s growth and development
• identify risks or complications early
• provide guidance for each trimester

Who Provides Antenatal Care in Australia?

In Australia, antenatal care is provided by a combination of healthcare professionals, including GPs, midwives, and obstetricians. The provider you see depends on your chosen model of care and where you plan to give birth. You may receive care through GP shared care, public hospital midwifery clinics, private obstetric care, or community midwifery programs. All of them offer coordinated, continuous support throughout your pregnancy.

Why You Should Attend Antenatal Appointments?

Antenatal appointments are essential, even if your pregnancy feels completely normal. These visits allow your doctor or midwife to detect and manage conditions early, mostly before symptoms appear. This includes:

• Gestational Diabetes
• Anaemia
• High Blood Pressure
• Infections

When identified early, these conditions are highly manageable and far less likely to affect your pregnancy. You are offered recommended antenatal tests. You decide whether you would like and have the tests or not. It is called informed consent.

At your antenatal visits, you can discuss symptoms, understand each stage of pregnancy, plan your birth, prepare for your baby, and receive guidance on mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle. You can also raise any personal or environmental concerns in a safe, supportive space. These visits help you stay informed, supported, and confident in your pregnancy decisions.

How Many Antenatal Visits Do You Need?

The number of antenatal visits you need depends on your pregnancy history and risk (be it low or high).

According to Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines, first-time mothers are usually recommended to have around 10 antenatal visits. Women who have previously had an uncomplicated pregnancy typically need around 7 visits.

If complications develop; such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or a multiple pregnancy, you will need more frequent monitoring.

Recent Australian data highlights the importance of early and regular care:

• 79% of women accessed antenatal care in the first trimester (AIHW 2023)
• 60% of women attended antenatal care within the first 10 weeks
• 57% of first-time mothers had 10 or more visits
• 84% of women with previous pregnancies had at least 7 visits

Your GP or midwife will personalise your schedule based on your health and pregnancy needs.

General Antenatal Visit Schedule

Here’s a general antenatal visit schedule based on current Australian clinical recommendations. Your GP will personalise this plan based on your health and pregnancy needs.

Weeks Pregnant	What to Expect
6–10 weeks	First antenatal visit: confirm pregnancy, medical history, blood tests, care plan, referrals
11–13 weeks	First trimester combined screening: blood test (PAPP-A, hCG) + nuchal translucency ultrasound
14–18 weeks	Hospital booking appointment (if using GP Shared Care)
18–20 weeks	Morphology (anatomy) ultrasound
24 weeks	Routine check: blood pressure, urine, fundal height, baby’s heartbeat
28 weeks	Glucose challenge test, repeat blood tests, anti-D injection (if Rh-negative)
31 weeks	Routine fortnightly appointment begins
34 weeks	Routine check; repeat Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) after 32 weeks
35–37 weeks	Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab
36 weeks	Check baby’s position; birth plan discussion
38 weeks	Routine check
40 weeks	Routine check; discuss options if baby has not arrived
41 weeks	Post-dates review; discuss birth plan and next steps

When Should You Book Your First Antenatal Appointment?

The first call after confirming your pregnancy should be your GP. Book the first antenatal visit before 10 weeks from the time of conception. The ideal time would be when the woman is between 6 to 8 weeks into her pregnancy.

Your first antenatal care appointment is important to prepare you for your pregnancy.  Starting it early is important for reasons that go beyond simply ticking a box.

First, the first trimester is a crucial period in terms of developing processes of the child. Secondly, there are several tests that are done during this period. If your booking comes too late, you might miss out on certain tests such as the First Trimester Combined Screening test done between weeks 11-13.

In 2023, 60 percent of women were attending antenatal care during their first 10 weeks of pregnancy. This implies that 40 percent were yet to attend this crucial visit. After discovering your pregnancy, do not wait until you fall sick before booking the antenatal care.

What Happens During Your Antenatal Care Appointments?

Antenatal appointments change as your pregnancy progresses. Each visit has a clear purpose. From confirming your pregnancy early on to preparing you for birth and recovery in the final weeks.

Here’s what you can expect at each stage of antenatal care in Australia.

Your First Antenatal Visit (6–10 Weeks)

Your first antenatal appointment is the most detailed visit of your pregnancy. It sets the foundation for all future care. So, it usually takes longer than routine check-ups.

• Medical History and Pregnancy Assessment

Your GP will begin by understanding your overall health and confirming key details of your pregnancy. This includes calculating your due date based on your last menstrual period. GP reviews your medical history, medications, and allergies. Previous pregnancies, family health history, your home, work, and support environment are all discussed. This helps your doctor identify any early risk factors and plan your care safely.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Screening

Mental health is an essential part of antenatal care from the very first visit. You may complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Your GP asks about stress, mood, and emotional wellbeing. You may be seen alone briefly to allow safe discussion of sensitive issues.

Screening for family and domestic safety is a routine and confidential part of antenatal care in WA. It ensures you receive appropriate support if needed.

• Planning Your Antenatal Care Pathway

Your GP will help you decide how your pregnancy care will be managed.

This includes:

• where you plan to give birth
• your preferred care model (GP shared care, public, or private)
• when and where future appointments will occur
• hospital referrals if required
• information about antenatal classes in Perth

This step ensures your care is organised early and aligned with your preferences.

• First Trimester Tests and Screening

You will be offered a range of standard tests. This will assess your health and identify risks early. Including:

• Blood group and Rh factor
• Full blood count (for anaemia)
• Rubella immunity
• HIV, hepatitis B and C screening
• Syphilis screening (important in WA due to ongoing surveillance)
• Urine test for infection
• Cervical screening check (if due)

You will also be offered first trimester screening (11–13 weeks), which includes blood test (PAPP-A, hCG) and nuchal translucency ultrasound. This will help assess the risk of chromosomal conditions.

• Lifestyle, Supplements and Preventive Care

Your GP will provide clear, practical guidance to support a healthy pregnancy.

• Folic acid and iodine supplementation
• Nutrition and healthy weight gain
• Safe physical activity
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drugs
• Sleep positioning advice
• Vaccinations (influenza and whooping cough)

All tests and recommendations are optional. Your GP will explain each one so you can make informed decisions.

Now, from here, your antenatal care becomes more structured and consistent.

Scheduled Antenatal Visits (Ongoing Care)

After your first visit, antenatal appointments become shorter and more focused. Each visit builds on the last, tracking your progress and addressing any changes.

At most routine antenatal appointments, your GP or midwife will:

• Check your blood pressure
• Test your urine for protein or infection
• Measure fundal height to monitor your baby’s growth
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat (from around 12–14 weeks)
• Review any symptoms or concerns
• Organise or review test results
• Repeat blood tests when needed (e.g. Gestational diabetes screening at 24–28 weeks)
• Provide ongoing mental health screening (EPDS)
• Discuss your birth plan as pregnancy progresses

These visits are not just clinical check-ins. They are your opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and stay informed at every stage.

As your pregnancy progresses, the focus of these visits gradually shifts from monitoring to preparation.

Later Antenatal Visits (Third Trimester Care)

From around 28 weeks, antenatal appointments usually become more frequent; fortnightly, then weekly from 36 weeks. The focus now moves toward preparing for labour, delivery, and early parenting.

• Monitoring Baby’s Position and Growth

From 34–36 weeks, your GP will assess your baby’s position.

If your baby is breech (bottom-first), your care team will discuss options such as:

• monitoring and waiting
• referral for external cephalic version (ECV)
• planning for a safe delivery

• Birth Planning and Delivery Preparation

You will have detailed discussions about:

• your preferred place of birth
• labour and delivery options
• pain management choices
• who will be present at birth
• what happens if your pregnancy goes beyond your due date

This helps you feel informed and confident going into labour.

• Antenatal Classes in Perth

You may be referred to antenatal education classes, which cover:

• labour and birth
• breastfeeding
• newborn care
• early parenting

In Perth, these are offered through public hospitals such as KEMH and Osborne Park Hospital, as well as private providers. Booking early is recommended.

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening

Between 35–37 weeks, you will be offered a GBS swab.

This test checks for bacteria that are harmless to you but can affect your baby during birth. If positive, antibiotics during labour significantly reduce the risk.

• Emotional Support and Mental Health

The final weeks of pregnancy can bring mixed emotions.

Your GP can support you with:

• anxiety or stress management
• counselling referrals
• mental health care plans

You do not need to wait until things feel overwhelming — support is available early.

• Preparing for Your Baby’s Arrival

Your antenatal care team will help you prepare for life after birth, including:

• safe sleep guidance
• feeding options (breastfeeding or formula)
• what to pack for hospital
• what to expect in the first week at home
• planning your 6-week postnatal check

By the end of your antenatal care journey, you are not only medically prepared; you are informed, supported, and ready for what comes next.

Key Tests and Screenings Throughout Your Pregnancy

Here’s a clear overview of the main tests and screenings offered during antenatal care in Australia (based on current clinical guidelines).

Timing	Test or Screening	Purpose
First visit (6–10 weeks)	Blood group and Rh factor, full blood count, rubella immunity, HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, urine culture	Baseline health assessment and infection detection
10–12 weeks	First trimester blood screening (PAPP-A, hCG)	Chromosomal risk assessment
11–13 weeks	Nuchal translucency ultrasound	Structural assessment; Down syndrome and other chromosomal risk screening
18–20 weeks	Morphology (anatomy) ultrasound	Detailed assessment of baby’s structural development
24–28 weeks	Glucose challenge test	Screening for gestational diabetes
28 weeks	Repeat full blood count and antibody screen; anti-D injection for Rh-negative women	Anaemia monitoring; prevention of rhesus disease
35–37 weeks	Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab	Prevention of GBS infection in the newborn
Every visit	Blood pressure, urine test, fundal height, fetal heart rate, EPDS	Ongoing monitoring of maternal and fetal health

All tests and screenings listed above are offered to you; not imposed on you.

Your GP will explain what each test involves, what it can detect, and what the results may mean, so you can make a fully informed decision about each one.

Healthy Habits During Pregnancy: Practical Antenatal Advice

It is also through your antenatal consultations that you get personalized information and suggestions regarding your well-being throughout pregnancy.

• Nutrition and Diet

A balanced diet ensures the well-being of both you and your baby. Your doctor helps you understand what type of nutrients are important to be ingested; these include iron, folate, iodine, calcium, and omega-3 while excluding foods that carry high risks like raw meat, certain types of cheese, and mercury-filled fish.

• Supplements

Almost all women are recommended to use folic acid in the first trimester of their pregnancy, and iodine during their entire pregnancy and breastfeeding process. Sometimes, vitamin D supplements might be needed based on the levels of vitamin D in your body.

• Physical Activities

Moderate physical activity is encouraged for almost all pregnant women. Exercises like walking and swimming help you maintain your energy and blood circulation.

• Alcohol and Smoking

During pregnancy, there are no levels at which alcohol consumption can be considered safe. Stopping smoking is also suggested since it poses threats to you and your baby’s life, such as premature birth and low birth weight. However, your doctor can help you stop in a non-judgmental environment.

• Vaccinations

Influenza and whooping cough vaccinations are strongly encouraged during pregnancy. These protect you and your baby from illnesses during your baby’s early months.

Healthy habits, combined with regular antenatal care, give your baby the best start. The next step is choosing a provider who can guide you through your pregnancy journey.

Antenatal Care at Main Street Medical Centre, Perth

If you are looking for antenatal care in Perth, starting with a trusted GP is often the most practical and reassuring option.

At Main Street Medical Centre in Osborne Park, we provide GP-led antenatal care as part of our reproductive health services. As an AGPAL-accredited, GP-owned practice, we follow the highest Australian standards of care.

Our doctors offer antenatal care through the GP Shared Care model, allowing you to attend most of your appointments with a familiar GP while coordinating care with your local hospital.

This approach gives you continuity, convenience, and personalised support throughout your pregnancy — from your first visit through to your postnatal check.

Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, our team is here to guide you with clear advice,

Ready to begin your antenatal journey with a team that knows you?

Get Comprehensive Antenatal Care at Main Street Medical Centre

The earlier you start, the better protected you and your baby are. Our GPs are taking new and existing patients and are ready to begin planning your care today.

Book Your Antenatal Appointment Now

We welcome new and existing patients. Mixed billing applies.

Contact us for any further queries.

FAQs About Antenatal Care Australia