Preparing for Your First GP Visit When Pregnant: What to Expect in Australia

Not sure what to expect at your first GP visit when pregnant? This guide covers the booking timeline, tests ordered, questions to ask, and Medicare coverage for prenatal care in Australia, helping pregnant women in Carindale prepare confidently.

Important Note: Always consult your GP or gynaecologist before attending your first prenatal visit. Every pregnancy is different, and professional medical advice ensures you receive appropriate care for your specific health needs.

When to Book Your First GP Visit When Pregnant

Book as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test. Days counted from the 1st day of your last menstrual period.

Don’t wait past 12 weeks; early care reduces risks and allows time for important screening tests.

For high-risk pregnancies (age 35+, medical conditions, previous complications), book within 1-2 weeks of a positive test.

What Happens During Your First GP Visit

Your first prenatal appointment lasts 30-45 minutes and includes:

Tests Ordered at Your First Visit

Standard Blood Tests (All Pregnant Women)

• Full blood count: Checks for anaemia
• Blood type and Rh factor: Determine if you need RhoGAM shots
• Haemoglobin A1C: Screens for diabetes
• Iron levels: Essential for the baby’s development
• Vitamin D: Affects a baby’s bone growth
• Thyroid function: Impacts baby’s brain development
• Infectious disease screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, Rubella immunity

Urine Tests

• Urinalysis: Checks for infection, protein, and glucose

Later, you’ll also need a dating ultrasound (8-10 weeks), a nuchal translucency scan (11-13 weeks), a glucose test (24-28 weeks), and an anatomy scan (18-20 weeks).

You may need additional tests or scans during the pregnancy decided by your treating Doctors.

Questions to Ask Your GP Health & Pregnancy

• Is my pregnancy progressing normally?
• What weight gain is healthy for my body?
• Are any of my medications unsafe during pregnancy?
• What symptoms should I report immediately?

Supplements & Nutrition

• Which prenatal vitamins should I take?
• Should I take vitamin D supplements?
• What foods must I avoid? (raw fish, unpasteurised dairy)
• How much caffeine is safe?

Lifestyle & Safety

• Is it safe to continue working?
• Can I still exercise?
• Is travel safe during pregnancy?
• What about alcohol or smoking? (complete avoidance recommended)

Birth Planning

• When should I start thinking about birth options?
• Do I need to choose an obstetrician now?
• What prenatal classes should I attend?

Medicare Coverage for Prenatal Care

What Medicare Partially Covers

• Private obstetrician visits: 75% covered (you pay 25% + gap)
• Private ultrasounds: 50-75% covered
• Genetic screening: Could be Partially covered

What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

• Private birth services: Full cost for private hospital
• Most prenatal vitamins: Out-of-pocket
• Non-essential ultrasounds: Gender reveals, keepsake videos

Preparing for Your Appointment

Bring These Items

• Medicare card
• Pregnancy test result
• List of current medications + doses
• Medical history (previous pregnancies, conditions)
• Written questions

What to Wear

• Comfortable clothing (easy for blood pressure check and examination
• Slip-on shoes (for weight measurement)

Before You Arrive

• Eat normally (don’t fast unless told)
• Drink water (helps with blood test)
• Arrive 10 minutes early

When to See Your GP Before Your Scheduled Visit

Don’t wait if you experience:

• Severe nausea is preventing eating
• Vaginal spotting
• abdominal pain
• Fever over 38°C
• swelling of hands/face
• Go to Emergency if you are bleeding, severe abdominal pain or cramping, sudden onset severe headaches or visual disturbances