Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Pregnancy, parenting, and COVID-19

3-minute read

Whether you are pregnant or have a young family, you probably have plenty of questions about COVID-19. Read about how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy, having your baby in a hospital, bringing your little one home and how to keep your kids safe and entertained while self-isolating.

If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the phone operator and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.

COVID-19 and pregnancy

COVID-19 and pregnancy

Information about the COVID-19 outbreak, how it affects your pregnancy and what you can do to protect yourself.

Testing positive to COVID-19 while pregnant

Testing positive to COVID-19 while pregnant

Information and advice for pregnant women who test positive to COVID-19 during their pregnancy.

Bringing your baby home early from hospital

Bringing your baby home early from hospital

If you have been discharged early from the hospital after having your baby, learn where to get more information and support.

COVID-19 and kids

COVID-19 and kids

Here's what you should know about COVID-19, including the symptoms, how to self-isolate or practise social distancing, and how to explain the virus to children.

Hand washing

Hand washing

Hand washing is also one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection by the accumulation of germs on your hands.

Support for parents

Support for parents

The support you need can be just a phone call away. Find out how and who you can speak to for advice and support as a new parent.


CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

Where to get more information

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

ACEs - Parent fact sheet - Emerging Minds

This factsheet for parents will help in identifying ACEs and providing good support to children to help them through adversities.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

Parent guide two: Supporting your pre-teen child - Emerging Minds

This resource compliments the Emerging Minds practice paper 'Supporting parents of pre-teen children with mild to moderate anxiety'.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

What parents can do if bullying is downplayed at school - Emerging Minds

This blog post describes what parents can do if bullying is downplayed at school and the reasons why some school personnel downplay reports of bullying from concerned parents.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

Parenting in rural and remote Australia - Emerging Minds

In this episode we talk about parenting with Petie, a mother to four children who lives with her family in a unique part of the country.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

Risk taking and teens | What can parents do? | Kids Helpline

Risk taking is only natural and can sometimes be a healthy way for your child to learn limits. Learn more by getting in contact with Kids Helpline today!

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Social media and safety | What can parents do? | Kids Helpline

It’s important to become educated about social media safety. To learn more about the risks associated with social media get in contact with Kids Helpline today!

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Helping the parent - COPMI

Helping your loved one to get help if they have a mental illness. Sources of professional help.

Read more on COPMI website

Will my parent get better? - COPMI

About things that can help your parent to feel better, or recover from mental illness. Information about medication and what happens in hospital.

Read more on COPMI website

Recovery and parenting - COPMI

The word ‘recovery’ means different things to different people. The definition of ‘recovery’ (from mental illness) by the Department of Health and Ageing: ‘Personal recovery is being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life in a community of choice with or without the presence of mental health issues.’1 For some people, recovery […]

Read more on COPMI website

Tips for new parents | Relationships Australia

There’s arguably no event in life more significant than the birth of your first child. For many, becoming a parent can be a joyful experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Despite the number of resources, books and opinions on parenting, nothing can truly prepare you for how life changes.

Read more on Relationships Australia website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.