GPs - what they do during your pregnancy?

A general practitioner (GP) is a family doctor. They are trained to look after you throughout your life. Your GP is likely to be the first health professional you see when you think you may be pregnant.

Your GP can talk to you about your options for antenatal care and the birth. Antenatal care refers to the care you will receive during your pregnancy.

What training does a GP have?

To become a GP a doctor needs to do further training in general practice after graduating. GPs are specialist doctors who have completed 10 to 15 years of medical education before they can work independently.

Some general practitioners (GPs) complete additional training in obstetrics and women's health to qualify as a GP obstetrician.

GP obstetricians often provide antenatal care and deliver babies in rural areas.

A GP can also provide antenatal shared care.

You should visit your GP if you think you are pregnant. At your first antenatal appointment, your GP will confirm your pregnancy with a urine (wee) or blood test. They will also estimate when your baby is due (your 'due date').

Your GP will check your overall health and ask you about your medical history and family health history. They will want to know about any health issues that could affect you or your baby.

They may arrange other tests and ultrasounds, including:

• blood tests to check for anaemia and blood disorders
• blood tests to see if you have an infectious disease that can be dangerous in pregnancy
• a dating ultrasound scan to estimate your due date

Your doctor can also help you make lifestyle changes that are good for your baby. Stopping smoking or drinking alcohol, for example, will help keep you and your baby healthy.

Your GP will also talk with you about your options for antenatal care and the birth.

You may be able to choose to have your baby:

• in a public hospital
• in a private hospital
• at a birth centre
• at home

Your choice will usually depend on:

• where you live (for example, whether you live in a city or in a rural area)
• your age, health and beliefs
• whether you have private health insurance and wish to choose your own obstetrician

Your choice about where to have your baby will affect who does your regular check-ups and scans during your pregnancy.

Your GP can refer you to a hospital, obstetrician, birth centre or midwife.

While such referrals aren't always needed, they can provide useful information for the person caring for you during your pregnancy. They will also encourage the sharing of information with your GP.

Shared care

GPs with or without extra obstetrician training may provide shared care. Shared care can be in partnership with local midwives, Aboriginal Health Workers or even a private obstetrician.

Share care is a popular choice, if you are healthy and have a low-risk pregnancy. Shared care can be more convenient and cheaper for you. Your doctor will be able to explain how shared care in your area works.

You should see your GP if you have any concerns about the your health or the health of your baby.

It's a good idea to see your GP or maternity care provider at around 6 weeks after the birth. They will check your physical and emotional wellbeing and your baby's health. You can also talk about any concerns that you may have.

Vaccinations

Immunisation can protect your newborn baby from serious illness. You baby may have already had their first vaccination at the time of birth.

Your baby is due for vaccinations at 2 months. These vaccinations can be given at the same appointment as your 6-week post-natal check, if you wish.

Vaccines on the childhood immunisation schedule are free under the National Immunisation Program. But your GP may charge a fee for your visit.

You may want to make a list of questions to ask your GP. You may want to ask:

• when your baby is due
• how much weight you will gain
• what foods you should avoid
• what supplements you should take during pregnancy
• how much caffeine and alcohol you can drink
• what medicines you can take
• if you're likely to have a low-risk pregnancy

It's important to ask questions, especially if you don't understand something or need more information.

Your GP will be happy to try and answer any questions you have.

You may want to ask close friends or family to suggest a good GP.

Or you can use the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service finder to find a GP near you.

In Australia, visits to your GP are paid or partially paid for by Medicare. If your GP bulk bills, this means they only charge the amount that Medicare covers. You won't have to pay anything.

Some GPs charge more than the Medicare rebate. In this case, Medicare will cover part of the cost, and you will need to pay the rest. This is called a 'gap fee' or 'out of pocket cost'.

If you are not covered by Medicare or by another arrangement, you'll need to pay all the costs to see a GP.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has a list of registered GPs.

Read more about the health professionals involved in your pregnancy.