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

Maternity services in remote Northern Territory

6-minute read

Key facts

  • You will get pregnancy care at your nearest community care centre until you are 37-38 weeks pregnant.
  • Once you’re 37-38 weeks pregnant, you will need to travel to hospital for the birth of your baby.
  • You might be able to claim some travel and accommodation costs through the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme.
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people may be able to take part in Birthing on Country programs.

What are my options for maternity services in the Northern Territory?

If you live in remote Northern Territory, you will get pregnancy care at your nearest community care centre. This continues until you are 37-38 weeks pregnant.

Visit NT.gov.au to find a community health centre near you.

Your pregnancy care is given by:

You may need to go to hospital for ultrasounds:

Your community care centre will arrange your travel and accommodation before you go.

Where can I give birth in the Northern Territory?

Once you’re 37-38 weeks pregnant, you will be advised to travel close to a hospital for the birth of your baby.

You will have the choice of going to one of these public hospitals:

You will get care from the hospital midwives. Doctors are also on hand if you or your baby needs them. The costs of care in a public hospital are usually covered by Medicare.

Your local community clinic will arrange your transport and accommodation.

Different hospitals have different services. Some have birth centres — these are suitable if you have a complication free pregnancy.

Private health insurance can help you cover some of the costs of private care.

You can have a home birth if you live in Alice Springs or Darwin and have an uncomplicated pregnancy. Learn more about home birth services in those centres.

Learn about choosing where to give birth.

What support is there for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory?

Birthing on Country in the Northern Territory

Birthing on Country is about giving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander babies the best start in life. It includes supporting you in your transition to parenting through culturally appropriate care.

Ask your Aboriginal health worker or midwife about programs in your area.

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) near you.

Strong women, strong babies, strong culture program

You can access the Strong women, strong babies, strong culture program if you are pregnant and from:

  • Canteen Creek
  • Utopia
  • Yuendumu

The program supports traditional ways of teaching women about healthy choices in pregnancy and early parenting.

Caring for Mum on Country

The Caring for Mum on Country project has been working with women in northeast Arnhem Land.

They want to have childbirth services in their community.

They aim to do this by providing evidence‐based Western maternity care and cultural caring practices. This will be done by a workforce of skilled Yolŋu djäkamirr — the cultural caretakers of pregnancy and birth.

Can I get financial help for travel and accommodation expenses?

You might be able to claim back some of your travel and accommodation costs from the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS).

Resources and support

Find health services near you in remote Northern Territory

Find out more about parenting in regional and remote areas.

If you are unhappy about the care you get, you may want to learn about making a healthcare complaint.

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: March 2025


Back To Top

Need more information?

Rural and remote living

Find out what eHealth support, rural health services and other support services are available to you and your family living in the country and rural areas.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Remote and rural health services | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples | Queensland Government

Learn about health services for remote and rural Indigenous communities in Queensland.

Read more on Queensland Health website

Rural issues - coping with stress - Better Health Channel

The effort of trying to provide for the family and keep the farm going can be intensely stressful.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Regional health

In NSW, there are 15 local health districts responsible for providing health services in a wide range of settings, from primary care posts in the remote outback to metropolitan tertiary health centres. Seven of these LHDs comprise rural areas.

Read more on NSW Health website

Family payments and support | Parents and families | Queensland Government

Financial support for families, including the Baby Bonus, Parental Leave Pay, Family Tax Benefit, childcare assistance and help with medical costs.

Read more on Queensland Health website

Financial support for rural families

Financial support is available if you live in rural or remote areas. Find out if you're eligible and how to access assistance in the country.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Health services for rural families

Learn more about rural health services such as the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, telehealth, access to hospitals, pregnancy and childbirth care.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Maternity services in rural Queensland

Find out what maternity services are available in rural or remote Queensland and how to get care and support during your pregnancy, labour and birth.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Maternity services in rural Victoria

Find out what maternity services are available in rural or remote Victoria and how to get care and support during your pregnancy, labour and birth.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Maternity services in rural NSW

Find out what maternity services are available in rural or remote NSW and how to get care and support during your pregnancy, labour and birth.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby 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.