Chorionic Villus Sampling Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a diagnostic test that can be done during pregnancy to detect if an unborn baby has certain genetic conditions, such as Downs syndrome or cystic fibrosis. The procedure involves collecting a small sample of cells from the placenta which are then genetically tested. Usually this test will …
First & Second Trimester Screenings In this article, we describe and compare the first and second trimester screenings, and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Please note that the first and second trimester screening dates on this page are taken from the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (SA), however dates may differ slightly among states/territories. Prenatal screening …
The Booking Visit Your first antenatal appointment is also often called the ‘booking visit’ and happens at about 10-12 weeks. If you decide on private care, this appointment will be with your chosen care provider (obstetrician or midwife). If you choose care in a public hospital, then this appointment will most likely be with a …
Confirming Pregnancy If you are trying to get pregnant or are late for a period, you can test for pregnancy at home, with your GP or a private midwife. Pregnancy tests work by detecting a specific hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) which is released by the placenta. The level of hCG in the mother’s …
GP Shared Care GP shared care is a model of care that allows you to have the majority of your appointments with your preferred GP who also has obstetric accreditation. Some antenatal appointments will still be held at the hospital you plan to birth at. GP shared care can be convenient for some women if …
Private Obstetrician Private obstetricians offer medical care for high risk and low risk pregnancies and can work in private and public hospitals. They also offer a form of continuity of carer. It is a good idea to do some research before deciding which obstetrician you wish to use, as some may meet your needs better …
Public Obstetrician Womxn who plan to birth in a public hospital, and their pregnancies have been identified as higher risk, will be given care by a public obstetrician. In some situations, it may also be possible to chose obstetric-led care if you have a low-risk pregnancy. Most or all of this care is covered by …
Clinic Midwives The most common type of pregnancy and birth care is provided by clinical midwives within the public system. This type of care is midwifery-led but it is not the gold standard continuity of carer. This means that most of your care would be provided by the midwives who work in the antenatal clinic …
Midwifery Group Practice Midwifery group practise offers caseload midwifery-led care through the public hospital system. Caseload midwives work in small teams of about three to six midwives, who provide a version of continuity of carer to several women at a time. MGP is always supported by a an inter-professional collaborative team and if at any …
Private Midwife Midwives who do not work in the public system are called private midwives and can be self employed or work for a private business. Midwives who are in private practice may choose to offer full care from pregnancy to after birth and some specialise in particular areas – for example, antenatal education only. …