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Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Acknowledgement
The Women's and Children's Hospital is located on the traditional lands for the Kaurna people, and we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge that the Kaurna people are the custodians of the Adelaide region, and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Choices for Antenatal Care

During your pregnancy you have a number of options regarding the type of pregnancy care you receive.

On this page:

Midwives clinic (public patients) Obstetrician Antenatal Care (public patients) Midwifery Group Practice (public patients) GP Shared Care (public patients) Private Obstetrician (private patients) Aboriginal Family Birthing Program Your Health Care Team

During your pregnancy you have a number of options regarding the type of pregnancy care you receive.

Midwives clinic (public patients)

If you attend the midwives clinic you will see the same midwife for most visits. You may ask to see a doctor at any time during your pregnancy. A doctor will examine you the first or second time you visit the Hospital and again later in your pregnancy, if needed. A different team of experienced midwives will assist you during and after the birth of your baby. You will have your baby in the Hospital's Delivery Suite, where you will be able to be supported by your partner and/or support person.

Obstetrician Antenatal Care (public patients)

If there are any medical complications either with yourself or the pregnancy which require more specialised care, you will regularly visit the Women's Outpatients Department where you will be cared for by a combination of doctors and midwives. A different team of midwives and doctors will assist with your labour and birth. You will have your baby in the Hospital's Delivery Suite, where you will be able to be supported by your partner and/or support person.

A combination of midwifery and medical is provided where clinically indicated.

Midwifery Group Practice (public patients)

Sometimes known as 'Caseload Midwifery', Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) enables women to be cared for by the same midwife (primary midwife) supported by a small team of midwives throughout their pregnancy, during childbirth and in the first 6 weeks at home with a new baby. Please let the midwife know during your first appointment at the hospital if you are interested in this model of care.

GP Shared Care (public patients)

It may be possible for you to visit your own general practitioner (GP) for most of your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby, provided your GP is accredited by the WCH to do Shared Maternity Care. The number of visits to your GP will depend on your needs.

You will be offered a Triage or booking hospital appointment (options of telehealth or phone) around 14 weeks (and by the 20th week of your pregnancy) and will visit the hospital for minimum appointments at 36 and 40 weeks depending on your clinical need.

From 40 weeks all your visits will be at the WCH. During your labour and after the birth of your baby you will be cared for by WCH midwives and doctors. We encourage you to see your GP two weeks and again six weeks after the birth of your baby.

If you are interested in GP Shared Care, we recommend the following:

  1. Visit the GP Partners Australia website (www.gppaustralia.org.au) to find an accredited GP and book an initial visit directly with that GP. The GP can put a referral into Women’s and Children’s Hospital for you requesting GP ShareCare.
  2. Contact the Pregnancy Registration Hotline (1300 368 820) – when they put you through, request a GP ShareCare booking appointment.
  3. Any GP can refer directly to the Women’s Outpatient Department at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Please note: Referrals must be made before 20th week of pregnancy. Your GP will be able to confirm if this option is right for you.

Private Obstetrician (private patients)

As a private patient you will see your obstetrician in their consulting rooms during your pregnancy. Your obstetrician will attend the birth of your baby and will involve other members of the WCH medial and midwifery team. Hospital midwives provide postnatal care at the WCH.

Aboriginal Family Birthing Program

Aboriginal women or women having an Aboriginal baby can have continuity of care with an AMIC worker and midwife/obstetrician in the new Aboriginal Family Birthing Program Unit.

Your Health Care Team

As well as doctors and midwives, your health care team may include a number of other health professionals including social workers and physiotherapists.

Social workers are available to help you manage the changes that occur, both during your pregnancy and in the early weeks after your baby is born.

The Aboriginal Liaison Unit is available to provide Aboriginal women with assistance and support.

The Women's Physiotherapy team can provide a range of services during your pregnancy and until your baby is three months old.

The Women's Assessment Service offers a 24 hour assessment and treatment service for women with problems associated with pregnancy, gynaecological problems and for babies referred by the Domiciliary or Neonatal Early Discharge Program midwives. Women's Assessment Service midwives also provide a telephone counselling service on women's health issues.