Antenatal Care & Pregnancy
GP in Biggera Waters, Gold Coast
Your Pregnancy GP In Biggera Waters
Whether you have just seen two lines on a home pregnancy test or you are planning ahead for a baby, the GPs at Harbour Town Doctors can guide your antenatal care from the very first appointment. Our Biggera Waters clinic helps you confirm your pregnancy, work out your due date, arrange your first blood tests and scans, and choose the maternity care that suits you on the Gold Coast.
Your pregnancy GP stays involved the whole way through, checking your blood pressure and your baby’s growth at regular antenatal check-ups, talking you through the vaccines recommended in pregnancy, and working alongside your hospital, midwife or obstetrician. After the birth, we look after your six week postnatal check and your baby’s first immunisations. Pregnancy care is part of our wider women’s health services.
Female GPs are available, including Dr Nidah, who has a special interest in antenatal care. We are an accredited bulk billing practice open 7 days at Harbour Town Premium Outlets. Book your first antenatal appointment or call 07 5222 7117. You can meet our doctors on our team page, and directions and parking are on our contact page.
Your Pregnancy Care, Trimester By Trimester
Antenatal care changes as your pregnancy progresses. Here is what your GP will usually cover at each stage, so you know what to expect from your antenatal appointments and when to book them.
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Antenatal Tests And Scans During Pregnancy
These are the routine tests most women are offered during pregnancy in Australia. Your GP explains each one, arranges the referrals and goes through the results with you, so nothing is left unexplained.
| Test | When it is usually offered | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| First antenatal blood tests | First visit, ideally before 10 weeks | Blood group and antibodies, full blood count, rubella immunity, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis |
| Urine test | First visit | Hidden urinary tract infection and protein in the urine |
| Dating ultrasound | Around 7 to 12 weeks, if your dates are uncertain | Confirms your due date and how many babies you are expecting |
| Screening for chromosomal conditions | From 10 weeks (NIPT) or 11 to 13 weeks (combined first trimester screening) | The likelihood of conditions such as Down syndrome |
| Morphology ultrasound | 18 to 20 weeks | Your baby's anatomy and growth, and where the placenta sits |
| Glucose tolerance test | 24 to 28 weeks | Gestational diabetes |
| Repeat blood tests | Around 28 weeks | Iron levels, anaemia and blood group antibodies |
| Group B streptococcus swab | 35 to 37 weeks, depending on your hospital | Bacteria that can pass to your baby during birth |
Many blood tests can be collected at our onsite pathology service, and your GP writes the referrals for ultrasounds at a local imaging provider. Screening for chromosomal conditions is optional, and some tests such as NIPT usually involve an out-of-pocket cost. Iron needs roughly double in pregnancy, so our guide to iron deficiency and iron infusions explains what your blood results mean and what treatment is safe at each stage.
Vaccines Recommended In Pregnancy
Vaccines given during pregnancy protect you and pass antibodies to your baby, covering them in the weeks before they are old enough for their own vaccines. Ask your GP about all three at your antenatal check-ups, and when each one is due.
Your baby’s own vaccines start at birth and continue from six weeks of age. Our page on childhood immunisations covers the full schedule. You can also read why the flu vaccine matters every year and our parent’s guide to childhood vaccinations to plan ahead.
Choosing Your Maternity Care On The Gold Coast
One of the first things your GP will talk through is where and how you would like to be cared for. There are four main models of maternity care, and your GP can help you choose the one that suits your health, your pregnancy and your budget.
Pregnancies with extra risks, such as twins, high blood pressure or diabetes that started before pregnancy, are usually managed by a hospital or obstetric team. Your GP stays involved alongside them for everything else. If you already live with a condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, book an early visit so your GP can review your medicines before or soon after you conceive.
When To Seek Urgent Help During Pregnancy
Most pregnancy worries can wait for your next antenatal appointment, but some symptoms need attention the same day. If you notice any of the signs in this list, contact your hospital’s maternity unit or birth suite straight away, or call 000 in an emergency.
For advice at any hour, the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby helpline is on 1800 882 436, and 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is available across Queensland. If you are struggling with your mental health, Lifeline is on 13 11 14.
Call Your Hospital Or 000 If You Have
- Vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Strong or constant pain in your abdomen
- Your baby moving less than usual, or not at all
- A severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling of your face or hands
- A fever, or feeling very unwell
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Postnatal Care For You And Your Baby
Your care does not end at the birth. Around six weeks after delivery, your GP sees you and your baby, checks how you are recovering and starts your baby’s regular health checks and immunisations.
The early months can be exhausting and emotional. If you feel low, anxious or not like yourself, talk to your GP, or call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306 for perinatal mental health support.
What We Help With After The Birth
- Your own six week postnatal check
- Baby checks and six week immunisations
- Feeding, sleep and settling support
- Contraception after birth
- Checking in on your mood and wellbeing
- Returning to exercise and a healthy weight
Planning A Pregnancy? Start With A Preconception Check
If you are thinking about having a baby, a preconception appointment is one of the most useful visits you can book. Your GP reviews your health, family history and medicines, checks your vaccinations and talks through anything that could affect a future pregnancy.
Folic acid of at least 400 micrograms a day, started a month before conception and continued for the first three months, lowers the risk of neural tube defects. Some women need a higher dose, and your GP will tell you if that includes you. Medicare also funds reproductive carrier screening for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome, which is best done before pregnancy or early in it. It is also a good time to catch up on the health screenings every woman should have.
Your Preconception Checklist
- Start folic acid at least one month before you try to conceive
- Take an iodine supplement of 150 micrograms a day
- Check your immunity to rubella and chickenpox
- Bring your cervical screening up to date
- Review any regular medicines with your GP
- Ask about reproductive carrier screening
- Talk through alcohol, smoking, vaping and weight
Pregnancy And Antenatal Care FAQs
Answers to common questions from expecting parents at our Biggera Waters medical centre.
When should I book my first antenatal appointment?
Book in with a GP as soon as you have a positive home pregnancy test. Australian pregnancy care guidelines recommend your first antenatal visit takes place before 10 weeks, so there is time to confirm the pregnancy, arrange your first blood tests and discuss screening options.
How many antenatal appointments will I need?
For a first pregnancy without complications, most women have around 10 antenatal check-ups, and around 7 in later pregnancies. Visits are usually every four to six weeks early on, becoming more frequent in the third trimester.
Can a GP look after my pregnancy?
Yes. A GP can confirm your pregnancy, arrange tests and scans, give pregnancy vaccines and provide many of your antenatal check-ups, either on their own in early pregnancy or through GP shared care with your hospital. The birth itself is managed by your hospital or obstetric team.
Is antenatal care bulk billed at Harbour Town Doctors?
We are an accredited bulk billing practice and Medicare-eligible GP consultations are bulk billed. Some tests and scans done by outside pathology and imaging providers, such as NIPT, may carry an out-of-pocket cost, and your GP will tell you before referring you. See our patient information page for billing details.
Can I see a female GP for my pregnancy care?
Yes. Dr Nidah looks after antenatal care at our Biggera Waters clinic, along with women's health and child health. You can ask for her when you book.
Do I need a referral for pregnancy scans or the hospital?
Yes. Your GP writes the referrals for pregnancy ultrasounds and pathology, and the referral to book into your chosen hospital or obstetrician. A valid referral is also needed for Medicare to cover specialist care.
Is it safe to take medicines while I am pregnant?
Some medicines are safe in pregnancy and others are not. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your GP first, and check with your GP or pharmacist before starting anything new, including supplements and herbal products.
Book Your First Antenatal Appointment
Just found out you are pregnant, or planning to be? Our GPs are here 7 days a week at Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Biggera Waters.