Antenatal and postnatal care
Pregnancy care in Rutherford, from planning to parenting.
Bulk billed care before, during and after pregnancy, with GPs who support you and your growing family.
Support for every step of your pregnancy.
Whether you are planning a pregnancy, have just found out you are pregnant, or are caring for a newborn, your GP can be a steady point of care. We help with early pregnancy tests and referrals, vaccinations, everyday concerns and the weeks after birth.
Rutherford Doctors is a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice on Hillview Street, caring for families across Rutherford, Aberglasslyn, Telarah and the wider Maitland area. Your GP can refer you to your preferred hospital, midwifery service or obstetrician.
Just found out you're pregnant? Book an early pregnancy appointment.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
Planning a pregnancy
A pre-pregnancy check helps you start your pregnancy as healthy as possible.
Start folic acid at least a month before trying, and talk to your GP about iodine.
Check your immunity, cervical screening and medicines before you conceive.
Ask about Medicare-funded reproductive carrier screening for some genetic conditions.
Early pregnancy
Your GP can confirm your pregnancy and help plan your care.
A blood test can confirm pregnancy and help with dating.
Blood tests, a urine test and a dating ultrasound may be arranged.
Your GP refers you to your preferred hospital, midwifery service or obstetrician.
Vaccines in pregnancy
Vaccines in pregnancy protect you and help protect your baby after birth.
Recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.
Recommended and free at any stage of pregnancy.
A free RSV vaccine is available from 28 to 36 weeks.
Common concerns
Nausea, tiredness, back pain and heartburn are common in pregnancy.
Your GP can suggest ways to manage nausea, and treatment if it is severe.
Check with your GP or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
Bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking or reduced baby movements need urgent care. Contact your maternity unit or call 000.
After your baby arrives
The weeks after birth bring big changes for you and your family.
A postnatal check for you and your baby around six weeks after birth.
Support with breastfeeding or formula feeding, healing and pelvic floor.
Your GP can talk through contraception options after birth, including while breastfeeding.
Emotional wellbeing
Low mood and anxiety during pregnancy or after birth are common and treatable.
Your GP can listen and help you find support.
The PANDA helpline is available on 1300 726 306.
In an emergency call 000. Lifeline is available 24 hours on 13 11 14.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Tests and checks in pregnancy.
The common tests offered during pregnancy. Some are optional, and your GP or maternity team will explain each one.
First visit
Pregnancy blood tests
A set of blood tests usually done at your first pregnancy visit.
Your GP will explain each test and your results.
Optional
Dating ultrasound
Helps confirm how far along you are.
Your GP can provide a referral.
Optional
First trimester screening
Includes options such as combined screening or NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing). Some tests attract a fee.
Your GP will talk through the options so you can decide.
Detailed ultrasound
Morphology scan
A detailed ultrasound of your baby and the placenta.
Your GP or maternity team can arrange this.
Gestational diabetes
Glucose tolerance test
A blood test after a sugary drink to check for gestational diabetes.
Done at 4Cyte Pathology in the same building.
Free
Whooping cough and RSV vaccines
Antibodies pass to your baby before birth.
Ask your GP about timing for both vaccines.
Third trimester
Group B strep swab
A simple swab, so your maternity team can plan care during labour if needed.
Your maternity team will usually arrange this.
Timing can vary. Your GP, midwife or obstetrician will guide you through the tests that are right for you.
Have a question about a test? Talk it through with a GP.
Your first pregnancy appointment.
What to expect when you see a GP in early pregnancy.
Bring along
Your details
Your Medicare card, the date of your last period, and a list of medicines.
Choose your care
Hospital or obstetrician
Your GP explains your options and refers you to the service you choose.
Get urgent care if you have
- Bleeding or severe tummy pain
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
- Reduced or changed baby movements
- Severe headache, vision changes or swelling
Step by step
- 1Confirm
Your GP confirms your pregnancy and estimates your due date.
- 2Health check
Your GP asks about your health, medicines and any previous pregnancies.
- 3Tests
First pregnancy blood tests and a dating ultrasound may be arranged.
- 4Plan your care
Your GP explains your options and refers you to your chosen hospital, midwifery service or obstetrician.
- 5Follow-up
You will come back to go through results and talk about screening and vaccines.
Pregnant? Book your first appointment.
Six-week postnatal check
A check-up for you and your baby around six weeks after birth, covering recovery, feeding, mood, contraception and your baby's growth and immunisations.
Pelvic floor and recovery
Leaking, pain or heaviness after birth are common. Your GP can assess and refer you to a women's health physiotherapist.
Costs
Consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Pregnancy vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free. Some screening tests and ultrasounds may attract a fee.
Book a postnatal check
4Cyte Pathology collection is in the same building, so blood tests and other samples can often be collected straight after your appointment. Most pathology is bulk billed.
Your pregnancy timeline.
Select a stage to see what usually happens and what to talk to your GP about.
Wherever you are in your pregnancy, we can help.
Our female GPs.
Choose a GP for your pregnancy care, or book the first available.
No preference? Book the first available GP.
Antenatal and postnatal care questions.
Can I see a GP for pregnancy care?
Yes. Your GP can confirm your pregnancy, arrange early tests and vaccines, and refer you to your preferred hospital or obstetrician.
Are pregnancy vaccines free?
Whooping cough, flu and RSV vaccines in pregnancy are free under the National Immunisation Program for eligible people.
Are pregnancy appointments bulk billed?
All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed. Some screening tests and ultrasounds may attract a fee.
When is the postnatal check?
Usually around six weeks after birth, for both you and your baby.
Where can I get help with low mood after birth?
Talk to your GP. The PANDA helpline is available on 1300 726 306. In an emergency call 000.
This page provides general information about antenatal and postnatal care services at Rutherford Doctors. It is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
