Antenatal Care › Schedule of visits
Schedule of visits
What to expect at each pregnancy appointment in Bathurst, from the first visit through to birth. Tap any stage to see the details and resources.
Last reviewed May 2026 by Dr Sarah Koffmann
6-10 weeks Your first visit
What happens
This is the visit where you confirm your pregnancy, talk through your options for care, and start your pregnancy record. You will likely see your GP first. They will order first trimester blood tests and ultrasounds and explain when and how to get them done.
What you'll discuss
- Your medical history, any medications, and family history
- Your options for care in Bathurst: GP obstetrician care, GP shared care, midwife led antenatal care (MLAC), Specialist Obstetric Clinic (SOC), or private obstetrician (based in Orange)
- Early pregnancy advice: folate, iodine, foods to avoid, alcohol, smoking and vaping
Tests and screening
- An early ultrasound is sometimes offered before 10 weeks to check dating, viability, and whether you are carrying more than one baby
- Full blood count, blood group, and infection screening
- Reproductive genetic carrier screening if you and your partner want it
Resources for this stage
11-13 weeks First scan and screening tests
What happens
Around 12 weeks you are offered screening that checks your baby's growth and estimates the chance of certain chromosomal conditions, like Down syndrome. Screening is recommended for everyone, but whether you have it is your choice. Your GP can talk you through what each test tells you, and what it doesn't, so you can decide what's right for you.
Tests and screening
- Ultrasound to check dates and look for major structural concerns
- Combined first trimester screening if you choose it (blood test plus scan measurements)
- NIPT (Harmony test) if you choose to have it
14-19 weeks Quiet period and second screening
What happens
Most people feel well during this stage. Morning sickness usually settles. You may start to feel the baby move for the first time, especially if this is not your first pregnancy, although first-time mums may not feel movements until 20+ weeks.
Tests and screening
- Most women don't have any extra tests in this period. If you are at higher risk for gestational diabetes, or have had a preterm birth before, you may have a diabetes test or an extra ultrasound to check your cervix length.
- Routine antenatal review with your GP or midwife. From now on, visits involve checking your blood pressure and checking your baby's growth by feeling your tummy and listening to the baby's heartbeat.
~20 weeks Morphology scan
What happens
The morphology scan is the detailed mid-pregnancy ultrasound. It checks the baby's growth and looks at each major organ system.
What to expect at the scan
- Allow about 45 minutes
- You can usually find out the baby's sex if you want to
- The sonographer will check the placenta position
After the scan
Your GP or midwife will go through the results with you at your next visit. Most scans show everything is on track.
24-28 weeks Glucose test and Anti-D
What happens
Around 26-28 weeks you have the gestational diabetes test (oral glucose tolerance test), along with a full blood count and antibody check.
Tests
- Oral glucose tolerance test (you'll need to fast beforehand)
- Full blood count to check for anaemia
- Anti-D injection if your blood group is Rh-negative
What to think about
From now on, your visits become more frequent. Start thinking about your birth preferences, postnatal support, and who will help in the early weeks.
Resources for this stage
28-32 weeks Routine checks and vaccines
What happens
You will be seen every 2-4 weeks. Each visit checks your blood pressure, your baby's heart rate, and how your baby is growing.
Iron levels
The blood test around 28 weeks checks for low iron, which is common in later pregnancy. If your iron is low, your GP may suggest changes to your diet, an oral iron supplement, or an iron infusion if your levels are very low or supplements aren't working or aren't well tolerated. In Bathurst, iron infusions are ordered by your GP and given at the hospital through the ambulatory care unit.
What you'll talk about
- RSV, whooping cough, and flu vaccinations if not already given this pregnancy
- Think about antenatal classes and book in — they fill up early
- Any aches, pains, or symptoms that need a closer look
34-36 weeks Preparing for birth
What happens
The team will check baby's position and start talking about labour and birth. You will have a Group B Strep swab around 36 weeks. From 36 weeks is a good time to start hand expressing colostrum if you plan to.
What to think about
- Pack your hospital bag
- Make sure your car seat is fitted
- Know the route to the maternity unit and where to park
- Have phone numbers saved: maternity unit, your support person
37-40 weeks Weekly check-ins
What happens
You will be seen weekly from 37 weeks. Each visit checks blood pressure, baby's position, baby's growth, and how you are feeling.
Signs of labour
Call the maternity unit if you have regular painful contractions, your waters break, vaginal bleeding, or you notice reduced baby movements.
40+ weeks Post-dates care
What happens
Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks. If you have not had your baby by 41 weeks, the team will discuss induction of labour with you.
Monitoring
- More frequent visits and monitoring
- A scan to check baby's growth and amniotic fluid
- Discussion about induction timing if needed
Resources for this stage
After birth The six week check
What happens
Around six weeks after your baby is born, you and your baby each have a check. In Bathurst this is usually three short visits: a check for you with your GP, a check for your baby with your GP including their heart and pulses, and a visit with the child and family nurses or a practice nurse for your baby's measurements and six week immunisations.