I’m pregnant, what do I do now?

Congratulations on your exciting news!

This is such a special time, but a time which can also often be overshadowed by more questions than answers. As Australia’s largest maternity service we’ve asked our experts to help create a checklist to help you and your partner stay informed each step of the way.

South East Queensland pregnancy journey map

North Queensland pregnancy journey map

1. Take a pregnancy test

2. See your GP to confirm your pregnancy

3. Choose your model of maternity care

Choosing private maternity care?

Choose your private model of maternity care:
You’ll be seeing a lot of your obstetrician or midwife over the next nine months so it’s important to find a good match. To help make your decision you can meet our obstetricians and read more about choosing your private maternity care here
Once you’ve made your decision, request a referral from your GP
As soon as your GP has made a referral, contact your chosen obstetrician for an appointment
Book into Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane or Redland online, or contsct the hospital directly for Mater Private Hospital Mackay, Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, or Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
Book into Mater Mothers’ Parent Education classes (book early to avoid disappointment if classes are fully booked).

Choosing public maternity care?

Request your GP to send a referral to Mater Mothers’ Hospital’s antenatal clinic
Book into Mater Mothers’ Hospital online
You will receive a letter providing details of your first antenatal clinic appointment
Discuss your preferred option for maternity care with the midwife:
- General Practitioner (GP) shared care
- Midwifery group practice
- Midwifery care
Book into Mater Mothers’ Parent Education classes (book early to avoid disappointment if classes are fully booked).

4. Take care of your body during pregnancy

Explore ways to manage healthy weight gain by eating to appetite and making good food choices, as well as keeping active and but the fun into movement during your pregnancy. View our online pregnancy resources here.

5. Read our helpful online pregnancy resources

Whether you’ve been planning your pregnancy for some time or not, you’ll likely be feeling mixed emotions and have many questions! View our comprehensive list of online pregnancy resources, including nutrition and dietetics, being active, tips for dads, car safety, and early pregnancy loss, and more.

View our online pregnancy resources

Your body has a great deal to do during pregnancy. Sometimes the changes taking place will cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may cause concern. There is rarely any need for concern, but you should mention anything that is worrying you to your doctor or midwife. If you think that something may be seriously wrong, trust your own judgement and get in touch with your doctor or midwife straight away.