The booking in visit is usually the first visit to the hospital or private obstetric practice or aboriginal health center.
***Key Points***
It is likely to take place around 14-18 weeks, although may occur earlier if you are seeing a private specialist or have any concerns in early pregnancy.
During this visit the Midwife or Doctor will take a comprehensive history, they will carry out a physical assessment and health testing.
They will seek your thoughts, preference and views and provide an opportunity to discuss issues or ask questions.
***Key Points***
***What to bring***
You will likely have seen your GP prior to this visit. Don’t forget to take along with you any blood test results or scan results that you may have. Your Midwife will be able to discuss any for these results with you.
The most important thing to bring are any questions you may have
This first appointment is a great opportunity to discuss the best approach for your care throughout pregnancy.
At a public hospital or health facility the midwife will discuss with you the options of care provider depending on your individual needs. These may include an Obstetric team, Midwife or shared care with your GP.
However, this may also include a wider team of physiotherapists or dieticians or referral to specialised clinics such as the multiple birth clinic depending on your circumstances.
***What to bring***
***The booking visit***
Although it may seem a lot of questions, the information your Midwife or Doctor gathers will help set you up with the care you need throughout your pregnancy and in preparation for the birth of your baby
The will include
- Details about this current pregnancy
- Previous medical history – such as cervical smear tests, immunisations and any health issues such as asthma or diabetes
- Previous surgical history
- Previous obstetric history – previous experience of pregnancy and birth
- Your current nutrition – for example are you vegetarian?
- Current physical activity – how physically active were you before pregnancy and now?
- Smoking, alcohol and substance use
- Any medications you are taking, including vitamins
- Expectations for your pregnancy – ie cultural impacts, partner/family involvement, infant feeding options etc
The Midwife will ask you to complete a series of screening tools
You can view these in the app prior to the visit.
- Alcohol screening
- Tobacco screening
- Substance use screening
The Midwife/Doctor will ask
- About you emotional health and wellbeing.
- Any history of mental illness, depression, anxiety or other
- You can answer emotional wellbeing questions here prior to the appointment
- If you feel safe at home, any experience of domestic violence or financial abuse
The Midwife/Doctor will carry out a physical assessment
- Measure your blood pressure
- Measure your height and weight and BMI
- Ask for a urine sample to test
The Midwife/Doctor will discuss with you
- The blood results you had previously taken
- If you are Rh-negative, discuss Rh D immunoglobulin (anti-D)
- Check the results of your ultrasound and first trimester screening tests
- Any risk factors identified and need for further investigations or referral
- Advise on options for antenatal care going forward
- Discuss antenatal education options available
- Ensure you have a patient-held pregnancy record and findings are entered.
- You antenatal care should be collaboratively planned with you and based on your individual needs.
You should have the opportunity to share your expectations and experiences and discuss any concerns you have.
***The booking visit***
