Early pregnancy – What to expect and key decisions

Your decisions matter

You do not have to make every decision at once. Your maternity care providers should support you to make informed decisions that suit your values, circumstances and needs.

For more information, please read the Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework | Safer Care Victoria

You can always ask:

• What are my options?
• What are the benefits and risks? 
• Does this need to be done now?
• What happens if I decide to wait or do nothing?
• Can I have space or support to make this decision?
• Is there written information I can take home? 

Confirming and dating your pregnancy 

Many people first find out they are pregnant through a home pregnancy test. 

The next steps usually involve:

• confirming the pregnancy with a healthcare or maternity care professional 
• working out how many weeks into your pregnancy you are.

A maternity care provider can confirm your pregnancy, explain how dating works, and talk with you about what happens next.

What’s happening in early pregnancy

The first trimester (0–12 weeks) is a time of rapid change. Your body begins supporting a growing pregnancy and you may notice physical and emotional changes. 

Some people feel well while others experience symptoms such as:

• nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
• breast tenderness
• fatigue
• frequent urination
• food aversions or cravings
• mood changes
• mild cramping or light spotting
• constipation.

Learn more about common pregnancy symptoms and when to seek help.

Finding a GP (doctor)

A general practitioner (GP) can support you during your pregnancy as part of your maternity care team, after your baby is born and beyond. 

While you are encouraged to see your GP, women can self-refer to their chosen private maternity care provider or local maternity service.

Your GP can help with:

• Early pregnancy care including a request for a blood test to confirm the pregnancy and an early dating scan, if you decide to have one, as well as screening bloods for early pregnancy.
• Referrals to maternity care providers and maternity services. 
• Ongoing and non-pregnancy health needs.
• If you do not have a regular GP, you can search for one using the Healthdirect Service Finder. 

Bulk‑billing and private GPs

Some GPs bulk bill which means you do not pay a fee if you have a Medicare card. 

Other GPs are private billing meaning they charge a fee and may offer a Medicare rebate for some of the cost of the appointment. 

Whether a GP bulk bills can depend on:

• the clinic
• the type of appointment
• your circumstances.

It’s okay to ask a clinic about fees when you book. You can visit Services Australia to understand what government assistance you may be eligible for.

Learn more

General practice funding | health.vic.gov.au

Your first pregnancy care appointment

The first maternity care provider you see once you know you are pregnant may be a GP or midwife usually between 6 and 10 weeks. This visit may include:

• confirming your pregnancy
• checking your general health and wellbeing
• arranging early tests and scans
• reviewing immunisation and your health history
• talking about your care options and providing a referral if required.

This appointment is also a good time to ask questions and raise any concerns.

There is a Medicare rebate available for this visit and a referral is not required. 

Key decisions and conversations

Early pregnancy often involves making decisions. You have the right to understand your options and take time to decide. You can speak to your GP or care team and ask questions at any time.

Early pregnancy decisions include:

• Choosing a model of care 
• Deciding whether to have genetic screening
• Reviewing immunisations and your health history
• Booking tests and scans.

You may also want to understand: 

• how maternity services work in Victoria
• who is involved in your maternity care.

Learn more

Pregnancy timeline | Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Work, finances and practical planning 

Pregnancy can also involve practical decisions about work, finances and support.

You may want to start thinking about:

• work arrangements
• government payments
• telling your employer or family. 

Learn more

Before the birth of your baby - Having a baby | Services Australia

Having a baby guide | vic.gov.au

More early pregnancy information