Confirmation Of Pregnancy

Your Pregnancy Test is Positive - Congratulations!

We understand this is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. Our experienced doctors at Walker Street Doctors are here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy journey, making sure you receive the support you need from the very beginning.

What Happens at Your First Pregnancy Appointment?

1. Confirming Your Pregnancy

At Walker Street Doctors, we provide comprehensive early pregnancy care that begins with confirming your pregnancy through detailed testing. While home pregnancy tests are highly reliable in detecting pregnancy, we conduct thorough blood tests to ensure we have a complete picture of your health as you begin this important journey. These tests include:

Pregnancy hormone levels (bHCG) - confirming your pregnancy
Complete blood count - looking for anaemia
Iron studies - deficiency is common, especially in later pregnancy
Vitamin B12 levels - Critical for healthy fetal development
Immunity status - Including rubella and chickenpox immunity
Vitamin D levels - Important for both maternal and fetal bone health
Thyroid function - Crucial for early fetal brain development
Blood group and antibodies

These comprehensive tests give us a clear picture of your health status and allow us to address any nutritional or health needs early in your pregnancy.

2. Essential Health Checks

During your first appointment, we conduct a thorough health assessment including:

A detailed review of your medical history, including any previous pregnancies
Discussion of current medications and their safety during pregnancy
Evaluation of any symptoms you're experiencing, including “morning” sickness which may start from around 7 weeks gestation.
Blood pressure and weight monitoring
Family history review to identify any potential genetic concerns
Lifestyle discussion including work, exercise, and dietary habits
Mental health check to ensure appropriate support throughout your pregnancy

3. First Trimester Screening and Scanning

Modern prenatal care offers a range of sophisticated screening options to provide you with detailed information about your pregnancy and your baby's health. Let's explore each option in detail:

Dating Ultrasound

Optimally performed from 7 weeks of pregnancy
Earlier scans may not show the crucial flickering of the fetal heartbeat
Pregnancy dating is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period
This scan is particularly important if:
- You're unsure of your last menstrual period date
- You have irregular cycles
- You've recently been on hormonal contraception
The scan provides:
- Confirmation of pregnancy viability
- Accurate dating for your pregnancy
- Number of fetuses present
- Location of pregnancy (excluding ectopic pregnancy)

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Percept NIPT offers screening for chromosomal conditions, available from 10 weeks of pregnancy. This advanced blood test:

Screens for common chromosomal conditions including Trisomy
Provides information about fetal sex if desired
Has a higher detection rate than traditional screening methods
Is a non-invasive test using a simple maternal blood sample
Can be performed earlier than traditional screening methods

Reproductive Carrier Screening

Prepair is a sophisticated genetic test that can identify if you carry genes for certain inherited conditions. This is the Medicare funded option to test for Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X and Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is done on the female partner first. If testing is positive, your partner is also tested.

But there is also an expanded carrier screening test. Prepair +

This is the testing option for 250 genetic conditions
Both partners are tested
Testing costs around $900
Can be done before or during pregnancy but ideally before.
Helps inform future pregnancy planning
Allows for early intervention if needed
Provides valuable information for family planning
It is particularly important for couples with a family history of genetic conditions

First Trimester Ultrasound (11-13 weeks)

This detailed scan provides crucial information about your baby's development:

Structural assessment including:
Brain development
Spine formation
Heart structure and function
Limb development
Placental position and health
Nuchal translucency measurement (part of chromosomal screening)
Assessment of major organ systems
Evaluation of pregnancy dating
Multiple pregnancy confirmation if relevant

Pre-eclampsia Screening

During the first trimester ultrasound appointment, we can perform important screening for pre-eclampsia risk. This is particularly crucial as early intervention can significantly reduce risks. Risk factors include:

First pregnancy
Advanced maternal age (35 years or older)
Pre-existing hypertension
Family history of pre-eclampsia
Multiple pregnancy
BMI over 30
Autoimmune conditions

If identified as high risk, preventative treatment with low-dose aspirin can begin early in pregnancy, significantly reducing the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

4. Discussing Your Pregnancy Care Options

We'll help you choose the pregnancy care pathway that best suits your needs and preferences:

Private Obstetrician Care

Private obstetric care offers personalized attention throughout your pregnancy journey:

One dedicated obstetrician for continuous care
Regular scheduled appointments
Direct access to your specialist
Choice of private hospital for delivery
Consistent care team throughout pregnancy
Flexible appointment scheduling
Important to book early as spaces fill quickly
Requires private health insurance coverage for pregnancy
Involves out-of-pocket costs

We can recommend experienced obstetricians matching your specific needs and preferences

Antenatal Shared Care

This collaborative care model combines the convenience of local GP visits with hospital expertise:

Care shared between our practice and your local public hospital
All hospital appointments funded by State Government
Medicare rebates available for GP appointments (small out-of-pocket costs)
Our doctors are registered shared care providers with multiple Sydney hospitals
Excellent continuity of care from pregnancy confirmation through post-natal period
Follows established Clinical Practice Guidelines
Regular monitoring and health checks
Access to hospital resources and specialists when needed

View our detailed Shared Care timeline

Midwife Clinic

This popular option provides personalized midwifery care within a hospital setting:

Dedicated midwife throughout your pregnancy
Located within a tertiary hospital
Combines personal care with access to specialized medical support
Ideal for low-risk pregnancies
Emphasis on natural birth approach
Strong focus on education and preparation
Supportive environment for first-time mothers
Access to hospital facilities if needed

Early Pregnancy Health Tips

Nutrition Guidelines

Proper nutrition is crucial for your baby's development and your health during pregnancy:

Focus on well-washed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Include lentils, legumes, seeds, and nuts
Moderate amounts of dairy, lean meat, chicken, and fish
Additional nutrients needed in the form of antenatal vitamins throughout the first trimester at least: iodine, iron, and folic acid
Healthy weight gain during pregnancy: 10-13kg (for healthy pre-pregnancy weight)

Food Safety During Pregnancy

Food safety becomes especially important during pregnancy:

Avoid foods with listeria risk:
- Soft cheeses (brie, feta)
- Pâté
Pre-packed salads
Soft-serve ice cream
Raw eggs in smoothies, mayonnaise, or mousse
No safe limit of alcohol in pregnancy

For detailed food safety information: Visit Food Standards Australia

Need More Information?

Visit Pregnancy Birth Baby

Book an appointment with one of our experienced doctors

...Book Now...