During your pregnancy
While pregnant: What you need to know
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Choosing the right obstetrician for you
Finding the right obstetrician is a personal decision and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Find your Ramsay maternity hospital website at the bottom of this page to explore the list of available obstetricians and choose the best match for your needs and comfort.
Common pregnancy scans
Every pregnancy is different and the scans and tests your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs. Some common appointments include:
- Early pregnancy scan (approx. 6-7 weeks)
Confirms your pregnancy, checks for multiples (twins or triplets), and provides accurate dating. This is usually done during the first visit to your obstetrician. - 12-week scan
Confirms the baby’s heartbeat and screens for conditions such as Down syndrome. A blood test at this stage can provide further screening for genetic conditions and detect the baby's gender. - 20-22 week scan
Known as the “big scan,” it examines the baby’s anatomy and can reveal the gender. - Glucose tolerance test (26-28 weeks)
A blood test performed to check for gestational diabetes — a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. The test measures how well your body processes sugar. - Third trimester scan
May be required for certain conditions, like placenta issues and to check baby’s growth. Your obstetrician will guide you as needed.
Maternity tours
Take a virtual or in-person tour of our state-of-the-art maternity suites. Each birth suite offers features such as birth balls, vaporisers, and music systems to support comfort during your stay. All ouf facilities also have special care nurseries for newborns needing extra support and private postnatal accomodation.
Please note: For information on the care available for premature babies, contact your hospital maternity unit.
Creating your birth plan
A personalised birth plan lets you outline your preferences for labour and delivery. Discuss it with your obstetrician to ensure it fits with medical guidance and stay flexible for any unexpected changes.
Childbirth classes
To support you in preparing for your baby’s arrival, we offer a variety of childbirth and parenting classes at our Ramsay maternity hospitals. Key topics include labour and baby care, to help you feel confident and ready for the arrival of your baby.
What to pack for labour and delivery
Preparation is key to a stress-free stay. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of what to bring (consult your maternity hospital for a personalised list): Click the plus sign (+) on the right side of each heading to expand and view more information.
For mothers
- comfortable clothes (for 4-5 days)
- maternity bras and breast pads
- toiletries (soap, shampoo, and essentials)
- plenty of sanitary pads
- non-slip shoes for walking around
- personal comforts (favourite pillow, snacks, lip balm)
- phone, charger, tablet, or bluetooth speaker for relaxation
- medicare card, health insurance, blood group card, current medication, patient pregnancy record (from your obstetrician visits)
For baby
- 6 baby singlets and grow suits
- baby mittens, socks, and soft blankets
- if formula feeding: bottles, formula, steriliser
- an infant car seat for the ride home, as required by law
For partners/support person
Any partners or support persons staying over night will need to bring their own essentials (for example, clothes to sleep in, toiletries, and so on).
Tip: Pack a separate “birthing suite bag” with labour clothes, toiletries, and baby’s first clothes. You can collect your other belongings later.
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