Pregnancy Care (antenatal GP shared care)

Antenatal GP shared care is a model in which your antenatal shared care is between your GP and the local public hospital. It’s about seeing women before, during and after pregnancy. Establishing this relationship matters not only for the pregnancy but for early parenting and beyond. At The Bubble, we can help with your fertility, care for your pregnancy (if low risk), then undertake your postnatal and baby checks and advise on breastfeeding, cry fuss, irritability and sleep problems as well as growth concerns.

Initially your GP will see you at monthly intervals, increasing to fortnightly, then weekly as your pregnancy progresses in late third trimester. If any acute issues present between scheduled visits then the GPs are happy to prioritise your care and arrange an appointment promptly. Appointments will cover everything from checking progression of pregnancy to education and dealing with concerns.

GP shared care is suitable for women who have a low-risk pregnancy and who may want management of their pregnancy by a doctor but are unable to access private obstetric care through a private health fund. Shared care will cost more than having your pregnancy care through a public hospital. You might decide that the higher cost is worth the convenience and familiarity with your doctor. Shared care is likely to cost less than seeing a private obstetrician throughout your pregnancy however.

Shared maternity care aims to provide a community-based, holistic, safe and culturally appropriate model of care for women. Women often choose this model of care as it provides continuity of care, the GP may already know their family and for many women, it is convenient.