Shared antenatal care allows eligible pregnant women to receive pregnancy care from both their GP and their chosen hospital maternity team. This model combines the convenience of seeing a local GP with the specialised care provided by the hospital throughout pregnancy and birth.
If you are considering shared antenatal care, your GP can discuss whether it may be suitable for your pregnancy and explain how the program works. You can also learn more about HealthMint’s Shared Antenatal Care service.
Key Takeaways
- Shared antenatal care involves both your GP and your hospital maternity team.
- Most routine pregnancy appointments are completed with your GP, while the hospital manages key milestone appointments and your delivery.
- Your GP and hospital communicate throughout your pregnancy to help coordinate your care.
- Eligibility depends on your pregnancy and your chosen maternity hospital.
- Shared antenatal care allows you to receive much of your pregnancy care closer to home.
What is shared antenatal care?
Shared antenatal care is a pregnancy care model where your GP and your hospital work together throughout your pregnancy.
Rather than attending every appointment at the hospital, many of your routine antenatal visits can be completed with your GP. You will still attend your hospital for important assessments, scans, specialist appointments and the birth of your baby.
This approach allows your care to be coordinated between healthcare professionals while maintaining regular communication throughout your pregnancy.
How do GPs and hospitals work together?
Each healthcare provider has a different role during your pregnancy.
Your GP typically provides routine pregnancy check-ups, monitors your general health, discusses any concerns you may have and keeps track of your pregnancy between hospital visits.
Your hospital maternity team oversees your pregnancy according to its shared care program, conducts hospital-based assessments and manages your labour, birth and any specialist care that may be required.
Information is shared between your GP and hospital to help ensure your care remains coordinated throughout your pregnancy.
What happens during shared antenatal care appointments?
Routine appointments with your GP may include:
- Monitoring your blood pressure and general health
- Measuring your baby’s growth as your pregnancy progresses
- Reviewing test results
- Discussing pregnancy symptoms or concerns
- Providing advice about maintaining a healthy pregnancy
- Referring you back to the hospital if additional assessment is required
Hospital appointments will vary depending on your stage of pregnancy and your individual care plan.
Who may be eligible for shared antenatal care?
Shared antenatal care is generally available for women with uncomplicated pregnancies who meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen hospital.
Eligibility and participation may differ between hospitals, so your GP can discuss whether this model of care is appropriate for your individual circumstances and assist with referrals where needed.
What are the benefits of shared antenatal care?
For many women, shared antenatal care offers a convenient way to receive ongoing pregnancy care closer to home while remaining connected to their hospital maternity team.
It can also provide continuity by allowing you to see a GP who is already familiar with your medical history, pregnancy and overall health.
Preparing for your pregnancy appointments
Keeping a record of your appointments, test results and any questions you would like to discuss can help you make the most of each visit.
If you experience new symptoms or have concerns between scheduled appointments, contact your GP or maternity hospital for advice based on your individual circumstances.
Supporting your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy involves many physical and emotional changes, and every experience is different. Having a healthcare team that communicates throughout your pregnancy can help ensure your care remains coordinated from your first appointment through to your baby’s birth.
You may also find our Family Planning and Pregnancy page helpful if you are planning a pregnancy or looking for information about early pregnancy care.
Final Thoughts
Shared antenatal care allows your GP and hospital maternity team to work together to support you throughout your pregnancy. By combining local GP appointments with hospital-based maternity care, many women can receive coordinated care that is both convenient and personalised.
If you would like to discuss whether shared antenatal care may be suitable for your pregnancy, you can book an appointment with a GP at HealthMint. To learn more about our approach to patient care, visit our About Us page.