Your Pregnancy Care
Pregnancy is one of the most significant journeys of your life. You deserve expert, evidence-based obstetric care at every stage — from pre-pregnancy planning through to birth and beyond.
While every experience is unique, knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel prepared and confident.
What to Expect At Each Stage
-
Weeks 1 - 12 | Your first appointment typically takes place around 8–10 weeks and is a chance to confirm your pregnancy, discuss your health history, and set up your care plan.
We will arrange early blood tests, non-invasive prenatal testing and first trimester ultrasound for you.
Nausea, fatigue, and heightened emotions are common and always worth talking about.
-
Weeks 13 - 27 | For many women, the second trimester brings a welcome burst of energy and the exciting milestone of feeling baby move.
Regular appointments continue every 4 weeks from 16 weeks - 28 weeks.
As part of routine pregnancy care, a mental health screening questionnaire will be offered during pregnancy at your 15 week appointment.
Your 21 week morphology ultrasound gives a detailed look at baby's development.
We will arrange for you to meet with our midwives to start discussing birth preferences, antenatal classes, and building healthy habits that will carry you through to term including our complimentary physiotherapy class.
-
Weeks 28 - 36 | As your due date approaches, appointments become more frequent and the focus shifts to birth planning, baby's position, and your wellbeing.
From 28 weeks - 36 weeks, you will attend fortnightly appointments. After 36 weeks till birth, you will see Dr Renee weekly. This also includes third trimester ultrasound at around 32-33 weeks.
Dr Renee will talk through your birth preferences, discuss any concerns, and ensure you feel confident and prepared.
If your pregnancy is complex or requires additional monitoring, she'll ensure you have the support and specialist input needed.
-
Following birth, you'll typically stay at Frances Perry House for four to five nights before heading home with your new arrival.
Once home, your local Maternal and Child Health Nurse will begin scheduled visits to support you and your baby. Our midwives will check in at two weeks postpartum to see how you're settling in, and remain available by phone for any questions about early parenting, lactation, or your general wellbeing.
Frances Perry House also offer additional services through their Maternity Care Centre.
A six week postnatal appointment with Dr Renee will also be scheduled in advance, so everything is in place for you.
You're never on your own in those early weeks — we're always just a call away.
-
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) NIPT is a simple maternal blood test available from 10 weeks that screens for a comprehensive range of chromosomal conditions. It is highly accurate, completely safe for baby, and can also determine fetal sex if desired.
prepair Carrier Screening PrePair is a carrier screening test that can be performed before or during pregnancy. It screens both partners for serious inherited genetic conditions including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and fragile X syndrome. Knowing your carrier status before or early in pregnancy allows time for informed decision-making.
Dr Renee will discuss all available screening options at your first appointment and help you make an informed decision that feels right for you and your family.
To prepare for this discussion, Dr Renee asks all patients to watch informational videos by VCGS.
prepair Carrier Screening -
Ultrasounds are one of the most anticipated moments of pregnancy. At every antenatal visit, Dr Renee will perform a quick bedside scan to check on your baby's progress. She will also refer you to specialist obstetric ultrasound clinics for three detailed scans at key milestones throughout your pregnancy.
13 Weeks | Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound Confirms your due date, checks for a heartbeat, identifies the number of babies, and screens for chromosomal conditions. Typically combined with a blood test for a more complete assessment.
21 Weeks | Morphology Ultrasound The most detailed scan of your pregnancy, assessing baby's anatomy including the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, and limbs, as well as placental position and amniotic fluid levels. Many parents also choose to find out their baby's sex at this scan.
32 Weeks | Growth Ultrasound Checks baby's size, position, and wellbeing, along with placental function and fluid levels — an important checkpoint in the lead up to birth.
Results will always be discussed with you directly, in clear and plain language.
-
Blood tests are an important part of monitoring your health and your baby's wellbeing throughout pregnancy. Dr Renee will order routine bloods at key stages of your care, and will always explain what is being tested and why.
First Trimester Your initial blood tests cover a comprehensive baseline assessment including blood type and antibody screen, full blood count, iron studies, rubella and varicella immunity, thyroid function, sexually transmitted infections, and Vitamin D levels. These results help Dr Renee build a complete picture of your health from the very start.
Mid Pregnancy — Around 26–28 Weeks A glucose tolerance test (GTT) is performed to screen for gestational diabetes, one of the most common pregnancy complications. A full blood count is also repeated to check iron levels and screen for anaemia, which is common in the second trimester.
Third Trimester — Around 36 Weeks A Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab is taken to check for bacteria that can occasionally affect newborns during birth. A final blood count is also performed to ensure you are well prepared heading into labour.
All results will be discussed with you directly by Dr Renee. If anything requires attention in between appointments, her team will be in touch promptly.
If you think you may be in labour, call Frances Perry House Birth Suite 03 9344 5100 directly. They will triage your symptoms and contact Dr Renee on your behalf.
Dr Renee and her team will ensure you feel informed, prepared, and supported well before your due date arrives.
Going Into Labour
As your due date approaches, Dr Renee will discuss the signs of labour and exactly what to do when things begin. Every labour is different, but knowing what to expect and who to call means you can approach it with confidence rather than anxiety.
Induction of Labour
Sometimes labour needs a little help getting started. An induction may be recommended for a number of reasons including going past your due date, concerns about baby's growth or wellbeing, gestational diabetes, or other maternal or fetal considerations.
Dr Renee will explain clearly if and why an induction is recommended, what the process involves, and what to expect on the day. Every decision is made with your safety and your baby's wellbeing as the priority.
Caesarean Section
A caesarean section may be planned in advance or recommended during labour if circumstances change. Planned caesareans are typically scheduled from 39 weeks and may be recommended for breech presentation, placenta praevia, multiple pregnancies, or previous caesarean sections among other reasons.
If a caesarean becomes necessary during labour, Dr Renee will talk you through the decision clearly and calmly, ensuring you understand and feel supported every step of the way.
Frances Perry House has a dedicated theatre team and anaesthetic specialists on hand to ensure your procedure is safe, smooth, and as calm as possible.
Your Birth Plan
At your dedicated midwife appointments, Hannah and Paula will work through your birth plan with you, covering pain relief options, intervention preferences, and any other wishes you'd like documented.
While birth doesn't always go exactly to plan, having your preferences discussed ensures the whole team understands what matters most to you.
Dr Renee is on call for her patients. You will never be handed to an unknown doctor during labour — your care remains consistent, right through to the moment you meet your baby.