Antenatal shared care is a healthcare option for women with a low-risk pregnancy.
Both your GP and maternity hospital provide you with care before and after your baby is born. You will see your GP for most of your care before your baby is born. During birth, hospital midwives and doctors will care for you. Your GP will resume care after your baby is born and you have left hospital.
The participating public hospitals are Bankstown, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield and Bowral.
The aim of antenatal shared care is to
- Provide flexibility, choice and continuity of care through pregnancy
- Cater for the preferences and needs of women from various cultural backgrounds
- Make it easy for the GP and local hospital to work together to support pregnancy care
- Ensures continuity of care throughout your pregnancy and afterwards
Antenatal shared care eligibility
The program is for women who are likely to have a low risk of complications during pregnancy. If you face complications during pregnancy, your GP may transfer you to specialist hospital care.
Benefits for expecting mothers
Find comfort in care from your usual GP, who knows you and your health history well.
Continuity of care
Antenatal share care provides you with ongoing care throughout your pregnancy and afterwards.
Your regular GP knows you
Your GP knows you and your family. They will have all your medical records available, meaning care for you and baby is comprehensive.
Flexible appointments
Antenatal care with your GP gives you more flexibility. For example, the option for appointments after work or on weekends.
Few trips to the hospital
Hospitals are often not as convenient to get to than your local GP, and waiting times are often not as long. By receiving antenatal care through your GP you could save travel and waiting time.
Where to begin
Discuss with your GP
Ask your GP if they are a recognised antenatal shared care provider. More than 300 GPs throughout South Western Sydney take part.
Need a recognised GP? The Clinical Midwife Consultant Liaison can help. Call 0484 627 228 Monday to Friday or send an email.
For more pregnancy care options visit Health Resource Delivery
The Health Resource Directory website has lots of information to help you with your pregnancy. Downloads factsheets or listen to audio files in your preferred language.
Options For Pregnancy Care