Resources for women and families

Below is a suite of pregnancy-related resources and information that you may find helpful during your pregnancy.

RPA/Canterbury Hospital ANSC Patient Brochure

General Parent Education Resources

RPA Women and Babies

Click here Expectant Parent information
Click here Information for pregnant women

Canterbury Hospital

Click here Expectant Parent Information
Click here Information for pregnant women

Health Direct – PregnancyBirth and Baby- COVID-19 and pregnancy

EMERGENCY medical help during your pregnancy

If you are greater than 20 weeks pregnant:
Contact relevant hospital – RPA Women and Babies Labour Ward ph.9515 8420 or Canterbury Hospital ph.9153 2000 ask for Birthing Unit.

If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant:
Non-urgent: Follow-up with your GP
Urgent: Contact relevant hospital – RPAH Emergency Dept ph.9515 6111 or Canterbury Hospital Emergency Dept ph.9153 2000

First Hospital “Booking In” appointment

All women should have their “booking in” appointment scheduled for ~12-14 weeks gestation.

To arrange this appointment, women need to visit their GP to confirm their pregnancy. GPs will commence the antenatal “yellow” record card for women to bring to all hospital appointments.

Women birthing at RPA Women and Babies Hospital will have an online referral form submitted by their GP. The hospital will contact women to schedule their “booking in appointment”.

Women birthing at Canterbury Hospital need to contact the antenatal clinic on 9153 2091 or 9153 2092 to arrange their “booking in” appointment. Their GP needs to complete the Obstetric Referral Form (451 KB) for women to bring to their appointment.

This booking information is only for public patients. It does not apply to women electing to have care from a private obstetrician.

EARLY PREGNANCY ASSESSMENT SERVICE (EPAS)

This service aims to identify and manage ectopic pregnancies, and diagnose, treat and support lower abdominal pain/or vaginal bleeding in women < 20 weeks gestation who are haemodynamically stable. For urgent review, attend relevant hospital Emergency Department

Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) Patient Brochure – (220.70 KB)
: SLHD

Bleeding and pain in early pregnancy – (283.23 KB)
: SLHD

Fetal Movements

Fetal movements are a good indicator of a baby’s health and wellbeing. Getting to know your baby’s movement patterns can help recognise if something has changed. If you are concerned or worried about a change in your baby’s movements contact the hospital, midwife or doctor immediately.

Movements matter – comprehensive suite of resources for women and partners regarding fetal movements. Translated information available

Perinatal mental health

COPE – Centre for perinatal excellence – resources for women and partners regarding perinatal mental health
beyondblue – access a variety of information for new and expectant parents, covering everything from bonding with your baby to spotting the signs of anxiety and depression.
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) – information and support regarding perinatal anxiety and depression
Looking after your perinatal mental health – one-page summary of online and face to face support services

Planning a baby

Models of care (October 2022) – RPA Women and Babies; Canterbury Hospital
Pregnancy Checklist – A checklist of topics to consider and discuss with your GP and/or health professional during your pregancy and following birth.

NSW Health Resources
Having a Baby Book – NSW Health
Thinking of having a baby – NSW Health. Outlines steps for women and their partners to take 3-6months prior to pregnancy to promote a healthy pregnancy

Prenatal Screening

All women regardless of age should be counselled and offered the option for screening for chromosomal abnormalities. Women should be given information early in pregnancy about the purpose and implications of these tests to enable them to make informed choices about whether or not they wish to undertake the tests.