Congratulations! Once you have a positive home pregnancy test, the next step is to visit your family doctor to obtain formal blood tests which aim to confirm pregnancy (BhCG), along with other routine booking blood tests. It’s helpful to know the first day of your last menstrual period to broadly date the pregnancy, however, a dating scan can also be performed to both make sure the pregnancy is in the uterus and date it.

Depending on your chosen model of care, this would be a good time to obtain a referral to your Private Obstetrician. Alternatively, other models of care include public hospital care, GP-Shared Care or Midwifery led care. Any chosen model of care is personal and should be one that suits you.

Yes, a referral is required for your first visit. This can be obtained from your GP and provided to you or sent directly to us.

This visit is typically 1 hour long and is ideally conducted at the 8-10 week mark of your pregnancy. This is a longer visit to permit a comprehensive discussion regarding your medical history, whilst also performing an ultrasound to date your pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a unique and life-changing journey. Having an Obstetrician gives you the reassurance you are receiving expert, personalised care throughout your pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

Some benefits include:

• Specialised medical expertise
  Obstetricians are medical doctors specialising in pregnancy, childbirth and navigating complications that may arise. They can manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies.

• Continuity of care
  You will see the same specialist throughout your pregnancy and also postpartum, which allows you to build trust and ensures your care is consistent and personalised.

• A team approach
  Obstetricians work closely with midwives, allied health professionals and other non-Obstetric Specialists to offer you well rounded and holistic care for you and your baby.

• Support with birth planning
  Whether you’re hoping for a vaginal birth, need a planned caesarean, or want to debrief a previous experience, an Obstetrician can guide you through your options and preferences safely.

Ultimately, each model of care offers a different approach, and choosing the one that suits you best is a deeply personal decision

Every obstetrician sets their own fee schedule, which can vary depending on location, experience, and the structure of their practice. If you're considering private Obstetric care, it typically assumes you have Private Health Insurance, which helps cover hospital admission and delivery fees.

Pregnancy Management Fee
Obstetricians charge a pregnancy management fee, usually payable after 28 weeks. This fee supports the 24/7 on-call availability of your obstetrician and contributes to the ongoing costs of running a private practice - including medical indemnity and operational expenses.

Medicare & Private Health Insurance
Medicare provides partial rebates for antenatal visits (note: most obstetricians will charge a gap).

Private health insurance generally covers your hospital stay and delivery fee, though it’s important to confirm what’s included with your fund and ensure any wait periods are accounted for.

Additional Costs
You may also incur out-of-pocket expenses for:

• Ultrasounds

• Blood tests

• Additional specialist care if required

Private Care Without Insurance
While private Obstetric care is available without health insurance, it does mean you will be responsible for the full cost of your obstetrician, hospital admission, and delivery.

Every pregnancy is unique, and care plans can vary. It's best to speak directly with your Obstetrician, hospital, and private health fund to:

• Understand any waiting periods

• Confirm what is covered

• Get a clear picture of your expected expenses

Feel free to contact the Rooms to request Dr Chantelle’s current fee schedule or discuss any queries you may have.