Resources for women and families


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


General Parent Education Resources 


RPA Women and Babies 

  • Click here Expectant Parent information 
  • Click here Information for pregnant wome

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)
Fetal Movements
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.

Lifestyle

Get Healthy in pregnancy – Free telephone based service to support all pregnant women to eat healthily, get active and maintain a healthy weight during preqnancy. Women can self refer to the service or discuss further with their GP or health professional.
Pregnancy weight gain calculator – keep track of your weight gain during pregnancy.
Healthy eating during pregnancy (Austrlaian Government)
Pregnancy and alcohol  (Australian Government)
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy ( NSW Health)