A Doctors Guide: Clemton Park Family Medical Centre

Antenatal care is essential for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery for both mother and baby. At Clemton Park Family Medical Centre – Campsie’s trusted medical centre, we provide personalised, evidence-based antenatal care for women across Clemton Park, Campsie, Earlwood, and surrounding suburbs.

This guide outlines what to expect during each stage of pregnancy, including blood tests, ultrasounds, screening options, Medicare-funded services, and the different models of pregnancy care available in Australia.

What Is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care involves regular check-ups, screening tests, and monitoring throughout pregnancy. The goals are to:

• Monitor the health of the mother and baby
• Detect complications early
• Provide education, support, and reassurance
• Prepare for labour, delivery, and postpartum care

First Trimester (0–12 Weeks)

The first trimester is the most important time for early screening and establishing your pregnancy care plan.

Initial GP Visit (6–8 Weeks)

At your first antenatal appointment, your GP will:

• Confirm pregnancy
• Estimate due date
• Review medical and family history
• Perform a physical examination
• Arrange initial investigations

First Trimester Blood Tests (Medicare-funded)

Most initial antenatal blood tests are Medicare-funded for eligible patients:

• Full Blood Count (FBC) – checks for anaemia
• Blood group and antibody screen
• Rubella immunity
• Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV screening
• Syphilis screening
• Iron studies (if indicated)
• Vitamin D (select cases)

Additional urine test:

• Urine MCS (midstream urine) – screens for infection

First Trimester Ultrasound

Dating Scan (6–9 Weeks)

• Confirms viability and gestational age
• Detects multiple pregnancies

Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–13+6 Weeks)

• Measures fluid at the back of the baby’s neck
• Assesses risk of chromosomal conditions

Medicare:

• Dating and NT scans are generally partially Medicare-funded

Genetic Screening Options

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

• Blood test from 10 weeks
• Screens for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, 13
• Highly accurate screening test

Medicare:

• Not routinely funded (out-of-pocket cost applies)

Combined First Trimester Screening

• NT ultrasound + maternal blood test (PAPP-A, β-hCG)
• Provides risk estimate for chromosomal abnormalities

Medicare:

• Blood test and ultrasound usually partially covered

Carrier Screening (Genetic Testing)

• Screens parents for inherited conditions (e.g. cystic fibrosis, SMA, fragile X)

Medicare:

• Limited funding for specific conditions in certain patients

Second Trimester (13–27 Weeks)

The second trimester focuses on foetal development and identifying structural abnormalities.

Morphology Scan (18–22 Weeks)

This is one of the most important ultrasounds in pregnancy:

• Detailed assessment of baby’s anatomy
• Detects structural abnormalities
• Evaluates placenta and amniotic fluid

Medicare:

• Partially funded

Second Trimester Blood Tests

Gestational Diabetes Screening (24–28 Weeks)

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Repeat Blood Tests

• Full Blood Count (check for anaemia)
• Iron studies if required

Medicare:

• These tests are generally funded

Routine Antenatal Checks

At each visit, your GP will:

• Measure blood pressure
• Monitor weight
• Check foetal growth
• Listen to baby’s heartbeat
• Assess for symptoms (e.g. swelling, headaches)

Third Trimester (28–40 Weeks)

This stage focuses on preparing for delivery and monitoring for late pregnancy complications.

Third Trimester Investigations

Blood Tests (28 Weeks)

• FBC (anaemia)
• Antibody screen (if Rh negative)

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening (35–37 Weeks)

• Vaginal/rectal swab
• Identifies need for antibiotics during labour

Medicare:

• Typically funded

Growth Ultrasound (32–36 Weeks)

• Assesses foetal growth and position
• Checks placental function

Ongoing Monitoring

Your GP will monitor:

• Baby’s movements
• Blood pressure (screening for preeclampsia)
• Signs of preterm labour
• Birth planning discussions

Models of Antenatal Care in Australia

Understanding your care options is important when planning your pregnancy journey.

1. Public Hospital Midwife Care

• Managed by hospital-based midwives
• Low-cost or free under Medicare
• Suitable for low-risk pregnancies

Pros:

• Affordable
• Structured care

Cons:

• Less continuity (may see different providers)
• Limited flexibility (may have to wait longer in hospital, especially when unexpected care priorities arise)

2. Private Obstetric Care

• Managed by a private obstetrician
• Delivery in a private hospital

Pros:

• Continuity with one specialist
• More personalised care
• Greater choice of delivery options

Cons:

• Higher out-of-pocket costs

3. GP Shared Care (Highly Recommended)

• Care is shared between your GP and hospital
• Majority of visits occur at your local GP clinic

Advantages of GP Shared Care:

• Convenience – local appointments in Clemton Park
• Bulk-billed Antenatal Appointments with Dr Debbie Van
• Continuity – ongoing relationship with your GP
• Reduced hospital visits
• Medicare-funded consultations and Bulk-Billed Antenatal Care provided By Dr Debbie Van
• Ideal balance of personalised care + hospital support

At Clemton Park Family Medical Centre, we offer comprehensive GP shared antenatal care, working closely with major Sydney hospitals.

Immunisations During Pregnancy

Vaccination during pregnancy protects both mother and baby.

Recommended Vaccines

Influenza Vaccine (Any Trimester)

• Safe throughout pregnancy
• Protects against severe flu complications

Medicare:

• Funded under the National Immunisation Program

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine (20–32 Weeks)

• Protects newborn before their first vaccinations

Medicare:

• Funded

COVID-19 Vaccine

• Recommended based on current health advice
• Especially important for high-risk patients

Why Choose Clemton Park Family Medical Centre for Antenatal Care?

We provide:

• Experienced antenatal GPs
• GP shared care with major Sydney hospitals
• On-site pathology referrals
• Personalised pregnancy care plans
• All Antenatal Visits Bulk-Billed with Dr Debbie Van
• Convenient location for Clemton Park, Campsie, and Earlwood patients

Book Your Antenatal Appointment Online Today

Early antenatal care is key to a healthy pregnancy. Whether you are newly pregnant or planning a pregnancy, our team at Clemton Park Family Medical Centre is here to support you every step of the way.

Last Edited: 20 April 2026

Author: Doctors at Clemton Park Family Medical Centre