If your baby’s movement patterns change, contact your midwife, doctor or local maternity service immediately.
If your baby’s movement patterns change, contact your midwife, doctor or local maternity service immediately.
In serious and life threatening emergencies, call 000 for an ambulance
In serious and life threatening emergencies, call 000 for an ambulance
For urgent problems, go to your nearest emergency department
If it is less urgent, contact your doctor or local medical centre. You can also call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free health advice, 24 hours a day.
Health care for pregnancy and birth
Regular check-ups are important when you are pregnant. Vaccinations for pregnant women are safe and recommended. Learn more about services and resources that are available to support you in your pregnancy.
Support services
Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Services provide culturally-safe services for pregnant women, their families and community – NSW Health
Genetic screening and testing during pregnancy is a way to check the health of a baby before they are born – NSW Government
Mothersafe provides comprehensive counselling service on managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, medication or drugs, breastfeeding and more. Call 1800 647 848 or 02 9382 6539, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm – NSW Health
Parenting programs and courses for new parents to help build parenting skills, strengthen family relationships and increase confidence – NSW Government
Pregnancy, Birth & Baby call 1800 882 436 or video call to speak to a maternal child health nurse, available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week – Australian Government
Resources
Feeding your baby and the different options – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
Getting medical care during pregnancy including choosing a doctor or midwife, screening tests, antenatal care and what’s covered by Medicare – NSW Government
Having a Baby is information for all women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy – NSW Health (Pregnancy and the first five years)
Health professionals involved in your pregnancy is a guide to the different healthcare professionals in pregnancy and how to find them – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
Hyperemesis gravidarum is when nausea and vomiting in pregnancy become severe and can have a big impact on women's emotional, mental and physical health – NSW Health (Pregnancy and the first five years)
Labour and birth is a complete guide to birth including the different environments, preparation, types of birth, recovery and postpartum – Raising Children Network
Oral health advice to keep your mouth healthy before, during and after pregnancy – NSW Health (Healthy Mouths Healthy Living)
Pregnancy & Newborn vaccinations provides information about the recommended vaccines and about the diseases that can cause harm to mothers and their babies – SKAI (Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation)
Pregnancy loss or death of a baby provides information about what happens if your baby has died and support services for families who have a lost a child – NSW Health
Pregnancy week by week provides weekly information on how your baby is growing, how your body is changing and how to look after yourself during your pregnancy – Raising Children Network
Strong women, Strong babies pregnancy diary is a culturally appropriate resource for Aboriginal families that promotes healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding – NSW Health
Working Together to Reduce Stillbirth provides steps you can take to reduce the risk of stillbirth – Safer Baby
Healthy lifestyle
Having a new baby is a huge change to your life. Your baby needs you to be safe and healthy to give them the best start. Learn more on what to eat and how to stay active during pregnancy. Support is available to help you quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
Support services
13QUIT (13 78 48) provides information, tools and helpful hints on how to quit smoking and/or vaping – NSW Government
Get Healthy in Pregnancy provides phone and online-based health coaching to help you stay healthy during pregnancy – NSW Government (Get Healthy NSW)
Resources
- Alcohol and pregnancy there is no safe level of alcohol intake in pregnancy. Even a small amount of alcohol can harm a baby's development and may have lifelong effects – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
- Folate and iodine are important for the healthy development of your baby’s spine, brain, and nervous system – NSW Health
- Pelvic floor exercises before, during and after pregnancy can help your pelvic floor return to normal after birth – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
- Pregnancy and healthy eating information about what to eat when pregnant to support yourself and your baby – NSW Government
- Pregnancy and staying active and the benefits during pregnancy – NSW Government
- Stay strong and healthy, it's worth it provides information for Aboriginal women and their partners and family about pregnancy, looking after a new bub, drugs and alcohol and coping with feeling down – NSW Government
- Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy provides advice on what vitamins are important during pregnancy and those you should avoid – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
Mental health and wellbeing
You will be seeing many health professionals while you are pregnant. You will also be going through some big life changes as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. If you are feeling anxious or concerned during your pregnancy, speak to your maternity care provider. Stay connected with your loved ones and reach out to them when you need support. Help is available – there are services and resources you can use.
Support services
- 13YARN call 13 92 76 (24/7) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter if you are feeling worried or no good
- Beyond Blue call 1300 224 636 for 24/7 mental health support and information
- ForWhen connects parents that may be struggling to navigate the complex experience of pregnancy and new parenthood to the critical mental health services you might need most. Call 1300 24 23 22
- Gidget Foundation supports expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety. Their range of clinical treatment programs include individual psychological consultations via face to face or telehealth, group treatment and early intervention screening. Call 1300 851 758
- Lifeline call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support
- Mensline Australia call 1300 78 99 78 for 24/7 counselling and support for men for family and relationship issues
- Mental health help for parents and babies provides services, programs and resources for parents and parents expecting a baby, who are experiencing mental health issues – NSW Health
- Mental Health Line call 1800 011 511 to access the free statewide phone service which links people with mental health services – NSW Health
- MumMoodBooster is an evidence-based online treatment to help new mothers experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety. Six interactive online sessions tailored to users plus SMS support. Accessible from home or on mobile devices.
- Perinatal Anxiety & Depression (PANDA) Helpline call 1300 726 306 for information, services and programs to support parents and families during pregnancy and the first 12 months of a new baby – PANDA
- Pregnancy support counselling available from eligible GPs and other health professionals on referral from a GP. Claim Medicare rebates for up to 3 counselling services if you've been pregnant in the last 12 months – Australian Government
- QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral. Call 1800 184 527 from 3pm to midnight, every day – Australian Government
- SMS4dads provides new fathers with information and connections to online services through their mobile phones. The text messages with tips, information and links to other services help fathers understand and connect with their baby and support their partner
- Red Nose Australia call 1300 308 307 for immediate 24/7 bereavement support. This service is for anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, baby or child death
- Transcultural Mental Health Line call 1800 648 911 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4:30pm – NSW Health
Resources
- A guide for dads caring for family during perinatal mental illness available from pregnancy until your child turns 2 years old – NSW Health
- Child mental health and wellbeing resources for parents and carers – Raising Children
- COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence provides support for the emotional challenges of becoming a parent – COPE
- Feelings, relationships and pregnancy and how it can impact relationships – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
- Healthy relationships for pregnant couples means you’ll be better able to support each other through changes and emotions – Raising Children
- Loss of identity after having a baby is a normal feeling to have, but there is support – Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
- Mental health and emotional support is available for parents and children to deal with the emotional challenges of having a baby – NSW Government
- Mental wellbeing during pregnancy and learning how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
- Postnatal depression in our community can impact the lives of LGBTQI+ parents – Rainbow Families
- Pregnancy for partners contains information for birth partners on pregnancy, birth and beyond – Raising Children Network
- Pregnancy for partners/non-birth parents provides mental health support for non-birth parents and LGBTQI+ families – Gidget Foundation
- Resources for expectant and new parents and what to expect – Gidget Foundation
- The role of a birth support partner and what to expect – Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
- Wellbeing for you and your baby for expecting or new parents on how the health service can help you and your baby – NSW Health
- WellMob provides social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People – WellMob
- Yarn Safe resources are for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that may help you or somebody else, when going through a hard time – Headspace
Payments and rebates
Preparing for pregnancy may include knowing what financial support is available to you, including pregnancy and birth costs, newborn payments and fertility treatment rebates.
Support services
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Getting financial support can help with the cost of raising a family – NSW Government
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Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme provides financial support towards travel and accommodation – NSW Government
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Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement for lump sum payments and funding – Australian Government
Resources
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Medicare services for conceiving, pregnancy and birth to help understand the pregnancy costs covered by Medicare – Services Australia
Relationships during pregnancy
These services and resources help support non-birth parents through the challenges of pregnancy.
Support services
MensLine Australia provides free telephone and online counselling service for expectant fathers – Australia Government
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression (PANDA) Helpline call 1300 726 306 for information, services and programs to support parents and families during pregnancy and the first 12 months of a new baby – PANDA
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral. Call 1800 184 527 from 3pm to midnight, every day – Australian Government
Resources
Healthy relationships with partners in pregnancy means you’ll be better able to support each other through these changes and emotions – Raising Children Network
Pregnancy for partners contains information for birth partners on pregnancy, birth and beyond – Raising Children Network
Pregnancy for partners/non-birth parents provides mental health support for non-birth parents and LGBTQI+ families – Gidget Foundation
The role of a birth support partner and what to expect – – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
Seeking help if you experience domestic violence
A pregnant woman’s family environment should be safe and supportive. Domestic violence can have serious impacts on the physical, psychological and social health of pregnant women. Support services are available to assist pregnant women experiencing domestic violence.
Support services
- 1800 RESPECT is available for free 24/7 to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. Call 1800 73 77 32 or contact via online chat. All calls are confidential – Australian Government
- Child Protection Helpline call 13 21 11 to report concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. It is available 24/7
Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national number which can assist to connect women experiencing domestic and family violence to crisis responses in NSW. It is available 24/7
Link2Home Homelessness call 1800 152 152 for state-wide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24/7
NSW Domestic Violence Line provides counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence. Call 1800 656 463 24/7. All calls are confidential – NSW Government
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline call 1800 424 017 for telephone and online counselling for anyone who is or has experienced sexual violence. It is available 24/7
Victims Access Line call 1800 633 063 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Resources
Family violence: effects on parents & kids– Raising Children Network
When your partner is pregnant and you feel angry or violent – Raising Children Network
Support for parents and carers with a disability
Becoming a parent or carer is a huge life adjustment. The challenges can be greater for people with a disability and there is support available to you.
Support services
Intellectual Disability Rights Service is free service for people with intellectual or other cognitive impairment to promote and protect their rights. Call 02 9265 6300
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) learn what funding is available including support services, home modifications and equipment – Australian Government
People With Disability Australia provide information, referrals, advocacy and support to people with disability. Call 1800 422 015
Resources
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Parenting with a physical disability and how to get support – Raising Children Network
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Understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to learn how the NDIS works, if you’re eligible and how to apply – Australian Government
Work and employment
Information on your rights at work and the types of leave available during and after pregnancy.
Support services
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Fair work information and advice to understand your rights and responsibilities as a pregnant employee in the workplace – Fair Work Ombudsman
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LawAccess NSW call 1300 888 529 to access free legal information on topics including job-related issues – NSW Government
Resources
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When working during and after pregnancy there are things you should know about your workplace rights, types of leave and flexible work arrangements – NSW Government
Important tools
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