I'm pregnant.
What do I need to do now?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is a special time, and you deserve care that respects you, your culture, your family, and your choices. In Australia, the maternity care system offers many options, but it can feel confusing if you are new to the country or unfamiliar with how things work. Starting early helps you get better support and improves outcomes for you and your baby.

This simple step-by-step guide uses plain language to help migrant women feel confident and empowered. Share it with your family or community. You have the right to ask questions, bring a support person or interpreter, and make decisions that suit you.

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Why Act Early (as soon as you know you are pregnant)?

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• Popular options like Midwifery Continuity of Care (MCoC), also called caseload or group practice, fill up very quickly. Women who book early often get the same midwife (or small team) throughout pregnancy, birth, and after the baby is born. This model provides better support, fewer interventions, higher satisfaction, and improved outcomes, especially for migrant women who may face extra challenges.

• Early care helps spot any health needs quickly (for example, diabetes, blood pressure, nutrition) so you and your baby stay safer.

• You have more time to understand your rights, request cultural supports (for example, female carer, interpreter, halal or kosher food), and plan with your family.

• Waiting until 12 to 13 weeks or later can mean fewer choices and rushed decisions.

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MCoC builds trust and better communication, which is very helpful when navigating a new system.

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Step-by-Step: What to Do Right Away

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Step 1: Confirm your pregnancy (as soon as possible)

• Buy a home pregnancy test from a pharmacy.

• See a GP (general practitioner or local doctor) very soon. Bring your test or any symptoms.

  • The GP confirms the pregnancy with blood tests or ultrasound.

  • Share your medical history, previous pregnancies, medicines, cultural or religious needs, and language preferences.

• Tip: Request a professional interpreter when booking the appointment. Many GP visits are covered by Medicare (if you are eligible).

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Step 2: Learn your care options (at the first GP visit) Ask your GP: “What maternity care choices do I have near me?” Main options across Australia:

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• Public hospital care (free or low-cost for most eligible women): Midwives and doctors at the hospital.

• Midwifery Continuity of Care (MCoC, caseload, or group practice): Same midwife or team throughout. Book early. Available in public systems in many areas.

• Shared care: Your GP plus hospital midwives or doctors.

• Private obstetrician care: See a specialist doctor privately (needs private health insurance for best coverage and possible extra costs). Birth in a private hospital.

• Birth centre care: Midwife-led in a home-like setting (often attached to or near a hospital and good for low-risk pregnancies). Check availability early.

• Private practising midwife: For home birth or hospital support (Medicare rebates possible with collaborative arrangements).

• Special programs for migrant or refugee women, Aboriginal women (for example, Birthing on Country), or those with extra needs.

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Your GP can explain what suits your health, location, and insurance. Most women give birth in hospitals, but birth centres or home birth (for low-risk pregnancies) are options in many states.

Step 3: Get referrals and book care (aim for before 12 weeks)

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• Ask your GP for a referral to your chosen hospital, birth centre, midwife, or private doctor.

• Contact the service directly (some allow self-referral, but a GP letter helps). Bring your Medicare card (if eligible), visa details, and any records.

• For MCoC, birth centres, or popular private options: Book immediately as spots are limited.

• Request an interpreter and cultural supports at booking.

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Step 4: Attend your first antenatal (pregnancy) visit

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• Usually around 6 to 8 weeks if possible, or by 12 weeks. Includes blood tests, dating ultrasound, and health checks.

• Discuss your preferences for birth, pain relief, feeding, and any concerns. Bring your partner, family, or support person.

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Step 5: Ongoing pregnancy care and support

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• Regular check-ups (more if needed).

• Use free or low-cost services: Community health centres, Maternal and Child Health nurses (post-birth home visits in many states), and programs for migrant families.

• Connect with multicultural supports, Cross Cultural Workers, or groups like the Multicultural Centre for Respectful Maternity Care (MCRMC) for extra help navigating the system.

• Check Medicare and Centrelink eligibility (for example, Parental Leave Pay) based on your visa.

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Step 6: Prepare for birth and after

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• Tour the hospital or birth centre.

• Make a birth plan with your care team (what you want and do not want).

• After birth: Hospital stay (sometimes longer in private) plus home visits from midwives or nurses. Breastfeeding support, emotional care, and baby checks are available.

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Your Rights – Be Empowered

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• You have the right to respectful, woman-centred care that honours your culture, language, and choices. National guidelines and state frameworks support this.

• Always ask questions: “Can you explain simply?” or “What are my choices?”

• You can say no or ask for more time if something does not feel right.

• Bring support such as family, community leader, or advocate.

• If you experience disrespect or discrimination, speak to a supervisor or contact advocacy groups like MCRMC.

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Practical Tips for Migrant Women

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• Language: Request professional interpreters. These are free in public care. Avoid using family if possible.

• Family involvement: Many services welcome family, but you decide.

• Costs: Public care is mostly free or low-cost for eligible women. Private care has gaps even with insurance. Check carefully. Visa holders should ask about access.

• Transport and practical help: Ask about support if needed.

• Mental health: Pregnancy stress is common in a new country. Support exists.

• Community: Join groups for migrant women for education, peer support, and resources.

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You are strong, and your knowledge matters. Acting early reduces fear, improves communication, and leads to better outcomes. Australia’s system aims for safe, respectful care. You deserve to benefit fully.

If you are a migrant and struggling to navigate accessing maternity care in Australia, please get in touch via info@mcrmc.org.au

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If you need this translated to your language, please send us an email via info@mcrmc.org.au

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Best wishes,

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From the Multicultural Centre for Respectful Maternity Care team