Medicare Bulk Billing for all eligible patients· Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm· Muswellbrook Fair, Tenancy 16–17, Rutherford Road· (02) 6530 7404

All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.

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Antenatal and postnatal care,through pregnancy and after.

Shared antenatal care means most of your pregnancy appointments happen here in Muswellbrook, with the hospital seeing you at the key points. After the birth, both of you get looked after — not just the baby.

Book a pregnancy appointment → (02) 6530 7404 All services

What to know

Book the right lengthTell reception what it is about so enough time is set aside.

No referral neededThis is general practice care — you can book directly with us.

Ask for who you preferMale and female GPs are available. Say who you would like when you book.

One practiceYour history in one place, so nothing has to be explained twice

Longer if you need itAsk reception for a long appointment when there is more than one thing

Bulk billedStandard consultations, for everyone with a valid Medicare card

Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.

What it coversIn plain language Signs to noticeWhat is worth a visit How it works hereStep by step QuestionsThe things people ask BookMake an appointment RelatedOther services

Most appointments here,the key ones at hospital.

Shared care means your GP does the routine antenatal visits locally and the hospital or midwifery team handles the scans, the specialist reviews and the birth. For families in Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter that means far less driving during a pregnancy that already involves plenty of it.

Afterwards, the six-week check covers both of you: how you are healing, how feeding is going, contraception, mood, and the baby's growth, hips, eyes, hearing and first immunisations.

Book a pregnancy appointment →

When should I book my first appointment?

As soon as you know. Early appointments cover dating, blood tests, folate and iodine, and referral into the maternity service.

Where will I give birth?

Most local families birth at a Hunter New England hospital. We will discuss the options and refer you into the service early.

Do I still see a midwife?

Yes. Shared care is exactly that — shared. You will have appointments with the maternity service as well as here.

First trimester

Confirm and date

First trimesterConfirm and date

Blood tests, dating, folate and iodine, and referral into maternity care.

First trimester

Screening choices

First trimesterScreening choices

Early screening options are explained so you can decide what you want.

Second trimester

Routine checks

Second trimesterRoutine checks

Blood pressure, growth, urine, and how you are actually feeling.

Second trimester

Whooping cough vaccine

Second trimesterWhooping cough vaccine

Recommended in every pregnancy, usually between 20 and 32 weeks.

Third trimester

More frequent visits

Third trimesterMore frequent visits

Growth, position, blood pressure and planning for the birth.

After the birth

The six-week check

After the birthThe six-week check

For both of you — healing, feeding, mood, contraception and the baby's development.

Some thingscannot wait.

Get checked the same dayReduced or changed baby movements · vaginal bleeding · severe or persistent headache with visual changes · sudden swelling of face or hands · severe abdominal pain · fluid loss · fever · thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Ring the maternity unit or call 000. For thoughts of harming yourself or your baby you can also ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or PANDA on 1300 726 306, any hour. After the birth, heavy bleeding, a fever, a hot painful breast with flu-like symptoms, or calf pain and swelling all need same-day assessment.

Pregnancy comes with a long list of normal discomforts and a short list of things that need attention the same day. Knowing which is which means fewer sleepless nights and faster help when it matters.

Is reduced movement serious?

Any change in your baby's usual pattern of movement should be checked the same day, not the next morning. Ring the maternity unit.

What about swelling?

Mild swelling of feet and ankles is common. Sudden swelling of the face or hands, with headache or visual changes, needs assessment urgently.

Is feeling low after birth normal?

A few unsettled days is very common. Persistent low mood, anxiety or intrusive thoughts beyond two weeks is not something to push through — it is treatable, and asking early makes it easier.

Movement

Any change in the pattern

MovementAny change in the pattern

Not just fewer kicks — different is enough. Same-day assessment, every time.

Bleeding

Any vaginal bleeding

BleedingAny vaginal bleeding

At any stage of pregnancy, this needs to be assessed rather than watched.

Blood pressure

Headache with visual changes

Blood pressureHeadache with visual changes

Especially with swelling of the face or hands. This can signal pre-eclampsia.

Pain

Severe or constant abdominal pain

PainSevere or constant abdominal pain

Different from the stretching and twinges that come and go.

Unwell

Fever, or burning when passing urine

UnwellFever, or burning when passing urine

Infections in pregnancy are treated promptly rather than waited out.

Bleeding

Bleeding that gets heavier

BleedingBleeding that gets heavier

Rather than gradually lighter. Passing large clots needs assessment.

Infection

Fever, or a wound that worsens

InfectionFever, or a wound that worsens

Caesarean or perineal wounds that become more painful, red or discharging.

Breasts

A hot, painful, red area with flu-like symptoms

BreastsA hot, painful, red area with flu-like symptoms

Mastitis is common, treatable, and worth seeing someone about quickly.

Legs

Calf pain, swelling or redness

LegsCalf pain, swelling or redness

Clots are more likely after birth. This is a same-day problem.

Feeding

Feeding that hurts, or a baby not gaining

FeedingFeeding that hurts, or a baby not gaining

Both are common and both usually fixable with the right support.

Mood

Low mood beyond two weeks

MoodLow mood beyond two weeks

The early unsettled days usually lift. Persistent low mood does not have to be endured.

Anxiety

Constant worry or checking

AnxietyConstant worry or checking

Frightening thoughts about harm coming to the baby are more common than people admit and respond well to help.

Bonding

Feeling numb or disconnected

BondingFeeling numb or disconnected

Not a character failing. It is a symptom, and it is treatable.

Sleep

Unable to sleep even when baby does

SleepUnable to sleep even when baby does

A useful early signal that something more than tiredness is going on.

Partners too

Low mood in the non-birthing parent

Partners tooLow mood in the non-birthing parent

Perinatal depression affects partners as well. It is worth raising.

This is a guide, not a diagnosis. If something feels wrong, ring — that is exactly what we are here for.

The six-week check is for two people.Yours matters as much as the baby's.

Booked early,spaced as you go.

Visits start roughly monthly and become more frequent towards the end.

Book online through HotDoc →

Is it bulk billed?

Antenatal and postnatal appointments are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.

Can I see a female GP?

Yes. Say who you would prefer when you book.

What about the baby's immunisations?

Given here, on the National Immunisation Program schedule, starting at six weeks.

1Book earlyAs soon as you know. First visit covers dating, bloods and referral.First trimester

2Routine visitsMonthly at first, then fortnightly, then weekly near the end.Through pregnancy

3The six-week checkFor you and the baby — healing, feeding, mood, contraception, development.6 weeks after

4Immunisations and reviewsOn the schedule from six weeks, with growth and development checks alongside.Ongoing

Shared antenatal care

Local appointments

Postnatal checks

Six-week check

Baby immunisations

Breastfeeding support

Perinatal mental health

Bulk billed

Shared antenatal care

Local appointments

Postnatal checks

Six-week check

Baby immunisations

Breastfeeding support

Perinatal mental health

Bulk billed

Shared antenatal care

Local appointments

Postnatal checks

Six-week check

Baby immunisations

Breastfeeding support

Perinatal mental health

Bulk billed

Antenatal & postnatalquestions, answered.

What is shared antenatal care?

Your GP does the routine visits locally, and the hospital maternity team handles scans, specialist reviews and the birth.

When should I book my first appointment?

As soon as you know you are pregnant.

Is it bulk billed?

Yes, with a valid Medicare card.

Can I see a female doctor?

Yes. Say so when you book.

Do you do the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy?

Yes. It is recommended in every pregnancy, usually between 20 and 32 weeks.

What happens at the six-week check?

Both of you are checked — your recovery, mood, feeding and contraception, and the baby's growth and development.

Can I get help with breastfeeding?

Yes. Feeding problems are common and usually solvable. Bring it up early rather than struggling on.

What if I am feeling low after the birth?

Please raise it. Perinatal depression and anxiety are common and treat well, and asking early makes it easier, not harder.

General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.

Relatedservices.

All servicesThe full list of 38 services offered here Children's healthChecks, immunisations and unwell children Women's healthScreening, contraception and more Mental health careIncluding perinatal mental health

No surprises

Know the costbefore you come in.

Bulk billed with a valid Medicare card · Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm · Muswellbrook Fair, Rutherford Road.

Book online → Call (02) 6530 7404

Prefer to meet us first? Meet the doctors →

Everyday care

Family health

Procedures & tests

Ongoing & preventive

Antenatal and postnatal care,through pregnancy and after.

Most appointments here,the key ones at hospital.

Confirm and date

Screening choices

Routine checks

Whooping cough vaccine

More frequent visits

The six-week check

Some thingscannot wait.

Any change in the pattern

Any vaginal bleeding

Headache with visual changes

Severe or constant abdominal pain

Fever, or burning when passing urine

Bleeding that gets heavier

Fever, or a wound that worsens

A hot, painful, red area with flu-like symptoms

Calf pain, swelling or redness

Feeding that hurts, or a baby not gaining

Low mood beyond two weeks

Constant worry or checking

Feeling numb or disconnected

Unable to sleep even when baby does

Low mood in the non-birthing parent

Booked early,spaced as you go.

Antenatal & postnatalquestions, answered.

Relatedservices.

Know the costbefore you come in.