Pregnancy and new parents, cared for close to home

GP registrarDr Prishantha Sirisena

Practice nurseKatelyn

GP registrarDr Mohamed Naim Hafsah

Book a pre-pregnancy check

We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice

GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.

Fees and eligibility

Good to know before you book

01Start before you are pregnant

A pre-pregnancy check helps you start well.

Tap to see more

Folic acid, vaccinations, medicines and existing conditions can all be reviewed.

02Pregnancy vaccines are free

Whooping cough, flu and RSV vaccines are recommended in pregnancy.

Tap to see more

They help protect your baby in the first months of life.

About vaccines

03Pathology onsite

Pregnancy blood tests can be collected at the clinic.

Tap to see more

4Cyte Pathology collects onsite, often on the day of your appointment.

Our services

04Support for how you feel

Emotional health matters as much as physical health.

Tap to see more

PANDA (1300 726 306) offers free support for expecting and new parents.

Postnatal support

Find the care that fits

Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.

Pre-pregnancy checks

Planning a pregnancy

A pre-pregnancy check can cover folic acid and iodine, vaccinations including measles and whooping cough, medicines and existing conditions, cervical screening, and genetic carrier screening options.

Starting folic acid at least a month before conception helps reduce the risk of some birth defects.

1Book a check
2Review health and medicines
3Vaccines and blood tests
4A plan before trying

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

When should I start folic acid?

At least one month before trying to conceive and through the first trimester.

We have been trying for a while. When should we check?

After twelve months of trying, or six months if you are over 35.

Confirming pregnancy and first tests

Early pregnancy

Your GP can confirm your pregnancy, estimate your due date, arrange early blood tests and a dating ultrasound, and talk through pregnancy screening options.

You can also discuss models of care, such as shared care, midwife-led care or a private obstetrician, and book in with your chosen hospital.

1Confirm pregnancy
2Early blood tests and scan
3Discuss screening options
4Choose your model of care

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Some ultrasounds and screening tests attract a cost from the provider.

What pregnancy screening tests are available?

Options include combined first trimester screening and non-invasive prenatal testing. Your GP can explain the choices and costs.

Is bleeding in early pregnancy normal?

It should always be checked. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding or severe pain.

Your GP and hospital working together

Shared antenatal care

In shared care, some of your pregnancy visits are with your GP and others with your hospital or midwife team, so you can be seen closer to home by someone who knows you.

Your GP checks your blood pressure, baby's growth and heartbeat, arranges tests such as the glucose tolerance test, and keeps your hospital informed.

1Hospital booking
2Regular GP visits
3Tests at the recommended times
4Hospital visits later in pregnancy

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Is shared care available?

Ask reception or your GP about shared care arrangements with your chosen hospital.

When is the diabetes test done?

The glucose tolerance test is usually done at 24 to 28 weeks.

About the RSV vaccine

Protection for you and your baby

Vaccines in pregnancy

Whooping cough vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. Influenza vaccine can be given at any stage. An RSV vaccine is available between 28 and 36 weeks through the national program.

These vaccines are free for eligible pregnant women and pass protection to your baby in the first months of life.

1Check what is due
2Book with the GP or nurse
3Vaccines recorded on the register
4Plan for baby's vaccines

What it costsPregnancy vaccines on the national program are free. Consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Are pregnancy vaccines safe?

Recommended pregnancy vaccines have been widely used and are recommended by Australian health authorities. Ask your GP any questions.

Can I have flu and whooping cough vaccines together?

Your GP can advise on timing.

The six-week check and beyond

Postnatal care and your baby

A postnatal check around six weeks looks at your recovery, feeding, contraception, pelvic floor, sleep and emotional wellbeing, alongside your baby's six-week check and vaccines.

It is common to feel overwhelmed after having a baby. If low mood or anxiety lasts more than two weeks, perinatal depression and anxiety are treatable, and help is available.

1Six-week check for you and baby
2Feeding and recovery
3Contraception and pelvic floor
4Emotional wellbeing and support

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Do partners get support too?

Yes. Partners can also experience perinatal depression and anxiety. PANDA supports both parents.

When are baby's first vaccines?

At 2 months, then 4 and 6 months.

Book your RSV vaccine Call (02) 4006 8222

Understanding antenatal and postnatal care

Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.

Models of pregnancy care

Options include shared care between your GP and hospital, midwife-led care, public hospital clinics and private obstetricians.

Your GP can explain local options for Lake Macquarie.

Screening in pregnancy

Routine tests check your blood group, iron, immunity and infections. Screening for chromosomal conditions is optional and your GP will explain the choices.

A morphology ultrasound is usually done around 18 to 20 weeks.

Looking after yourself

Folic acid and iodine, a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and safe food handling all support a healthy pregnancy.

Ask your GP before starting any new medicines or supplements.

Free for eligible pregnant women

Protect your baby from RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common winter virus that is a leading cause of hospital admission in babies under 6 months, usually with bronchiolitis or pneumonia. A free RSV vaccine in late pregnancy passes protection to your baby, so they are protected from birth through their first months, when they are most at risk.

Are you in the RSV window?

Move the slider to how many weeks pregnant you are.

24weeks pregnant

Before28 to 36After

28–36Weeks of pregnancy

One dose of RSV vaccine during this window.

$0Free under the program

Through the National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program for eligible pregnant women.

2Weeks before birth

Vaccination at least 2 weeks before birth gives your baby the best chance of protection.

6Months of highest risk

Babies under 6 months are most likely to need hospital care for RSV.

Who is eligible?

Pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
Free through the National Immunisation Program for people eligible for Medicare
Recommended for pregnant women, particularly when the baby is likely to be born in the lead up to or during the RSV season

What if I miss the window?

If you did not have the vaccine, or had it less than 2 weeks before birth, your baby may be eligible for a free long-acting RSV antibody
Some babies with medical conditions may be eligible for extra protection in their second RSV season
Your hospital or GP will check your baby's eligibility

Good to know

Most side effects are mild, such as a sore arm, headache or tiredness
Your GP can advise on timing with your whooping cough and flu vaccines
Ask any questions at your appointment, there is no pressure to decide on the spot

Is the RSV vaccine safe in pregnancy?

The RSV vaccine is approved in Australia for use in pregnancy and recommended by Australian health authorities for eligible pregnant women. Your GP can talk through the benefits and possible side effects for you.

Why between 28 and 36 weeks?

This timing allows your body to make antibodies and pass them to your baby before birth. Vaccination at least 2 weeks before birth gives the best protection.

Does my baby still need other vaccines?

Yes. RSV protection does not replace your baby's routine vaccines, which start from 6 weeks of age.

Can I have the RSV vaccine at a shared care visit?

Yes, if it falls in the window. Book a GP or nurse appointment and let reception know it is for your RSV vaccine.

Pregnancy vaccines and when they are due

Tap a stage to see what is recommended for you and your baby, then book with the GP or practice nurse.

Planning3 vaccines

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)Check you are immune before pregnancy. MMR cannot be given during pregnancy.Free for eligible adults born during or after 1966 without two documented doses.
ChickenpoxIf you are not immune, vaccinate before pregnancy.
Influenza and COVID-19Check you are up to date.

Wait 28 days after MMR or chickenpox vaccine before trying to conceive.

Any stage1 vaccine

Influenza (flu)Free in every pregnancy, at any stage.Protects you and your baby in the first months of life.

Best given as soon as the flu vaccine is available each year.

20 to 32 weeks1 vaccine

Whooping cough (pertussis)Free in every pregnancy.Ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, so antibodies pass to your baby.

Recommended in every pregnancy, even if you had it before.

28 to 36 weeks1 vaccine

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)Free for eligible pregnant women through the National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program.One dose between 28 and 36 weeks.

Book ahead so your appointment falls inside the window.

Birth2 vaccines

Hepatitis BFirst dose for your baby, usually in hospital.
RSV antibody (if eligible)A long-acting antibody for babies whose mother did not have the RSV vaccine, or had it less than 2 weeks before birth.Usually offered in hospital or by your GP.

Your hospital or GP will check your baby's eligibility.

6 weeks to 2 months1 vaccine

Baby's first vaccinesThe 6-in-1 injection, pneumococcal and rotavirus.Can be given from 6 weeks, alongside your 6-week postnatal check.

Book your postnatal check and baby's vaccines together.

Shared antenatal care Vaccines in pregnancy

General information based on the National Immunisation Program and the National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program. Eligibility and timing can change; your GP or nurse will confirm what is right for you.

Common pregnancy concerns

Many changes in pregnancy are normal, but it is always fine to ask. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe pain or reduced baby movements.

01Morning sicknessTap for details

Morning sickness

Signs: Nausea and vomiting, usually early in pregnancy.
When to see a GP: If you cannot keep fluids down.
Care: Small meals, fluids and treatment if needed.

02Reflux and heartburnTap for details

Reflux and heartburn

Signs: Burning after meals or lying down.
When to see a GP: If it is affecting sleep or eating.
Care: Diet changes and treatments suitable in pregnancy.

03Back and pelvic painTap for details

Back and pelvic pain

Signs: Aching back, hips or pelvis.
When to see a GP: If pain is severe or affects walking.
Care: Physiotherapy and support.

04BleedingTap for details

Bleeding

Signs: Spotting or bleeding.
When to see a GP: Always; urgently if heavy or with pain.
Care: Assessment and ultrasound.

05Gestational diabetesTap for details

Gestational diabetes

Signs: Usually no symptoms.
When to see a GP: Tested at 24 to 28 weeks.
Care: Diet, monitoring and support.

06High blood pressureTap for details

High blood pressure

Signs: Headaches, swelling, vision changes, or none.
When to see a GP: Urgently if you have symptoms.
Care: Monitoring and specialist care.

07Baby's movementsTap for details

Baby's movements

Signs: Fewer or weaker movements later in pregnancy.
When to see a GP: Straight away; do not wait.
Care: Contact your hospital urgently.

08Mood changesTap for details

Mood changes

Signs: Anxiety, low mood, irritability.
When to see a GP: If it lasts more than two weeks.
Care: Support and referral; PANDA 1300 726 306.

The first weeks at home

Rest when you can

Sleep when your baby sleeps where possible.

Feeding support

The Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline is 1800 686 268.

Pelvic floor

Gentle exercises help recovery.

Eat and drink well

Regular meals and water help energy and feeding.

Accept help

Let family and friends help with meals and chores.

Check in on mood

Talk to your GP if you are not feeling yourself.

Your six-week check

Book your postnatal check and your baby's 6-week vaccines together.

Book the 6-week check

Myth or fact?

Test what you know about antenatal and postnatal care. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.

The whooping cough vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy.

Ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.

Folic acid only matters after a positive pregnancy test.

It is best started at least a month before trying to conceive.

Low mood after a baby always passes on its own.

Perinatal depression and anxiety are common and treatable; support helps.

0 of 3 answered

Evidence, sources and advertising standards

Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:

Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.

The numbers worth knowing

20–32Weeks, whooping cough vaccine

Recommended in every pregnancy.

28–36Weeks, RSV vaccine

Through the national program.

0weeksWeeks, postnatal check

For you and your baby.

0monthMonth of folic acid before

At least, before trying to conceive.

Everyone involved, around you

Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.

Find out more

Youat the centre of your care

Antenatal and postnatal care at every stage

Pre-pregnancy check, folic acid, vaccines and medicines.

Planning a pregnancy

Confirming pregnancy, early tests, screening and model of care.

Early pregnancy

Shared care visits, diabetes test, whooping cough and RSV vaccines.

Six-week check, feeding, contraception and emotional wellbeing.

Postnatal care and your baby

Who can help

Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with antenatal and postnatal care. These team members list it among their interests.

General practitionerDr Alice Najjar

Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.

GP registrarDr Prishantha Sirisena

Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.

Practice nurseKatelyn

Registered nurse with emergency and paediatric experience: immunisations, women's health and chronic disease support.

GP registrarDr Mohamed Naim Hafsah

Women's health, respiratory medicine, rheumatology and palliative care. Speaks English, Tamil and Sinhala. Joining December 2026.