Get quick answers to the most common questions about your general health check up.
Thomas Family Medical Practice
Pregnancy Management by Your Doctor
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey — and ensuring it’s safe and healthy requires ongoing medical care from the moment you confirm it to weeks after delivery. This guide walks you through exactly how doctors manage pregnancy at every stage, what to expect during appointments, and how you can play an active role in your care.
Whether you’re in your first trimester or planning your delivery, understanding your doctor’s role is key to confident and empowered decision-making.
Your First Prenatal Visit: What to Expect
Most women schedule their first prenatal appointment around 6–8 weeks after their last menstrual period.
During this initial visit, your doctor will:
Review your complete medical and family history
Perform a physical exam
Confirm the pregnancy via blood/urine test or ultrasound
Estimate your due date
Order baseline tests (e.g., blood work, STD screening)
Offer prenatal vitamin guidance
Answer your questions
📝 Tip: Bring a list of medications, symptoms, and questions.
Routine Tests During Pregnancy
Doctors monitor both you and your baby’s health through scheduled tests, including:
Ultrasounds – First-trimester dating scan, mid-pregnancy anatomy scan
Blood tests – Blood type, anemia, infections
Urinalysis – Protein, glucose, UTI checks
Gestational diabetes screening – Glucose tolerance test (around week 24–28)
Rh incompatibility testing
Group B strep – Vaginal swab around 36 weeks
Postpartum Care by Your Doctor
After your baby is born, your doctor will continue monitoring you for:
Uterine recovery
Postpartum bleeding
Emotional well-being (screening for postpartum depression)
Breastfeeding issues
Healing from C-section or vaginal delivery
🔄 The first postpartum checkup is usually within 6 weeks of delivery, but earlier visits may be needed.
We are here to help!
Our reception team is here to assist you with more information and to schedule your appointment. These appointments will also be available to book on HotDoc for your convenience.
When to Call Your Doctor
This care is typically provided by an OBGYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) or certified midwife:
Heavy bleeding or severe cramping
Sudden swelling or headache
Blurred vision or dizziness
Decreased fetal movement
Fluid leaking or signs of labour before 37 weeks
📞 Always better to call and confirm than to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually every 4 weeks until week 28, every 2 weeks until week 36, and weekly after that.
Ultrasounds, blood tests, urine tests, glucose screening, and more — depending on your risk profile.
Some early appointments can be virtual, but physical exams and scans must be done in person.
Call your provider to reschedule ASAP — continuity of care is crucial.
Your doctor will evaluate based on age, medical history, pregnancy type (e.g., twins), and test results.
Exciting New Initiatives
We are rolling out new services to help ensure optimum health for all our patients. These include:
Heart Health Checks
Routine checks for individuals aged over forty to assess and support long term heart health.
DMMR
Home Medications Review in collaboration with DMMR Australia for eligible patients seeking medication support.
Chronic Condition Management Plan
Care Plans for eligible patients to help manage ongoing health conditions with professional support.
Free Flu Vaccinations
Protect against seasonal influenza. Book now for your flu shot if you are eligible for a free vaccine.
National Cancer Screening Programs
Screening for eligible patients to detect cervical, breast, lung or bowel cancers early.