Pregnancy

It’s such an exciting time, but what happens next? Here our maternity experts have created a step by step checklist of what you need to do now.

Understanding your pregnancy

Parent education classes

To help you prepare for your journey into parenthood we’ve designed a range of flexible education class options on both weekdays and weekends, covering a number of topics for you and your support person. Our goal is to empower you as you approach the birth of your baby, and to get ready for the weeks that follow. All classes are two hours long and are taught by a Mater Mothers’ registered midwife. Find out more about the classes on offer.

Parent education classes

Developing a birth plan

During your delivery, Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane midwives will support your individual birthing plan alongside your chosen obstetrician.

The midwifery and nursing team will look after you on the postnatal ward after your baby’s birth. If you have any concerns about your care, you can speak to the Midwifery Unit Manager of the relevant ward or clinical department.

Information for parents about labour and birth

Many couples wish to develop and share their plan for labour and birth with their maternity team. While staff at Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane would encourage you to consider your preferences for this special time, it is important to discuss these with your obstetrician prior to going into labour so that any details which might incur a risk to you or your baby can be fully discussed before labour begins.

Because labour and birth involve so many variables, it is not possible to predict exactly what will happen, and you should be reassured that the Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane team are committed to providing the best care which is safe for both you and your baby. Sometimes, in emergency situations this may mean your preferences may not be able to be followed exactly. Wherever possible we would endeavour to discuss the reasons for this with you to facilitate informed consent and your understanding of events.

Helpful resources during pregnancy

Here we share information on a number of different pregnancy-related topics, including nutrition and dietetics, being active, tips for dads, car safety, and early pregnancy loss.

Mater’s Parenting Support Centre is also available for early parenting support and guidance.

On the move

During pregnancy babies do not move all the time, even when they are perfectly healthy. All healthy babies will be quiet or asleep for short periods of time.

Learning your baby’s movements and what they mean is important. This will help you learn what is normal for your baby. For more information about what baby movements mean please visit the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence website. 

Visit Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence website

If you are concerned at any time during your pregnancy, or have symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pain, please present to Mater’s Pregnancy Assessment Centre 24 hours 7 days a week (Level 5, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals at South Brisbane) or your nearest emergency department.

Allied health specialist support 

Mater Health and Wellness provides access to a team of leading allied health specialists, providing services including: physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, home-based therapies and nutrition and dietetics. To make an appointment to see our team of experienced specialists, call 07 3163 6000.