Pre-conception

NSW HEALTH

Thinking of having a baby

Steps you can take to plan for a healthy pregnancy.

YOUR FERTILITY

Healthy you, healthy baby

When trying for a baby it’s important to be as healthy as possible. This tool will help you understand the factors that can affect your change of conceiving and what you can do to improve your pre-conception health. 

YOUR FERTILITY

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and fertility

Provides information about sexually transmitted infections and their effect on fertility and reproductive outcomes.

Pregnancy screening tests

THE CENTRE FOR GENETICS EDUCATION

Genetic screening and testing in pregnancy

Learn about the different types of genetic screening and tests available before pregnancy and during pregnancy.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Combined first trimester screening

All pregnant women are routinely offered ultrasound scans between 11-13 weeks and 18-20 weeks to check the development of the pregnancy. Combined first trimester screening test involves an ultrasound scan and a blood test.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Non-invasive prenatal testing

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a new test that can tell women whether their baby has Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 or Trisomy 13. We recommend that women still have combined first trimester screening (11-13 weeks) and then consider NIPT on the basis of their result.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis

A small proportion of women who have combined first trimester screening, NIPT or a scan at 18-20 weeks will be considered to be at high risk of having a baby with Down syndrome or another chromosomal abnormality. These women may be offered a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis test which can tell for sure whether a fetus is affected by one of these conditions.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Screening for preterm pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a common condition that only occurs in pregnancy, affecting the mother, baby or both. It can develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy and the severity of the condition can vary.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Routine antenatal tests

Routine antenatal tests are offered to all parents during pregnancy to help make sure that you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. Learn more about the checkup, scans and tests you might have during your pregnancy. 

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Rhesus D negative in pregnancy

Important information about blood types and your Rhesus factor in pregnancy.

DIABETES AUSTRALIA

Gestational diabetes

Information about gestational diabetes mellitus (sometimes referred to as GDM) – a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

NATIONAL DIABETES SERVICE SCHEME

Gestational diabetes – caring for yourself and your baby

Information about gestational diabetes, its management and where to get assistance when required.

NSW HEALTH

Pregnancy screening group B streptococcus (GBS)

Information for all pregnant women on screening and recommended treatment for GBS.

General pregnancy

NSW HEALTH

Having a baby

This book provides information about how to look after yourself and your baby in pregnancy and the busy weeks after birth. It includes what to expect during labour and birth and how to make informed decisions about your care.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Pregnancy, birth and baby

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a national Australian Government service providing support and information for expecting parents and parents of children, from birth to 5 years of age.

RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK

Pregnancy and birth

Provides up-to-date, evidence-based, scientifically validated information about pregnancy, raising children from birth to 18 years and caring for yourself as a parent or carer.

NSW HEALTH

Oral health advice for pregnant women

Pregnancy is an important time to be more aware of your oral health. Learn how to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy.

NSW HEALTH

Keep smiling while you are pregnant

This video emphasises the importance of oral health during pregnancy and offers advice on how to look after your teeth and gums during pregnancy.

EAT FOR HEALTH

Healthy eating when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

Dietary guidelines to help you eat well during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. 

GET HEALTHY NSW

Healthy weight gain in pregnancy calculator

It’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy. Gaining weight gradually is healthy and best for you and your growing baby. This calculator makes it easy to check if your pregnancy weight gain is within your healthy range.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Your healthy pregnancy

Provides evidence-based health advice and tips to support both you and your baby’s health throughout pregnancy, with a focus on nutrition, physical activity and wellbeing.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy

Being active can reduce the risk of some pregnancy-related problems and supports a healthy pregnancy. The Australian Government has worked with experts to develop guidelines to help you be active during pregnancy.

CONTINENCE FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA

Pelvic floor health for expectant and new mums

Provides information about pelvic floor health and how it helps with bladder and bowel control, otherwise known as continence, as well as pelvic organ support and sexual function during pregnancy and after childbirth.

CONTINENCE FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA

Pelvic floor muscle fitness

Pregnancy and childbirth can have a lasting effect on your pelvic floor muscle fitness. Find out how you can look after these muscles during pregnancy and after birth.

CONTINENCE FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA

Pregnancy, childbirth and incontinence

Provides information about pelvic floor health for expectant and new mums.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Information about your perineum

Many women feel concerned before they give birth about tearing. Learn more about what to expect and what you can do to reduce the severity before and during labour. 

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE COMMISSION

Preventing blood clots in pregnancy and after birth

Information for patients and carers about how to prevent blood clots in pregnancy and after birth.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Preparing for your baby’s birth

Frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your baby’s birth in Sydney Local Health District.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Induction of labour

General information about induction of labour and membrane sweeping.

OBSTETRIC ANAESTHETISTS' ASSOCIATION

Pain relief choices during labour

Labour can be painful, so it can help to learn about the pain relief options available to you.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Postnatal contraception

This video explains the importance of leaving time between pregnancies and how you can use birth control (contraception) after having your baby.

Safety for you and your growing baby

NSW HEALTH

Hyperemesis gravidarum – severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Understanding hyperemesis gravidarum and what to do if you think you have it.

ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN

MotherSafe

A free comprehensive counselling service for women and their healthcare providers concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

FOOD AUTHORITY

Food safety during pregnancy

Food safety tips to help avoid food poisoning and keep you and your baby healthy.

FOUNDATION FOR ALCOHOL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Alcohol and pregnancy

Find out how alcohol can affect you and your baby and get support for staying alcohol-free for a healthy pregnancy.

SAFER BABY

Smoking and pregnancy

Preventative steps to help you quit smoking for baby.

SAFER BABY

Steps towards a safer pregnancy

Provides information about having a safe and healthy pregnancy and reducing the chance of stillbirth. The information has been developed and reviewed by midwives,
doctors, parents and stillbirth researchers.

NSW HEALTH

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and pregnancy

Provides information about congenital cytomegalovirus and pregnancy, including the symptoms, how it spreads, who is at risk and how it is diagnosed and treated.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE COMMISSION

Falls prevention

New mothers may have an increased risk of falling. Learn how you can reduce the risk of falling in hospital and how to keep your baby safe from falling.

NSW GOVERNMENT

Pets and pregnancy

A guide to nurturing the child and pet relationship from pregnancy to preschool.

1800RESPECT

National domestic family and sexual violence counselling service

Free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

Mental health

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

ForWhen – mental health support

Guiding new and expecting parents to perinatal and infant mental health supports.

CENTRE OF PERINATAL EXCELLENCE

National perinatal mental health guideline

Mental health care in the perinatal period.

PANDA

Mental health support for expecting parents

Perinatal mental health and wellbeing support for expecting parents.

BEYOND BLUE

Pregnancy and mental health

Strategies and resources to look after your mental health during pregnancy. 

GIDGET FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA

Mental health support

Provides a range of support services that can help expectant and new parents who are feeling overwhelmed and stressed or experiencing PNDA during or after pregnancy.

Vaccination

SKAI – NATIONAL CENTRE FOR IMMUNISATION RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE AUSTRALIA

Pregnancy and newborn vaccinations

Provides information about recommended vaccines and about the diseases that can cause harm to mothers and their babies. 

NSW HEALTH

Vaccinations before, during and after pregnancy

Vaccination can protect you and your baby from harmful disease. Find out what you need and when.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Immunisation for pregnancy

Find out about immunisation for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine

Information about the whooping cough vaccine, who they are recommended for and possible side effects. If you're eligible, you can get the whooping cough vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.

NSW HEALTH

Pregnant women – protect your newborn from whooping cough

How ​whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy can protect your newborn from day one.

NSW HEALTH

Influenza information for pregnant women

Influenza (flu) is serious, especially when you are pregnant. Learn how to protect you and your baby from flu.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Influenza vaccination in pregnancy

Why you should vaccinate against influenza in pregnancy.

Support and guidance for miscarriage and pregnancy loss

NSW HEALTH

Early pregnancy – when things go wrong

Provides information on some of the warning signs of miscarriage as well as addressing many of the concerns women and their partners have when a miscarriage occurs.

THE PINK ELEPHANTS SUPPORT NETWORK

Miscarriage and early pregnancy loss

Information, online communities and emotional support resources for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.

RED NOSE GRIEF AND LOSS

Miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn loss support

A bereavement and grief support service provided by Red Nose Australia. 

Newborn screening tests

NSW HEALTH

Newborn Bloodspot Screening – tests to protect your baby

For all new parents, outlining the reasons for newborn bloodspot screening, conditions tested for, storage and retention of samples and contact details for further information.

NSW HEALTH

Hepatitis B vaccination for babies

It's recommended that all babies are vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth (or within 7 days of being born).

NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

Vitamin K for newborn babies

Provides information and advice on the importance of all newborn babies to receiving vitamin K.

SYDNEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS NETWORK

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibody

RSV is a virus that can cause the common cold and more severe infections in young children. The RSV monoclonal antibody can be given to help protect young children from severe RSV.

NSW HEALTH

Why does my baby need a hearing screen?

Your baby will be offered a series of health checks in the first few weeks of life. One of these looks for hearing loss. The hearing screen will be offered as soon as possible after birth.

Available in language.

Newborn care and breastfeeding

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Postnatal care and breastfeeding

Information to help you transition through your hospital stay at RPA to your first month at home. 

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Looking after your newborn

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a national Australian Government service providing support and information for expecting parents and parents of children, from birth to 5 years of age.

RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK

Newborns 0-3 months

Information you need to care for your newborn and look after yourself in the early days of parenting.

RED NOSE

Safe sleeping

Safe sleeping practices for newborns.

ACCC PRODUCT SAFETY

Keep baby safe

Information to help you to keep your baby safe, including practical tips for when you buy and use products.

CHILD CAR SEATS

Find a child car seat

Helping you make the safest choice when selecting a child car seat.

ACCC PRODUCT SAFETY

Prams and strollers guide

Safety standards and things to look for when buying a pram or stroller.

ACCC PRODUCT SAFETY

Baby slings

Parents and carers should take care when using slings and pouches to carry babies. A factsheet including steps for the correct use of baby slings.

NSW HEALTH

Breastfeeding your baby

Information and support services to help you learn the skill of breastfeeding.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Child and family health nursing

Child and family health nurses provide free health, growth and development checks for babies and children from birth to five years who live in Sydney Local Health District.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Guidelines for establishing breastfeeding

Information and tips to help you with breastfeeding.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

How can I tell that breastfeeding is going well?

A guide to help you understand when breastfeeding is going well and when to talk to your midwife or child and family health nurse.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Increasing your breastmilk supply

What you can do to increase your breastmilk supply.

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

The role of family and friends in supporting a breastfeeding mother

Offers support suggestions for new mothers. Whether it is your first or fifth baby, you can always benefit from some extra help and support.

Parenting

RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK

Parenting

Provides articles, videos and interactive resources tailored to different ages and stages, taking you from nurturing a newborn to raising a confident, resilient teen – and helping you to look after yourself as a parent too.

TRESILLIAN

Tresillian Family Care Centres

Australia's largest not-for-profit early parenting service offering families guidance in the early years of their child's life.

KARITANE

For parents

Supporting families to navigate parenting in the first 2,000 days of their child's life.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Pregnancy, birth and baby – being a parent

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a national Australian Government service providing support and information for expecting parents and parents of children, from birth to 5 years of age.

RAINBOW FAMILIES

Rainbow families – connecting, supporting and empowering

A charity to support, connect, celebrate, empower, and advocate for LGBTQ+ parents and their families at every stage of their lives.

BEYOND BLUE

Emotional health and wellbeing

A guide for new dads, partners and other carers.

MENSLINE AUSTRALIA

First time dad

Becoming a Father for the first time can be one of the happiest times in your life, it can also be a very emotional and confusing experience. MensLine Australia offers advice and support to make the most of this new change to your life, enjoying all that comes with it.

SMS4DADS

Tips and advice for new and expecting dads

Free text messages, support, information and tips for fathers, dads-to-be, families and health professionals.

Child and family health

SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Child Health Information Link – CHIL

Friendly and skilled staff provide health advice and link you to our Sydney Local Health District Community Health services for children aged 0-12 years.