In short: If you have just found out you are pregnant, there are three simple first steps — start a folic acid and iodine supplement, book a GP appointment for your first pregnancy check (ideally before 10 weeks), and make a few lifestyle adjustments. This guide explains what to do and what your GP will do to help you get off to a healthy start.
Congratulations — Here's Where to Begin
Finding out you are pregnant is a big moment, and it is normal to wonder what to do next. The good news is that the first steps are straightforward, and your GP is there to guide you through the whole journey.
You do not need to have everything figured out today. The two things worth starting straight away are a pregnancy supplement and a GP appointment.
Step 1: Confirm Your Pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, but it is still worth seeing your GP, who can confirm the pregnancy and help you plan the weeks ahead. Your GP can confirm a pregnancy with a urine or blood test if needed.
Your GP will also help work out how many weeks pregnant you are and your estimated due date, based on the date of your last period.
Step 2: Start a Folic Acid and Iodine Supplement
Two supplements are recommended for all pregnancies in Australia:
- Folic acid (folate) — helps protect your baby against neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It works best taken daily for the month before conception and through the first three months of pregnancy. If you were not already taking it, start as soon as you know you are pregnant. In Australia, folic acid supplements are commonly sold in a 500 microgram daily dose.
- Iodine — recommended at 150 micrograms per day before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding, to support your baby's brain development.
Some people — for example, those with a higher chance of a neural tube defect — are advised to take a much higher dose of folic acid (5 mg) until 12 weeks. This is something to discuss with your GP, who can recommend the right dose for you. A pregnancy multivitamin often contains both folic acid and iodine, but it is worth checking the dose with your doctor or pharmacist.
Step 3: Book Your First Antenatal (Pregnancy) Visit
Try to see your GP for your first pregnancy check before 10 weeks, ideally at around 6 to 8 weeks. Booking early matters because some tests — such as accurately dating the pregnancy and early screening — work best in the first weeks.
This first visit is longer than a usual appointment, so let reception know it is for a pregnancy check when you book.
What Your GP Will Do at the First Visit
Your GP uses this visit to make sure you and your baby are well supported. They will usually:
- Take a detailed health history, asking about your general health, past pregnancies, medicines and family history
- Confirm how many weeks pregnant you are and work out your due date (and arrange a dating ultrasound if the dates are unclear)
- Offer your first round of pregnancy blood tests
- Explain your options for where and how you would like to have your pregnancy care (your "model of care") and arrange a referral
- Talk through the screening tests available in early pregnancy
- Answer your questions and give advice for a healthy pregnancy
Early Pregnancy Tests Explained
Your GP will offer some routine tests early in pregnancy. These are there to keep you and your baby safe, and most are simple blood tests:
- Blood group and antibodies — including whether you are RhD negative. If you are, you may be offered injections (anti-D) during pregnancy to protect future pregnancies.
- Full blood count — checks for anaemia (low iron); usually repeated later in pregnancy.
- Infection screening — blood tests that check for several infections that could affect your baby, so they can be managed early.
- Dating ultrasound — usually in the first trimester, to confirm how far along you are and your due date.
You may also be offered screening tests for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome — for example, combined first-trimester screening (a scan plus a blood test) or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT, a blood test). These screening tests are optional and your choice. It is worth knowing that NIPT is not covered by Medicare, so it usually has an out-of-pocket cost. Your GP will explain what each test involves so you can decide what is right for you.
A Healthy Start: Lifestyle in Early Pregnancy
Small changes early on make a real difference. The main ones to know about:
- Alcohol — there is no level of alcohol known to be safe in pregnancy, so not drinking is the safest choice.
- Smoking and vaping — there is no safe amount; stopping is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Your GP can help you quit.
- Caffeine — keep to a maximum of about 200 mg a day (roughly one to two cups of coffee, depending on strength).
- Food safety — avoid foods that carry a listeria risk, such as soft and unpasteurised cheeses, pâté, pre-prepared salads, and raw or chilled ready-to-eat seafood (for example sushi, smoked salmon and raw oysters).
- Medicines — check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Do not stop a regular prescribed medicine without advice, as some need to be continued.
When to Seek Care Sooner
Early pregnancy is usually straightforward, but contact your GP or seek urgent care if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent tummy pain, severe vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, fever, or fainting. If you are ever seriously unwell, call 000.
How Reliance Medical Centre Can Help
Our GPs at Reliance Medical Centre in Truganina can support you from the very start of your pregnancy. We can:
- Confirm your pregnancy and work out your due date
- Start you on the right supplements and give early-pregnancy advice
- Arrange your first pregnancy blood tests through our on-site pathology
- Discuss your antenatal care options and refer you to your chosen model of care
- Provide ongoing GP and shared antenatal care close to home
To book your first pregnancy appointment, book online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a GP after a positive pregnancy test?
Try to book your first pregnancy (antenatal) visit before 10 weeks, ideally at around 6 to 8 weeks. Seeing your GP early allows time for tests that work best in the first weeks, such as dating the pregnancy and early screening. Let reception know it is a pregnancy check, as the first visit is longer than usual.
What supplements should I take in early pregnancy?
In Australia, folic acid and iodine are recommended for all pregnancies. Folic acid (commonly a 500 microgram daily dose) helps protect your baby against neural tube defects, and iodine (150 micrograms a day) supports brain development. Some people need a higher dose of folic acid, so check with your GP about what is right for you.
Are home pregnancy tests accurate?
Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when used correctly. Even so, it is worth seeing your GP, who can confirm the pregnancy with a urine or blood test if needed and help you plan your care and work out your due date.
What foods and drinks should I avoid during pregnancy?
It is safest to avoid alcohol completely and to keep caffeine to about 200 mg a day. Avoid foods with a listeria risk, such as soft or unpasteurised cheeses, pâté, pre-prepared salads, and raw or chilled ready-to-eat seafood. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.
What happens at my first antenatal appointment?
Your GP takes a detailed health history, confirms how far along you are and your due date, offers your first pregnancy blood tests, explains screening options, and talks through where you would like to have your care before arranging a referral. It is a good time to ask any questions.
Are pregnancy blood tests and ultrasounds covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers many parts of pregnancy care, including a range of blood tests and ultrasounds, and some providers bulk bill. Not everything is covered — for example, NIPT screening is not funded by Medicare and has an out-of-pocket cost. Your GP can explain what to expect.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Healthdirect) — Your first antenatal visit and The role of your GP
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Folate and pregnancy and Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy
- Australian Government Department of Health — Pregnancy Care Guidelines
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. Please see your GP for advice tailored to your situation, and seek urgent care if you are unwell.
