Hello again,

I don't know if I am pregnant or not, but just out of curiousity I thought I would ask a few things about how things are organised here in Aus. I am not originally from here, so I have no idea about any of this stuff.

1. Who do you go to for checkups, a GP or a midwife or both? Or someone else?
2. Are all pregnancy checkups free?
3. Are all pregnant women offered an ultrasound? If so, when? And if not, where do you go to organise this, and is it free?
4. Is caesarian optional, or do you need a medical reason?
Hi,
Im in Vic, so it could be slightly different in different states.

1. You have to go to a gp first to get a confirmation that you a pg. They generally do a full blood screen and test for HIV & Hep B & C.
If you are pregnant, your doctor will give you a referral for an ultrasound to determine gestation. Then around 12-14 weeks you'll go back and get a referral for a hospital of your choice. Then you'll be contacted by the hospital and the midwives will make an appt for you and you can decide what sort of care you want to do, either shared care (where you see them one month and your gp the next) or you can choose to see only the midwives if your pregnancy has no issues.

2. If you are on medicare and using public hospital, then yes, all checkups are paid by medicare. If you are seeing a private ob, youll have to pay the ob fees (and get 1/2 back from medicare)

3. Yes all pregnant women will get a referal for an ultrasound. One in the early stages to check for gestation and the other around 20weeks for a checkup of the baby. Both will be paid by medicare if you are on medicare.

4. C-sections will always be offered if you have already had a c-section. I dont know for sure if you can opt for an elective, but i cant imagine why not. Some have said there must be a medical reason for it but i dont know if thats true or not. Best to ask the hospital.