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Antenatal care helps track your baby’s development and supports your health during pregnancy.
But the type of care you choose can shape your experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the different antenatal care options available in Australia, so you can make informed decisions that suit your needs and lifestyle.
1. Public Hospital Care (Shared or Midwifery-led)
Cost: Free or low-cost under Medicare.
Best for: Low-risk pregnancies or families looking for affordable, accessible care.
What’s included:
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Regular check-ups with midwives or shared care with your GP
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Access to hospital facilities for birth
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Birth classes and education
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Emergency care if needed
Shared care means your GP handles most visits, and the hospital midwives or obstetricians step in for key appointments and delivery.
Midwifery group practice (MGP) gives you one midwife or a small team throughout your pregnancy and birth.
2. Private Obstetric Care
Cost: $3,000–$5,000 out-of-pocket (after Medicare/private health rebates).
Best for: Families wanting consistency with a specific obstetrician and private hospital delivery.
What’s included:
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One-on-one care with your chosen obstetrician
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Birth at a private hospital
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Access to private rooms and extended stays
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Options for planned C-sections or specific birth plans
You’ll need private health insurance with pregnancy cover, activated well before you fall pregnant (usually 12 months waiting).
👉 RANZCOG – Find an obstetrician
3. GP Shared Care
Cost: Covered by Medicare (bulk-billed GPs) or small gap fees.
Best for: If you prefer to see your family GP throughout your pregnancy.
What’s included:
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Most appointments with your GP
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Referrals for scans and tests
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Birth and emergencies handled by the public hospital
This is a good option if your GP knows your medical history well and you feel comfortable with them.
4. Midwifery-led Birth Centres
Cost: Public access (mostly free), but places are limited.
Best for: Low-risk pregnancies and those wanting a natural, low-intervention birth.
What’s included:
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Care from midwives only
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Home-like birth centre environment
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Support for water birth and natural labour
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Access to hospital backup if needed
These centres often have long waitlists, so early registration is key.
5. Private Midwives and Home Birth
Cost: $3,000–$6,000, usually not covered by Medicare.
Best for: Women seeking a natural birth at home with experienced midwives.
What’s included:
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In-home antenatal care
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Birth at home with a registered midwife
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Postnatal support
Only recommended for low-risk pregnancies. You’ll need a back-up hospital plan just in case.
👉 Learn more about midwifery care at Pregnancy Birth & Baby
6. Doulas
Doulas aren’t medical professionals. They provide emotional, physical, and practical support before, during and after birth.
What a doula does:
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Help you prepare mentally and emotionally
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Support you (and your partner) during labour
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Advocate for your birth preferences
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Assist in early postpartum care
Best if: You want extra support alongside medical professionals, especially during birth.
7. Antenatal Classes
Classes help you understand not only your antenatal care options but:
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What to expect in labour and birth
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How to prepare mentally and physically
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Baby care basics
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Your options and rights in the birth space
Available through:
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Public hospitals (often free)
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Private hospitals (usually part of a maternity package)
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Online platforms
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Private educators or doulas
Tip: Book early, spots fill quickly.
Personal Support: You’ll Need It
Pregnancy isn’t just medical.
It’s emotional, hormonal, and overwhelming at times.
Lean on:
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Your partner or birth support person
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Friends and family
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Online or local pregnancy groups
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Professionals like perinatal psychologists or lactation consultants
Support can change your whole experience, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
👉 COPE – Mental health support in pregnancy
Public or Private? What’s the Difference?
Public (via Medicare):
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Free or low cost
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Access to midwives and hospital specialists
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May not see the same provider each time
Private (via insurance/self-fund):
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Choose your obstetrician or midwife
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Private hospital care and private room
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Higher out-of-pocket cost
Things to Think About:
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Do you feel safer in a hospital or more comfortable at home?
- What Antenatal Care is important to you?
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Is continuity of care important to you?
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Do you want the same care provider throughout your pregnancy?
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What does your budget and health insurance cover?
Why It Matters for Your Photos
Antenatal Care is so important. A calm, supported pregnancy often leads to a smoother transition into motherhood.
When you feel confident in your care, you’ll be more relaxed and connected and that shows in your maternity and newborn photos.
As a photographer, I see the difference antenatal support makes. It helps you show up as your best self in front of the camera.
Looking for maternity or newborn photos that reflect your unique journey?
Or send me a message to chat about what you’re envisioning.
