Postpartum underwear: Australian fit and buying guide
Compare postpartum underwear fit, fabrics and reusable or disposable options, with practical reminders to discuss recovery needs with your care team.
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Positive pregnancy test: next steps in Australia
A positive home pregnancy test usually means you’re pregnant. Book an appointment with your GP to confirm the result and talk through your next steps.
Your due date is usually estimated at 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. Your GP or midwife can help work out how far along you are. See Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s due-date guidance.
Schedule a prenatal appointment
Contact your GP or a family planning clinic after a positive pregnancy test to arrange confirmation and discuss your next steps. You do not need to wait until eight weeks to make contact. Your clinician will explain which tests or examinations are appropriate, what they involve and ask for your consent. See the Australian antenatal care guidance.
Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you are seriously unwell or need urgent help. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy. Do not wait for your routine appointment. Contact your doctor or midwife straight away for bleeding or pain. Read Healthdirect’s ectopic pregnancy guidance.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, pharmacy medicines, herbal products and supplements you use. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without speaking to your doctor. Ask promptly for an individual medicine review. See the Royal Women’s Hospital medicines and pregnancy guidance.
Prepare yourself for the first appointment
Before your appointment, note the first day of your last period if you know it, any symptoms, your medicines and the questions you want to ask. Bring relevant personal and family medical history if available. Do not delay seeking care while gathering this information.
Get educated about the pregnancy
Every week is a new development for the baby and your body. Sign up for weekly newsletters that give you weekly updates and answer pregnancy-related questions. Real-life comparisons like how your baby has grown from a blueberry to avocado will give you a true picture of the human growing inside. You can get an abundance of information on pregnancy apps right from tracking your due date, to pregnancy FAQs to postpartum information that will comfort you and help you make decisions.
Sit back and read pregnancy-related books, they are a great source of knowledge and real-life experiences.
Tiredness, nausea and mixed emotions are common in the early weeks, but you don’t have to manage them alone. Speak with your GP or midwife if symptoms are difficult to manage or you feel very anxious or low. Seek medical advice promptly for vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain. Read Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s first-trimester guidance.
Prenatal Vitamins
If you have not started folic acid, ask a pharmacist or doctor about starting a suitable supplement promptly. It helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The appropriate dose depends on your circumstances; some people need a prescribed higher dose. Check existing supplements to avoid doubling up. See Australian folic acid dose and timing guidance.
Do not take excessive vitamins and make sure to consult your doctor about the vitamins that are ideal for you.
Quit smoking and drinking
Smoking is extremely harmful for you and especially for the baby. If you haven’t already quit, now is the time to. If you are unable to do so seek professional help. Placental problems, miscarriage, and preterm birth are only a few side effects of smoking. It slows down fetal growth and can lead to stillbirth or infancy death. Second-hand smoke can also harm you and your baby. Ask others to keep your home and car smoke-free. Read the Australian smoking and pregnancy guidance.
Say no to alcohol. The Australian recommendation is not to drink alcohol during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. If you drank before finding out, or need help stopping, speak with your healthcare professional. Read the Australian alcohol guidance.
Keep a note of questions as they come up. Your GP or midwife can help you understand your options and get the care you need.
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