Clinical commentary
Antenatal care is a system of regular assessments by a midwife or doctor throughout the course of the pregnancy that provides the opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles, screen for and—if necessary—treat health problems to benefit both mother and baby (WHO 2016). Commencing regular antenatal care in the first trimester (before 14 weeks’ gestational age) is associated with better maternal health in pregnancy, fewer interventions in late pregnancy and positive child health outcomes (AIHW 2018; DoH 2018).
The first contact with a woman in the antenatal period may be when she attends primary care usually a general practitioner (GP), to confirm the pregnancy. Women will either start antenatal care at that point or be referred to a maternity care provider or service; for example, a midwife, obstetrician, GP, or Aboriginal health service (DoH 2018).
Indicator specifications and data
Excel source data tables are available from the Data tab.
For more information see Specifications and notes for analysis in the technical notes.
References
- AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) 2018. Australia’s mothers and babies 2016–in brief. Perinatal statistics series no. 34 Cat. No. PER 97. Canberra: AIHW.
- DoH (Department of Health) 2018. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pregnancy Care. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health.
- WHO (World Health Organization) 2016. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Geneva: WHO.