It can be overwhelming to think about another life growing inside of you. Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent can be very challenging but with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice.
Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. Have your pregnancy confirmed by visiting your local GP. You should begin regular antenatal or pregnancy checkups with your GP or health care professional no later than 10 weeks after your last period. Your GP or major hospital will assist you with your options regarding antenatal care. To find out about financial assistance available, i.e. Parenting payment please follow this link or go to https://www.humanservices.gov.au/.
Parenting is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding things in life.
Pregnancy Care
If you want to continue your pregnancy you can choose between different types of pregnancy care if you live in the Geelong and the surrounding regions.
Private maternity services are available at St John of God Hospital and Epworth Geelong and there are private obstetricians who can be accessed through your GP.
Public maternity services are offered at University Hospital Geelong. In this hospital, pregnancy care can be shared with your GP; you can choose care in the Midwife Clinic; or through the Midwifery Group Practice. There are services for women and/or their baby who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and for women under 20 years old. A Chemical Dependency Unit cares for pregnant women who are affected by drug and alcohol issues.
Further away from Geelong, maternity services are available at Werribee Mercy Hospital; Colac Area Health; Hamilton Base Hospital; and South West Health Care in Warrnambool.
All these services are committed to keeping you and your baby healthy.
Sometimes women and others involved in a pregnancy want to be able to talk to someone about the emotional side of pregnancy. You can access the counselling service at Espod if you want to talk about being pregnant. Whether it is a new pregnancy or getting close to your due date, our counsellors will support you in your challenges and help you to grow.
Pregnancy and Education
Being pregnant or having a new baby does not mean you need to give up on your education. There are childcare facilities or there may be willing family/friends that could provide support for you.
The distance Education Centre Victoria can offer full time schooling at all levels to year 12 for students who cannot otherwise engage in regular school attendance. Enquires can be made by contacting the Centre on Toll Free 1300 348 353.
Northern Bay College is very supportive of education while parenting and has good resources. Talk to them about your individual needs. Enquires can made by contacting the coordinator at Northern Bay College. Contact details are on their website.
To find out more about distance education contact ACS Distance Education on 07 5562 1088.
Other pregnancy information links:
Pregnancy and early parenthood
Depression and anxiety can happen at any time – but we know women are more likely to experience these conditions during pregnancy and the year following the birth of a baby (also known as the perinatal period).
Read More
Pregnancy and food safety
The best way to meet you and your baby’s nutritional needs is to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods and be as healthy as possible as early as possible.
Pregnancy and Alcohol
If I’m pregnant or planning to become pregnant should I drink alcohol?
Drugs, Alcohol and Pregnancy
The information provided covers a variety of legal and illegal drugs, prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Also discussed are the concerns about alcohol and other drug withdrawal during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
General Information
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is provided on behalf of the Department of Health
Pregnancy and Diabetes
Diabetes Australia