Birthing services in the Top End

Are you pregnant or planning?

This section has information about pregnancy and birthing services in the Top End.

Areas covered include Katherine, Nhulunbuy (Gove), Darwin and surrounding regions.

You will find information on:

• your General Practitioner (GP)
• early pregnancy care and your first antenatal care visit
• pregnancy and birthing services in the Top End
• remote areas, hospital information and support and education.

If you are in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek or the Barkly region, read about birthing services in Central Australia.

Top End Health Service

You are encouraged to be as involved in your pregnancy journey as much as possible.

Every pregnancy is different for women and their families.

You should read about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and attend education classes.

You should include your support person and family. You should also identify any support networks within the community.

Most women have normal risk pregnancies.

A normal risk pregnancy means you are well and there is little chance you will develop any health problems related to your pregnancy.

Some women have complicated or high risk pregnancies. There is a higher chance that your health may be affected by pregnancy or birth.

Your midwife, GP or obstetrician can provide care for normal and high risk pregnancies.

If you have a high risk pregnancy, the midwives and doctors will work to keep you and your baby healthy.

Your local General Practitioner (GP)

Go to your GP if you are pregnant or have a positive test.

Your GP will do a health and pregnancy checkup and discuss your options.

You may go to your local hospital for specialist care if required.

Your GP will provide your early pregnancy care and support. This may involve blood tests and early ultrasounds.

You will need a referral to the hospital.

As part of your referral your GP will ask questions about your health and social situation.

For a copy of the antenatal referral form go to the Department of Health website.

Your GP will send the referral to the hospital.

Early pregnancy care

If you have pregnancy complications before 12 weeks, this team will care for you.

You will need a referral from your GP or doctors at the emergency department.