Birthing services in the Top End

This page has information about birthing services for women in the Gove region.

The Gove District Hospital's (GDH) maternity ward has 10 inpatient beds with 2 birthing rooms.

There is a birth room with a bath that can be used for pain relief or a water birth.

You can contact the GDH maternity ward on 08 8987 0219.

Read more about GDH and visiting hours.

Antenatal clinic

The antenatal clinic provides ongoing care and support throughout your pregnancy.

A referral letter is needed from your GP, the letter should contain early pregnancy information, such as dating scans and blood tests.

At your first appointment you will be shown around the maternity ward and will discuss your pregnancy care options.

If you are from a remote community you will travel to the antenatal clinic at about 38 weeks of pregnancy.

You should bring the following to your appointment:

• Medicare card - if you don't have a Medicare care you must bring your passport
• health care card
• letter of appointment
• a copy of any test results for this pregnancy
• your doctor's contact details
• private health insurance details.

You can book an appointment with the midwives and doctors by calling 08 8987 0219.

If you need an interpreter you should ask the receptionist when booking your appointment.

Pregnancy care and education classes

You have several pregnancy care options in Gove.

Childbirth education classes are run according to need, usually every 2 months.

Your class will have similar information as Darwin childbirth education.

For more information on childbirth education classes call the Gove maternity ward on 08 8987 0219.

Midwifery care

During your pregnancy, your midwife will conduct routine check-ups and talk about care and support for during and after pregnancy.

You will be asked questions about your medical, surgical, social history and how you're doing overall.

Your first visit may take up to an hour.

You can contact the Gove midwives clinic on 08 8987 0219.

Obstetrician clinic

The maternity ward has GPs with advanced obstetric skills.

If you need to see a specialist obstetric doctor you may need to be referred to the obstetric clinic at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Community shared pregnancy care

Aboriginal women in the Gove region may choose to have pregnancy care with the Miwatj Health Clinic and the GDH.

You will be given a pregnancy health record, is important to bring this record to all your appointments.

Women from remote communities will have a ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, at either:

• the Gove hospital or
• your home community (if available).

You will travel to Gove at around 38 weeks of pregnancy.

You will stay in self-care accommodation and give birth on the maternity ward at GDH.

Higher risk pregnancy

You may need to be referred to Darwin if you have a higher risk pregnancy, for example:

• you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater
• you have a premature labour (labour starting before 36 weeks of pregnancy).

After giving birth

Your length of stay at the maternity ward will depend on your needs.

If you and your baby are healthy, early discharged is supported.

After discharged from the ward a midwife will organise home visits with you.

You should have a 6 week post-birth check-up with your general practitioner (GP) or at your nearest community care centre.