Pregnancy screening and testing

Pregnant women in the Northern Territory (NT) should see their doctor or midwife within the first ten weeks of pregnancy.

Your doctor or midwife will:

• confirm your pregnancy
• plan your pregnancy care
• discuss pregnancy care options.

They will also give you advice about:

• genetic screening 
• ultrasounds
• healthy pregnancy
• pregnancy assessments
• nutrition. 

All tests offered and performed in pregnancy are optional and performed only with your consent.

You will also be offered screening between nine and 13 weeks for a protein produced by the placenta known as PAPP-A. A low PAPP-A is less than 0.37 and should be investigated.

You should ask your doctor or midwife to explain the tests and give you written information.

What to expect on your first doctor/midwife visit 

Your doctor or midwife will work out when your baby is due. They will also:

• measure your height and weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI)
• take a medical, surgical, family, mental health and social history
• ask you about allergies, medication, smoking and alcohol
• ask you about previous pregnancies and births
• take your blood pressure
• check baby position and growth - after 16 weeks of pregnancy
• listen to the baby's heart beat - after 16 weeks of pregnancy
• discuss baby feeding preferences - midwives will usually discuss this with you at around 20 weeks
• check blood, urine and ultrasound tests
• ask about domestic violence 
• ask about general health.

What to expect on subsequent doctor/midwife visits

Your doctor or midwife will check to make sure that you and your baby are healthy. They may:

• take your blood pressure
• feel your belly to feel the position of the baby
• measure your belly with a measuring tape
• listen to the baby's heart beat
• check blood, urine and ultrasound tests
• answer you and your partner's questions
• provide education about good health and parenting
• discuss breast feeding.