Downloads

Future directions for Victoria's maternity services - May 2004 (PDF file 1.23 MB)

Guide to tests and investigations for uncomplicated pregnancies - a 3Centres collaboration publication

In Victoria, pregnancy & birth care may be provided:

• by midwives, GPs, obstetricians or a combination
• in hospitals, birth centres within hospitals, or community settings
• within the public health system or privately.

This site provides information on:

• the types of care offered during pregnancy and childbirth in Victorian public hospitals providing maternity services
• the various options you may want to consider during pregnancy e.g. care provider or place of care
• up to date health information and advice for your pregnancy and birth
• how to get the most out of the care you receive.

If you are having a baby, or thinking about becoming pregnant, you will want to know and think about the types of care offered by Victoria’s maternity services through the public hospital system. Victorian maternity care is based on a system that focuses on level of care for women, informed by the needs of consumers. All women in Victoria have access to primary maternity care services, which provide the basis for referral to other levels of maternity service. Across all levels of care, midwives, obstetricians and GPs work collaboratively to ensure all women have access to, and experience safe, satisfying maternity care. There are three levels of maternity service:

Primary maternity services

Primary maternity services are available for women who experience an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth, and do not require ongoing specialist supervision or intervention. The service providers in this level are usually general practitioners and midwives, although obstetricians may also participate in providing primary care in some locations.

Secondary maternity services

Secondary maternity services are for women who have or develop complications and require secondary level medical input during pregnancy or birth. Women are referred for medical care, provided at the same hospital or through transfer to another hospital during pregnancy or labour. Midwives are still involved, both during the antenatal period and in providing continued clinical care in labour and the postnatal period.

Tertiary maternity services

Tertiary services are for women and babies with complex and/or rare medical conditions, who require multidisciplinary specialist care. Obstetricians are particularly essential in providing tertiary level care, with midwives still involved in providing continued clinical care, during labour and the postnatal period. Victoria has three hospitals that provide tertiary maternity services. Women are referred or transferred to a tertiary hospital during pregnancy or labour.

For more information on the Victorian Government’s Future directions for Victoria’s maternity services, go to: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/maternitycare/

If you wish to see an obstetrician privately or attend a private hospital:

• you need referral from your GP
• see the private hospital website for contact information.