Your General Practitioner (GP), or family doctor, is often the first person who you will see in your pregnancy. Navigating the healthcare system after receiving an unexpected finding in pregnancy can be challenging, and your GP may be able to help you find the best place for your ongoing pregnancy care. Your GP may have an interest in pregnancy care and may be able to provide some antenatal care through their clinic, and will refer you to other members of your care team, including other specialists and allied health professionals. They may also assist you in selecting investigations and making treatment decisions. Your GP will continue to look after you and your family in the longer term.

Your GP can also connect you with mental health professionals and can explore options for rebated sessions under the Better Access program or through a referral for Non-Directive Pregnancy Counselling.

"Genetic counselling is a communication process, which aims to help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, familial and reproductive implications of the genetic contribution to specific health conditions."

https://www.hgsa.org.au/asgc/frequently-asked-questions

 

An allied health professional with specialised knowledge in genetics, genomics, counselling and health communication. Genetic counsellors spend time with you and your family to ensure you understand the implications of the condition, the testing options and how to interpret your test results. They assist you with understanding the details so that you can make informed decisions. They work closely with Clinical Geneticists. See also Genetic Counselling. 

 

The time between conception and birth.