Pregnancy, birth and baby
It’s important that all pregnant women can find the support they need to keep themselves and their babies safe. The health of a baby at birth can affect their wellbeing throughout the rest of their lives. Find out what we’re doing to improve pregnancy, birth and baby health for all Australians.
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Pregnancy, birth and baby care in Australia
A mother’s health — including her age, weight and whether she smoked or drank alcohol during pregnancy — affects both the mother and her baby.
In 2017, more than 300,000 women in Australia gave birth:
- 1 in 10 of these women smoked during their pregnancy
- 20% were classified as obese and 25.6% as overweight but not obese
- 1 in 4 continued to drink alcohol after they found out they were pregnant
How healthy a baby is at birth can affect their health and wellbeing throughout life. This is why our work on pregnancy, birth and baby health is so important.
What we’re doing about pregnancy, birth and baby
Our plans, strategies and programs guide our work to improve pregnancy, birth and baby health for all Australians.
We do this in many ways, including:
- developing the pregnancy care guidelines for maternity service providers
- writing 24 hour movement guidelines for birth to 5 years to encourage fun activity and play
- providing information on immunisation for pregnancy
- funding the pregnancy, birth and baby website, including the hotline
- protecting, promoting, supporting and monitoring breastfeeding throughout Australia
- providing information on stillbirth and maternity services including our work on the National Strategic Approach to Maternity Services
- providing travel advice for pregnant women going to areas affected by Zika virus
- providing guidance on policy and program development and implementation of services that meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is culturally safe
- programs designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait maternal and child health, such as the Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program
News
Influenza and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination in pregnancy
The influenza and whooping cough vaccines are provided free to pregnant women through the National Immunisation Program.
Key frameworks
Birthing on Country 2016
This document provides guidance on the development of a Birthing on Country Service. The service aims to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies.
Initiatives and programs
Pregnant Pause initiative
This funded initiative encourages Australians to go alcohol-free during their pregnancy or the pregnancy of loved ones. It helps mums-to-be build a strong support system. It also raises awareness of the serious effects of alcohol during pregnancy.
Resources
National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Strategic Action Plan 2018–2028
This plan aims to reduce the incidence and impact of FASD in Australia. This will improve the quality of life for people living with FASD. The Plan identifies 4 national priorities and is for the period 2018 to 2028.
Support services
Alcohol. Think Again contact
The Alcohol. Think Again website provides resources and information about the effects of alcohol on your health. There is information for parents, young people, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy, birth and baby hotline
You can call this hotline to speak to a maternal child health nurse for advice and guidance. Hours are from 7am to midnight (AEST/EADT), 7 days a week (including public holidays).
Breastfeeding helpline
This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by trained volunteer counsellors who can provide reassurance, give you knowledge about how breastfeeding works and help you to overcome common hurdles.