Maternity services frequently asked questions
How do I book in to have my baby at Gosford Hospital?
Your GP will send us an electronic referral and we will contact you for a booking in appointment. Your booking in appointment will happen when you are around 16 weeks pregnant.
My doctor has sent my referral – when will I hear something?
We will send you a text message when we receive your referral. The next time you hear from us will be when we call you to make your first appointment.
If you have not received a text message or are more than 16 weeks pregnant and do not have a booking in appointment, please call 02 4320 2884.
How do I book in to birth as a private patient?
You will need to book in with a private obstetrician and discuss birthing at Gosford Hospital with them. Your obstetrician will then contact us. You will not need to attend Gosford Hospital prior to birthing.
Where will I birth my baby? Can I birth at another hospital on the Central Coast?
We offer birthing services at Gosford Hospital. You have the option to birth as a public or private patient. We offer antenatal care at Wyong Hospital or at community health centres.
Eligible pregnant women have the option of a homebirth.
How many support people can I have at the birth?
We recommend you have up to two support people during labour and birth.
What happens if my baby needs extra care after birth?
We have a Special Care Nursery at Gosford Hospital to care for premature and unwell babies over 32 weeks gestation.
Can I have my own room in the maternity ward?
We have single and double rooms within the Maternity Ward for women admitted during pregnancy and after birth. The allocation of single rooms is considered on individual needs, with priority given to clinical needs.
Women birthing as a private patient will be allocated a single room if we have a room available.
Can my partner stay with me following the birth?
Your partner may be able to stay with you overnight if you are allocated a single room. If you are staying in a double room, your partner is unable to stay overnight with you. Partners are welcome between 8.30am and 8.30pm.
Can my partner stay with me if I am being induced?
Your partner can be with you while the induction procedure takes place but, in some circumstances, may not be able to stay overnight with you. We will discuss your individual circumstances and next steps with you if an induction is required.
What happens if my pregnancy is high risk?
We have a full team of obstetricians and midwives to support you and your baby. We offer obstetric-led care for women with complex pregnancies who require specialist care.
Will the increase in women giving birth at Gosford Hospital due to the closure of the private hospital mean that I won’t get the same level of care and/or get discharged early from in hospital?
Care provided to women giving birth at Gosford Hospital is individualised based on clinical need. We have been planning for the increased activity expected following the closure of Gosford Private Hospital and are confident that we have the infrastructure and resources to support it.