Antenatal & Postnatal Care

Comprehensive support for mothers during and after pregnancy

Our practice participates in the Maternity & Infant Care Scheme, which provides free maternity care to all expectant mothers ordinarily resident in Ireland

First Time Mothers: Guidance and resources

What additional services are available for me and my baby?

Common conditions expectant mothers experience

Antenatal care: What care to expect during my pregnancy?

Postnatal care: What happens after the birth of my baby?

How does the Maternity & Infant Care Scheme work?

Common conditions expectant mothers experience

While every pregnancy is unique, there are several common conditions that many expectant mothers experience, with varying severity:

Nausea and vomiting: Often called "morning sickness," this can occur at any time of day and is most common in the first trimester.
Fatigue: Especially prevalent in the first and third trimesters.
Frequent urination: Due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the bladder.
Back pain: As the pregnancy progresses and the baby grows, many women experience lower back pain.
Swelling: Particularly in the feet and ankles, often occurring in the later stages of pregnancy.
Heartburn: Common as the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach.
Constipation: Due to hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines.
Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause emotional changes throughout pregnancy.
Breast tenderness: Often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and can continue throughout.
Mild anemia: Many women experience a decrease in iron levels during pregnancy.

First Time Mothers: Guidance and resources

For your first pregnancy, you will typically have a series of appointments alternating between your GP and the maternity hospital. Here's what you can expect:

An initial examination with your GP, ideally before 12 weeks of pregnancy
5 additional examinations with your GP/Practice Nurse during pregnancy
6 appointments at your maternity unit or hospital

Your schedule may look similar to this:

GP Visits

As soon as pregnancy is confirmed
12 weeks
16 weeks
24 weeks
30 weeks
34 weeks
37 weeks
39 weeks

Common questions first-time mothers often have:

What happens during these appointments?
Your GP and hospital staff will monitor your health and your baby's development, perform necessary tests, and provide advice on nutrition and pregnancy care.
Can I bring my partner to appointments?
Partners are usually welcome, especially for scans and antenatal classes.
How long do appointments typically last?
GP appointments usually last 10-15 minutes, while hospital visits may be longer, especially if scans are involved.
What if I have concerns between scheduled appointments?
Don't hesitate to contact your GP or maternity unit if you have any worries or questions between appointments.

Hospital Visits

20 weeks: (including anomaly scan)
28 weeks
32 weeks
36 weeks
38 weeks
40 weeks

How does the Maternity & Infant Care Scheme work?

How does the Maternity & Infant Care Scheme work?

The Maternity & Infant Care Scheme provides free maternity care to all expectant mothers ordinarily resident in Ireland. The scheme offers combined care delivered by a GP of your choice and a hospital obstetrician

You are entitled to this service regardless of whether you have a medical card or GP visit card.

The scheme covers pregnancy-related care, but not illnesses unrelated to pregnancy.

How do I apply for the maternity and infant care scheme?

On your visit to our practice, we will complete the form with you and submit the form to the HSE for processing.