Well Done Mum
- Packing your hospital bag
- Packing for labour ward
- Packing for hospital stay
- Packing for baby
- Other ways to prepare
- Factors to consider when buying baby equipment
- Buying a Buggy / Pram
- Buying a Cot / Moses basket
- Buying a Changing unit
- Other items worth considering
The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme
Under the Maternity and Infant care scheme antenatal care is provided free of charge to all expectant mothers (ordinarily residents of Ireland) using a combination of her own General Practitioner (GP) and a midwife/hospital obstetrician.
This care also extends to her newborn baby for six weeks after birth.
Under this scheme your GP provides about half of your ante natal care and you only visit the hospital early in your pregnancy and for a reduced number of visits after that.
Once your pregnancy is confirmed your GP will provide you with an application form which both you and your GP should complete and then return to your local health board where it will be processed for inclusion in the scheme.
Typically your schedule of ante natal care will be divided up as follows, (however, this can be modified by your GP and / or Obstetrician)
| Number of weeks pregnant | Visit to GP | Visit to maternity Hospital / Obstetrician |
|---|---|---|
| Before 12 weeks | * |
|
| Before 20 weeks | * |
|
| 24 weeks | * |
|
| 28 weeks | * Unless 1st pregnancy | * (in case of first pregnancy) |
| 30 weeks | * |
|
| 32 Weeks | * |
|
| 34 Weeks | * |
|
| 36 weeks | * |
|
| 37 Weeks | * |
|
| 38 Weeks | * |
|
| 39 weeks | * |
|
| 40 Weeks | * |
Birth of Baby |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks post natal (for baby) |
* |
|
| 6 weeks post natal (for both mum and baby) |
* |
|
Subsequent Antenatal Visits
At each subsequent antenatal visit, you will provide a urine sample, your blood pressure will be taken and you will be examined. Any concerns or anxieties you might have should be discussed at these visits. Most hospitals will have a course of ante natal classes which you and your partner can attend, near the time of birth. These classes allow you to learn about what to expect at the birth, the pain relief available, they offer breastfeeding support and also offer advice and looking after your health during pregnancy
You are entitled to take paid time off work to attend antenatal appointments and ante natal classes under the Maternity Protection Regulations 2004
Antenatal classes held by your local public maternity hospital are free of charge and you will need to book your place. It is usual to start your antenatal classes from about 30 weeks.
