Antenatal Care

Maternity and Infant Care Scheme

Every woman who is pregnant and ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to maternity care under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme.

Under the scheme, your maternity care is provided jointly by your GP and a hospital obstetrician (a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth).

During your pregnancy

If this is your first pregnancy:

• Your GP will carry out your first pregnancy examination, ideally before 12 weeks.
• You will then have a further 5 examinations during your pregnancy.
• These visits usually alternate between your GP and the maternity unit/hospital.
• Your GP or hospital obstetrician may change the schedule depending on your individual circumstances.

If this is not your first pregnancy:

• You will have an initial examination.
• You will then have a further 6 examinations during your pregnancy.

Additional GP visits

If you develop a significant pregnancy-related illness, such as diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension), you may be entitled to up to 5 additional GP visits.

The scheme does not cover care for other illnesses that are not related to your pregnancy.

After your baby is born

The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme also includes 2 postnatal GP visits:

• At 2 weeks: an examination of your baby.
• At 6 weeks: an examination of you and your baby.

Hospital care

Mothers are entitled to free public hospital inpatient and outpatient services in relation to their pregnancy and childbirth.