Antenatal Services

You will have a number of appointments during your pregnancy. Appointments will be with your GP, hospital, or a midwife.
You will have more appointments if you are:

• Diagnosed with a pregnancy-related condition like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes
• Pregnant with twins or multiple babies

The scheme does not cover appointments for illnesses that are not related to your pregnancy. For example: a urinary tract infection, chest infection or cough.

Appointments with your GP

If you register for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, your first appointment will be with your GP. You will see your GP at least five times during your pregnancy. At these appointments, your GP will carry out antenatal checks and provide you with important information about how to have a healthy pregnancy.

Your GP will also offer you a free flu vaccine during one of your visits. The flu season runs from September to the end of April. In addition, between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, your GP will offer you a vaccination to protect your baby from whooping cough (pertussis).

For more information, please see the HSE website: https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/pregnancy-care/care-appointments/