Family Planning & Antenatal Care

 

Family Planning & Antenatal Care

We provide support at every stage of your reproductive health journey — from planning a pregnancy to antenatal care and postnatal wellbeing.

Pre‑Conception & Fertility Care

If you are considering pregnancy, we offer pre‑conception counselling to help optimise your health. If you are having difficulty conceiving, we can arrange initial investigations such as blood tests, semen analysis, and ultrasound.

Antenatal Care

If you are pregnant, please make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Your GP will:

  • Confirm your pregnancy

  • Refer you for your first hospital antenatal appointment and dating scan

  • Discuss your antenatal care options

  • Register you for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme

We participate in the HSE scheme, which provides free antenatal care, a 2‑week baby check, and a 6‑week check for both mother and baby.

Maternity and Infant Care Scheme

All pregnant women who are ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to care under this scheme. “Ordinarily resident” means you live in Ireland or intend to stay for at least one year.

Care is shared between your GP and a hospital obstetrician.

If this is your first pregnancy

You will have:

  • A first GP examination (ideally before 12 weeks)

  • Five additional examinations, alternating between GP and hospital visits

Your schedule may be adjusted depending on your needs.

If this is not your first pregnancy

You will have:

  • An initial GP examination

  • Six further examinations

Additional Visits

If you develop a pregnancy‑related condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may have up to five extra GP visits covered by the scheme.

Care for non‑pregnancy‑related illnesses is not included.

Postnatal Care

The scheme also includes two free postnatal GP visits:

  • 2‑week check for your baby

  • 6‑week check for both mother and baby

Mothers are also entitled to free inpatient and outpatient public hospital services related to pregnancy and birth.

Vaccines During Pregnancy

There are two important vaccines recommended during pregnancy:

  • Whooping cough (pertussis)

  • Flu

These vaccines protect both you and your baby — during pregnancy and for the first few months after birth. Both are free for pregnant women, though a consultation fee may apply unless you have a medical card or GP visit card.

Whooping Cough Vaccine

Whooping cough is highly contagious and can be life‑threatening for babies. You should get the vaccine:

  • During each pregnancy

  • Between 16 and 36 weeks (it can be given later, but is less effective)

Flu Vaccine

Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications from flu. The flu vaccine:

  • Protects you during pregnancy

  • Reduces the risk of premature birth, smaller babies, and stillbirth

  • Protects your baby after birth

  • Can reduce the risk of stillbirth by over 50%

You can get the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. Flu season in Ireland runs from September to April. If you are pregnant across two flu seasons, you may need two vaccines.

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression affects 10–15% of women in the first year after giving birth. Symptoms may begin as “baby blues” and worsen over time, or may appear when your baby is 4–6 months old.

Symptoms vary from person to person and may be mild or severe. Support is available, and it is important to reach out if you think you may be experiencing postnatal depression.

You can:

  • Contact your public health nurse

  • Arrange an appointment with your GP

  • Ask a partner, friend, or family member to book an appointment if you don’t feel able to do so yourself

Useful Links & Resources

  • MyChild.ie – Pregnancy, labour, birth, babies, toddlers, parenting

  • HSE – Maternity Services

  • HSE – Pregnancy video series

  • HSE – Postnatal Depression

  • MyOptions.ie – Support for unplanned pregnancy

  • Cuidiú – Parent‑to‑parent support

  • Breastfeeding.ie – Practical breastfeeding information and local supports

  • Rollercoaster.ie – Irish parenting community

  • Mummypages.ie – Parenting advice and forums

  • Association of Lactation Consultants Ireland – Accredited lactation consultant directory

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. While we aim to keep content up to date, errors may occur. Please discuss any health concerns with your GP. If you have suggestions or updates that may help others, we welcome your feedback.