Family Planning & Antenatal Care
Family Planning
We provide pre-conception counselling to those planning pregnancy, and also infertility advice for those having difficulties conceiving. The GP can arrange hormonal blood tests, refer for pelvic ultrasound or refer for semen analysis.
See also the women’s health section for contraception services. Family spacing can also be discussed during your consultation.
Maternity & Infant Care Scheme
The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. This service is provided by your GP and a hospital obstetrician.
You are entitled to this service even if you do not have a medical card.
On your first pregnancy the GP provides an initial examination, if possible before 12 weeks, and a further 5 examinations during the pregnancy, which are alternated with visits to the maternity unit/hospital.
The schedule of visits may be changed by your GP and/or hospital obstetrician, depending on your individual situation. For subsequent pregnancies you will have an initial examination and a further 6 examinations.
If you have a significant illness, e.g. diabetes or hypertension, your GP may schedule up to 5 additional visits to the GP.
After the birth, the GP will examine the baby at 2 weeks and both mother and baby at 6 weeks.
Care for other illnesses which you may have at this time, but which are not related to your pregnancy, is not covered by the Scheme. Out of hours services are not covered by the scheme.
The schedule of visits that is covered by the scheme is shown below:
Useful Links for Expectant Mothers:
https://patient.info/pregnancy/diet-and-lifestyle-during-pregnancy
VACCINES during pregnancy
There are 2 vaccines recommended during pregnancy:
- whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine
- flu vaccine
You will be protected against the flu and whooping cough if you receive these vaccinations.
Additionally, you will safeguard your unborn child during the first few months of their life.
Both vaccinations are free for expectant mothers.
Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression affects 10 to 15% of women within the first year of giving birth. The symptoms of postnatal depression sometimes start as baby blues and then get worse. For some women, the symptoms take time to develop and may be most obvious when your baby is 4 to 6 months old.
Please see the link below for helpful information on Postnatal depression. If you feel you are suffering from postnatal depression, please contact the practice and book a consultation with one of our GPs to discuss.
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/mental-health/postnatal-depression/postnatal-depression.html