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: