Mother and Child Scheme
Every woman who is pregnant and ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to maternity care under the Mother and Child Scheme. Ordinarily resident means you are living here, or you intend to remain living here for at least one year.
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 a family doctor (GP) of your choice and a hospital obstetrician. You are entitled to this service even if you do not have a medical card.
The combined medical services are provided by your family doctor (GP) and a hospital obstetrician.
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, you may have up to 5 additional visits to the GP.
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.
After the birth, the GP will examine the baby at 2 weeks and both mother and baby at 6 weeks.
Mothers are entitled to free in-patient and out-patient public hospital services in respect of the pregnancy and the birth and are not liable for any of the standard in-patient hospital charges.
Vaccinations During Pregnancy
It is recommended that all women receive the Influenza Vaccine at any time during their pregnancy and also the Pertussis or “Whooping Cough” Vaccine (Boostrix®-IPV) between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
In Galway University Hospital, you can expect to be called for your initial “Booking” visit at approximately 12 or 13 weeks. Foetal scans are carried out at approximately 13 weeks and 20 weeks.
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
It is important to keep active and eat healthily during your pregnancy. Walking, swimming and antenatal pilates are ideal activities for most pregnant women.
Excess weight gain can lead to gestational diabetes and increases the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems.
For normal pre-pregnancy weight
1st Half of pregnancy 2-4Kg 5-9lbs
2nd Half of pregnancy 5-8.5Kg 11-19
Overall 7-12.5Kg