Maternity & Infant Care Scheme

Pregnant women who are ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to maternity care through the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme. Being “ordinarily resident” means living in Ireland or intending to remain here for at least one year.

The scheme provides a comprehensive programme of care for expectant mothers, delivered by a family doctor (GP) of your choice and a hospital obstetrician. Virtually all GPs have agreements with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to offer these services, even if they are not part of the medical card system. This care is available to all pregnant women, regardless of whether they have a medical card.

Maternity Care Overview

For first pregnancies, the scheme includes an initial GP examination, ideally before 12 weeks, followed by five further checkups. These visits alternate with hospital maternity appointments. For subsequent pregnancies, there is an initial examination and six additional GP visits. Your GP or hospital obstetrician may adjust this schedule based on your specific needs.

If you have a significant medical condition such as diabetes or hypertension, you may qualify for up to five extra GP visits under the scheme. However, care for other unrelated illnesses is not covered.

After delivery, the scheme provides for two postnatal visits with the GP:

  • At two weeks, the GP examines the baby and discusses the mother’s recovery.
  • At six weeks, the GP assesses both the mother and baby’s overall health, development, and immunisation plans.

Public Hospital Services

Mothers are entitled to free inpatient and outpatient public hospital services for the pregnancy and birth. Standard inpatient hospital charges do not apply for care related to maternity.

Infant Care Services

Under the Under 8s GP Visit Card, children are entitled to free GP visits. Details about the application process can be found on the HSE website.

Additionally, a public health nurse visits the mother and baby at home during the first six weeks after birth. These visits are free and offer advice, support, and health monitoring.

Newborns are routinely screened for metabolic disorders through the Guthrie test (heel prick test). If the baby is born at home, this test can be done by the GP or at a hospital outpatient clinic. Parental consent is required for the test.

Immunisations During Pregnancy

The scheme includes important immunisations for pregnant women:

  • The flu vaccine, recommended at any stage of pregnancy, protects both mother and baby and is safe to administer.
  • The pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, recommended between 16 and 36 weeks, protects the baby until their routine immunisations begin at 2, 4, and 6 months.

Why Choose the Scheme?

Care under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme is popular due to its flexibility and accessibility. You can choose your GP and hospital, and the “shared care” approach ensures continuity with a trusted doctor who knows your medical history.

For added flexibility, you may combine the scheme with private maternity care by attending your GP visits through the scheme while paying for private consultant-led care if preferred.

Early Registration

You should visit your GP as soon as you discover you are pregnant, ideally between 6 and 10 weeks. Bring your PPS number to register your pregnancy with the HSE. The GP will provide a referral letter for your chosen maternity hospital, which you’ll need to contact to schedule your first antenatal visit.

Schedule of Visits

An example schedule for a first pregnancy includes:

  • As soon as pregnant: GP booking appointment
  • Week 20: Hospital
  • Week 24: GP
  • Week 28: GP (Hospital if first pregnancy)
  • Week 30: GP
  • Week 32: Hospital
  • Week 34: GP
  • Week 36: Hospital
  • Week 37: GP
  • Week 38: Hospital
  • Week 39: GP
  • Week 40: Hospital

The baby should be seen by the GP at two weeks and six weeks, while the mother also has a six-week postnatal checkup.

Breastfeeding and Baby’s Health

Breastfeeding is recommended as the ideal nutrition for babies, offering essential nutrients and antibodies. If you’re considering breastfeeding, your GP, public health nurse, or maternity hospital can provide guidance and support.

Key health tips for your baby include:

  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
  • Avoid smoking or allowing others to smoke around your baby.
  • Ensure your baby receives their routine immunisations on schedule.

By participating in the scheme, you and your baby receive personalised, high-quality care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of life.

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