Starting a family is a joyous and exciting time, but it can also be challenging for some. Here, at Galway East Medical Practice we are delighted to accompany you on this journey and are happy to answer any worries or questions you may have at each step of the way.
We provide antenatal care and post-natal care to women for free under the 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. You are entitled to this service even if you do not have a medical card. The combined medical services are provided by one of our GPs and also the antenatal outpatient or midwives clinics.
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/midwife clinic. 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 during pregnancy, 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.
If you have an unplanned pregnancy, please come and talk to us. We will listen to you in a non-judgmental way and give you any advice you may need.
Pre-Pregnancy Health & Wellbeing
The decision to start a family is an important, sometimes overwhelming, step. You may begin to think about what you need to do to prepare your physical and emotional health, and reflect on roles and relationships within your family.
Women and men should prepare for pregnancy before becoming sexually active — or at least three months before getting pregnant. Some actions, such as quitting smoking, reaching a healthy weight, or adjusting current medication should start even earlier. The five most important things you can do for preconception health are:
- Take folic acidevery day. This lowers the risk of some birth defects of the brain and spine, including spina bifida. All women need folic acid every day. Talk to your Doctor about your folic acid needs. Your Doctor will also discuss any additional supplements that may be required e.g. vitamin D.
- If you are vegetarian or vegan or are following a restricted diet due to coeliac disease or food intolerance please discuss this with us as additional supplements or dietary advice may be appropriate
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- If you have a medical condition, be sure it is under control. Some conditions that can affect pregnancy or be affected by it include asthma, diabetes, obesity, or epilepsy.
- Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter and prescription medicines you are using. These include dietary or herbal supplements. Be sure your vaccinations are up to date.
- Avoid contact with toxic substances or materials that could cause infection at work and at home. Stay away from chemicals and cat or rodent faeces.
Pregnancy Health & Wellbeing
Congratulations, you’re pregnant!
You are about to embark upon one of the most exciting and daunting periods in your life. Optimising your health and wellbeing during your pregnancy is essential for you and your baby’s future health and wellbeing.
Medical checkups and screening tests help keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy. This is called antenatal care. It also involves education and counselling about how to handle different aspects of your pregnancy. During your visits, your doctor may discuss many issues, such as healthy eating and physical activity, screening tests you might need, and what to expect during labour and delivery.
Maternity and Infant Care Scheme
As an expectant mother, you are entitled to free in-patient public health services during your pregnancy. We can provide you with an application form for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, which you and your GP will both need to complete. We will then return the completed form to the local health office for you.
The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. You are entitled to this service even if you do not have a medical card. The combined medical services are provided by one of our GPs and also the antenatal outpatient or midwives clinics.
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/midwife clinic. 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 during pregnancy, 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.
| Schedule of Visits for Mother & Baby Care | |
| ANTENATAL CARE | |
| 6 – 10 weeks | Booking visit |
| 12 weeks | First Hospital Appointment & Scan |
| 16 Weeks | GP |
| 20 Weeks | Hospital Scan |
| 24 Weeks | GP |
| 28 Weeks | Hospital |
| 30 Weeks | GP |
| 32 Weeks | Hospital |
| 34 Weeks | GP |
| 36 Weeks | Hospital |
| 38 Weeks | Hospital |
| 39 Weeks | GP or Hospital |
| 40 Weeks | Hospital |
| POST NATAL CARE | |
| 2 Week Baby Check | GP for Baby Check |
| 6 Week Baby Check | GP for Mother & Baby Check |
Post-Pregnancy Health
The arrival of your new baby into your family is a time of joy, celebration and wonder. Investing in your health and wellbeing after the birth of your new baby, is essential for you; your family’s and your baby’s future health and wellbeing.
The Mother and Infant Scheme provides for two post-natal visits to your GP – the first of which is at two weeks and the second at six weeks. This is a good opportunity for you to raise any questions you may have about you and your baby’s health and wellbeing. Whether you have questions concerning medical issues, stress or just adjusting to your new life, we are here to listen and help.
Maternal Mental Health
Welcoming a new baby home can be a challenging time for parents, couples and families. Research shows that psychological illness after birth is common – one in five women in Ireland will suffer from a depressive disorder during the antenatal (in pregnancy) or postnatal period, and almost one in 10 new mothers will suffer from postnatal depression.
Whether you have had difficulties in the past such as postnatal depression, are worried that you are at risk or simply want to be in your best of health during early parenting years, you will find the help that you need at Galway East Medical Practice.
Please contact reception on 091 740340 for more information or to book you appointment.
Useful Links:
- ie – a new website with wonderful information for expecting mothers and parents of children up to 5 years old. https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/
- Nice Living Well – More information on Pregnancy Care and Birth
- The Coombe – Women & Baby Patient Factsheets
- Breastfeeding – More Information and Support for Women wishing to or who already Breastfeed
- Nutrition in pregnancy – Link to first1000days.ie
Disclaimer
Content developed from HSE www.hse.ie and NHS Choices www.nhs.uk is adapted for Galway East Medical Practice by Galway East Medical Practice.