PREGNANCY CARE
Pregnancy care in Arklow
Free GP care for you and your baby during and after pregnancy, under the HSE Maternity and Infant Care Scheme.
Think you’re pregnant?Phone
0402 39841 to book your first visit, ideally before you are
12 weeks pregnant. We will register you for the scheme and refer you to your chosen maternity hospital. You don’t need a Medical Card.
YOUR CARE, STEP BY STEP
1
First visit
A full check, blood pressure and urine test. We register you for the scheme and send your referral to the maternity hospital.
2
Shared care
Your antenatal visits are shared between our practice and the hospital, so many check-ups happen here in Arklow.
3
After the birth
A check for your baby at 2 weeks, and a check for you and your baby together at 6 weeks.
4
Your baby’s vaccines
Our nurses give all childhood vaccines from 2 months, and will remind you when each one is due.
All of this is free under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme if you live in Ireland, or intend to live here for at least a year. You can choose GP-led or midwife-led shared care.
PLANNING A PREGNANCY
- Take folic acid 400 micrograms every day, ideally from 3 months before you try to conceive until 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes or epilepsy, or take regular medication, talk to your GP before trying, as some medicines need reviewing.
- Stopping smoking and alcohol before pregnancy gives your baby the best start.
- A pre-pregnancy check with your GP is a good chance to review your vaccines and general health.
VACCINES IN PREGNANCY
These protect you and your newborn baby, and are free from your GP:
- Whooping cough: recommended in every pregnancy, from 16 to 36 weeks.
- Flu: recommended at any stage of pregnancy during flu season.
- Covid-19: recommended in line with current HSE advice.
Ask when you book your antenatal visit and we can give them at the same time.
USEFUL LINKS
Worried during pregnancy?
Contact your maternity hospital directly, at any time, if you have bleeding, severe pain, leaking fluid, reduced baby movements, a bad headache or blurred vision. In an emergency, phone 999 or 112.
Page updated October 2026