Maternity Information
Congratulations you are pregnant!
There are some things you need to know about how we take care of you, and your baby, during and shortly after your pregnancy.
But first – did you know that pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last period – even though you probably conceived two weeks later?
This means a pregnancy is considered as lasting 40 weeks – even though you are only pregnant for 38 weeks.
Combined Care
This is a service in which you are entitled to SIX visits – free if charge – for routine antenatal care.
Routine visits are recommended:
- every 4-6 weeks up to 30 weeks gestation
- every 2 weeks from 30-36 weeks gestation
- weekly thereafter
These visits will generally alternate between hospital and GP visits.
Your first hospital visit should be about 12 – 14 weeks gestation.
There you will have your routine blood tests and a booking will be made for your first routine scan.
As part of your combined care contract your baby is entitled to a 2 week check, and both mum and baby to a detailed six week check.
The six week check takes a full 30 minutes so be sure to book a double appointment for this.
Useful Information During Your Pregnancy
Please take folic acid 400ug daily for your entire pregnancy.
If you have a family member who suffered from spina bifida then you should take the higher dose of folic acid – please discuss with your doctor.
It is also safe to take Vitamin D supplements especially in the winter when there is little sun.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant
Acid heartburn symptoms are common in pregnancy especially later on as the baby pushes on the stomach causing reflux.
It is quite safe to use over the counter medication such as Rennies or Gaviscon or Maalox.
If your symptoms are more severe contact your doctor, you may need to start a medication such as ranitidine or omeprazole to give you relief.
www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/d/dyspepsia-in-pregnancy
Please avoid very high impact activities such as skiing and horse riding, but in general being physically active is good especially walking and swimming.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pregnancy-exercise
Please do not smoke or take alcohol during your pregnancy as these are known to harm the baby.
Also most medications are to be avoided but if you have a fever or a persistent pain then paracetamol in normal doses can be used in pregnancy to no apparent ill effect.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/medicines-in-pregnancy
Please avoid contact with cat faeces.
Even if you don’t have a cat, they may wander into your garden and contaminate the soil… so if you are gardening please be sure to maintain hand hygiene as some cats have toxoplasmosis cysts in their faeces which can cause harm to you and your baby.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/foods-to-avoid-pregnant
Other useful links:
www.womansmentalhealth.org – for mood issues after or during pregnancy
www.raisingchildren.net.au/articles/toilet_training.html
For Further Maternity Information follow the hospital links:
The National Maternity Hospital Holles Street: www.nmh.ie
Rotunda Hospital: www.rotunda.ie
The Coombe Woman’s and Infant’s University Hospital: www.coombe.ie