When I was pregnant with my first child, I continued to attend my regular GP until a friend asked me if I had signed up to the 'free combination care scheme'.
I hadn't. In fact, I had never heard of it or knew what it was - how could I when I'd never been pregnant before?
I had been paying doctor's fees as usual, and when I asked my GP about it, she told me that her surgery had decided against signing up to it but continue as a private practice instead.
Not great news for this pregnant woman who had essentially just squandered €120 on two visits that I could have been spending on, say, baby clothes, so I transferred to a doctor who
had signed up to the scheme.
So to help you to avoid my mistakes, here is the lowdown on the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme:
What is it?
In Ireland, all expectant mothers are entitled to free maternity care, covering antenatal visits, labour, delivery and postnatal care.
The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme is a system of combined care, split between your GP and a maternity hospital obstetrician.
The 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 or GP visit card.
It also provides for two post-natal visits to your chosen GP.
How many visits should I expect to have?
On your first pregnancy, the GP provides an initial examination, if possible before twelve weeks, and a further five examinations during the pregnancy, which are alternated with visits to the maternity hospital.
The first visit to the hospital antenatal clinic should happen by the twentieth week of pregnancy.
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.
(This is assuming that there are no medical complications with either you or the baby)
After the birth, the scheme also provides for one GP visit for he/she to examine the baby at two weeks and both mother and baby at six weeks.
Will I have to take time off work for my appointments?
No, you are entitled to take paid time off work to attend antenatal appointments.
What happens at antenatal visits?
At your first visit to the hospital you will speak to a midwife, who will ask you a range of background questions about your health and medical history. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions about your care.
The purpose of this first visit is to get a full picture of your health and the health of your baby.
You will also be asked for a urine sample at this visit, have your blood pressure taken and will have some blood tests.
At some hospitals, you may have an ultrasound scan on your first visit, while at others you will have it at around twenty weeks.
At all subsequent visits, you will provide a urine sample, your blood pressure will be taken and you will be examined.
How do I apply for the scheme?
Your GP can provide you with an application form for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, which you and your GP will both need to complete.
This should then be returned to your Local Health Office (this information will be on the form), where it will be processed for inclusion in the Scheme.
For further information about your antenatal medical care, speak to your family GP. Remember, if you're not sure about something, always ask for professional advice from someone you trust.
