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. This service is provided by a family doctor (GP) of your choice and a hospital obstetrician.

You are entitled to this service even if you do not have a medical card. Virtually all GPs have agreements with the Health Service Executive to provide these services; they do not have to be part of the GPs and medical cards system. The Scheme also provides for two post-natal visits to the general practitioner.

How does the Maternity & Infant Care Scheme work?

The combined medical services are provided by your family doctor (GP) and a hospital obstetrician.

This is my first pregnancy; how often will I see my GP?

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/hospital. 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 at this time, but which are not related to your pregnancy, is not covered by the Scheme.

What happens after the birth of my baby?

After the birth, the GP will examine the baby at 2 weeks and both mother and baby at 6 weeks.

Mothers are entitled to free in-patient and out-patient public hospital services in respect of the pregnancy and the birth and are not liable for any of the standard in-patient hospital charges.

What care does my baby receive?

The GP who attends the mother also provides care for the new-born baby; they will provide two developmental examinations free of charge at 2 weeks and 6 weeks following the birth.

The baby's entitlement to other free GP services depends on whether they have a medical card. This means that visits to the GP for any conditions related to the baby's health during this six-week period, or afterwards, are not covered by the scheme unless the baby itself has a medical card.

If you have a medical card for yourself, you should apply for one for your baby as soon as you get the baby's PPS number. You can do this by phone to your Local Health Office.

The public health nurse

The public health nurse will also visit the mother and baby at home during the first six weeks and this service is free of charge.

If the baby is born in a hospital, it is usual to carry out screening for metabolic disorders (the Guthrie or heel-prick test). If the baby is born at home, the test may be carried out by the GP or in the Out-Patients Department of a hospital. This test requires parental consent.

How do I apply for the maternity and infant care scheme?

Your GP should have application forms for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, which you and your GP complete together. This form is then returned to your Local Health Office.

You should contact the public health nurse at your local health centre to enquire about antenatal classes.